You’re late. The car won’t start. You left the dry cleaning behind, again. It’s just one of those days. But sometimes ‘bad’ is just a frame of mind, which can be helped with a little inspiration and perspective on living with ADHD.
A group of floating balloons represents these quotes designed to lighten you bad day
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Stop the Cycle of Negativity
Everyone has bad days. But when you've got attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD), it sometimes feels like the universe has conspired against you and no amount of effort or positive thinking will make a difference. Here's the thing: Negative thinking just leads to lower self-esteem, which leads to bad choices and even worse reactions. Stopping that negative cycle is hard; we hope these 15 inspiring ADHD quotes help to make it easier — and remind you what's really important.
“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Winston Churchill
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Whatever You Do, Don't Stop
You work twice as hard as everyone else just to maintain a sense of normalcy, so you know what it means to persevere in hard times. This resiliency is a huge strength — one that many adults with ADHD don't give themselves enough credit for possessing.
“Everybody is a genius.” – Albert Einstein
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Think Different
"Different" is not bad; in fact, it can be incredibly good. Apple Computers was different. Tesla Motors was different. Amazon and Facebook were, too. We have creative, rule-breaking innovators to thank for most huge leaps in the human experience. Are you destined to be one of them?
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal.” – Winston Churchill
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...and Try Again
Alexander Graham Bell failed 257 times before he found the right frequency. Thomas Edison made more than 10,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the lightbulb. Imagine if they'd stopped when it started to hurt. Now imagine what you can achieve if you keep pushing.
“If you can’t fly, then run…” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
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One Small Step
The Beatles, Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah Winfrey, and Marilyn Monroe were all rejected as talentless hacks early in their careers. But that didn't stop them — and thank goodness. You don't have to be the fastest or the flashiest, you just have to keep moving forward every single day and you'll surpass even your own greatest expectations.
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” – Dr. Seuss
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Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Adults with ADHD are bright, creative, funny... well, a lot like our favorite children's author, actually. Don't dim your sparkle by trying to fit your outsized personality into society's little box. Let your natural imagination take the lead and drive you places your peers never even thought of.
“And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)"
“I haven’t failed.” – Thomas Edison
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One Step Closer
Babe Ruth hit a record 714 home runs during his career. For decades, he also held the record for the most number of strike outs (1,330). When asked about this, he said, "Every strike brings me closer to the next home run." We think those strike outs make the victories immeasurably sweeter because they show that failure is just a stepping stone for those who believe in themselves.
“I dwell in possibility.” – Emily Dickinson
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Do You See What I See?
Spontaneous is your middle name. Adults with ADHD see opportunities that others miss – noticing and paying attention to everything – and act on those chances. Anything is possible when you see a lucky moment and go for it.
“There are no limits.” – Bruce Lee
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No Limits
When an 18-year-old Bruce Lee arrived in the United States, he had $100 in his pocket, a bad habit of getting in fist fights, and no high school diploma. In other words, he was in a tight spot — exactly the place where one's creative problem-solving skills shine. He went on to become one of the most influential martial arts masters of all time, and an enduring pop culture icon.
“Never do anything by halves.” – Roald Dahl
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Champion of the World
Before writing what is, debatably, the best children's book of all time, Roald Dahl was the captain of his squash team, drilled for oil in Kenya, flew fighter planes in WWII for the Royal Air Force, nearly died, and served as a British diplomat. He did nothing halfway. And though his adventures were somewhat crazy, his legacy is absolutely unforgettable.
“Finish each day and be done with it.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
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New Dawn
So you made a social faux pas at the party... or flubbed the meeting at work. Everyone makes mistakes – even people without ADHD. What matters is how you recover. Leave your fumbles in the past, forgive yourself, and start fresh tomorrow.
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No Surrender
ADHD can make us fumble, and feel short on hope sometimes. The key is to cope with setbacks with grace, and pick yourself up. Each time you stumble, it builds your strength and resiliency to carry on.
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." - Gandhi
“Impossible is just a big word.” – Muhammad Ali
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I'm Possible
"Sportsman of the Century" and "Undisputed Boxing Champion" Muhammad Ali achieved the impossible — more than once. Don't let naysayers keep you from going after your dreams.
“Never stop fighting.” – E.E. Cummings
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Never. Stop.
Neurotypical doesn't mean "normal" or "better," so don't let the world tell you it does. Take advantage of your special ability to enjoy life, even when it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Learn to love all the special talents ADHD opens up to you.
“You must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou
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Nowhere But Up
Adults with ADHD are nothing if not tenacious. Getting knocked down and finding the motivation and grit to rise again — that's a key part of your personality; one that makes you stronger and one that you can be proud of!
“If it’s not OK, it’s not the end.” – John Lennon
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Just Imagine
We're all growing and changing. You don't have it all figured out yet. So what? That just means you're a work-in-progress. When things are going wrong, remember this will pass, and at the finish line, it will all be worthwhile.
