Faster Than Normal Summary

ADHD isn’t a disorder; it’s a gift, capable of unlocking extraordinary creativity, focus, and productivity when managed correctly.

1. ADHD as a Unique Strength

Shankman reframes ADHD not as a detriment but as a unique mental wiring that can fuel creativity and focus when harnessed. He describes it as a double-edged sword: when controlled, it provides superhuman-like capabilities; when left unchecked, it can lead to chaos.

He identifies how famous figures from history like Galileo and Einstein exhibited behaviors aligned with ADHD tendencies. Despite their unconventional methods and struggles with everyday norms, these individuals shaped the course of discovery and innovation. Shankman argues that ADHD should not be stigmatized but celebrated for the way it fosters unconventional thinking.

The author himself is proof of his theory. By understanding his ADHD, he crafted ways to channel his mental energy into writing books in record time, starting businesses, and completing grueling Ironman races. His experiences illustrate that ADHD brains, when given the right framework, can thrive.

Examples

• Historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci exhibited ADHD characteristics but left an indelible mark on history.
• Shankman used his hyper-focus to write an entire book in just 30 hours.
• ADHD traits like rapid, divergent thinking helped him innovate as an entrepreneur.

2. Chemical Deficiency: The Root Cause

ADHD stems from an imbalance in the brain’s production of three key chemicals: dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline. These chemicals regulate focus, happiness, and energy, which are often disrupted in people with ADHD.

Shankman explains that these chemical deficiencies lead to classic ADHD behaviors, such as difficulty maintaining focus and impulsivity. He also sheds light on the paradox of ADHD – moments of incredible concentration interspersed with an inability to complete simple tasks. This makes the condition challenging yet intriguing to understand.

By recognizing this root cause, individuals can tackle ADHD more effectively with tools that boost these chemicals, such as exercise, proper sleep, and intentional eating habits. Shankman highlights these solutions as pathways to rewire the brain for success.

Examples

• Dopamine helps ADHD individuals feel rewarded, which is why high-stimulation tasks appeal to them.
• Falling into depression or addiction is common among those with unchecked ADHD due to these chemical imbalances.
• Exercise and ritualized habits can naturally boost the production of these chemicals.

3. Building Rituals That Stick

Shankman emphasizes the difference between resolutions and rituals. Unlike fleeting resolutions, rituals are grounded in routine and action, providing sustainable structure.

He recommends reverse-engineering rituals by focusing on the end goal. For instance, wanting to wake up early isn’t about setting the clock but imagining the satisfaction of a productive day. Rituals eliminate the need for constant decision-making, which can overwhelm an ADHD brain.

Shankman himself adopts rituals for meal-planning, exercise routines, and time management. These help him channel his energy into productive tasks and avoid distractions or harmful habits. Rituals minimize decision fatigue and create a pattern for consistent success.

Examples

• Setting uniform meal times like Shankman’s 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. eating window simplifies decisions.
• Wearing predetermined outfits eliminates excessive wardrobe choices in the morning.
• Daily 20-minute outdoor walks align a habit with ADHD needs for mental clarity.

4. Avoiding Triggers to Stay on Course

Understanding personal triggers can help individuals with ADHD sidestep the self-destructive tendencies that derail productivity. Shankman shares that triggers vary widely but should be identified and avoided.

One of his own triggers, Las Vegas, could ignite poor choices due to his addictive personality. By limiting his time there to eight hours maximum for work engagements, he purposefully eliminates opportunities for negative outcomes. Similarly, he avoids alcohol entirely, understanding that even minor indulgence could escalate.

Knowing personal stressors is important for anyone, not just those with ADHD. Shankman states that such awareness, coupled with strategies to avoid these situations, can create a more stable environment for productivity.

Examples

• Avoiding alcohol empowers him to steer clear of potential downward spirals into misuse.
• Declining free time in settings like Las Vegas minimizes temptation.
• Living "30 minutes early" helps prevent the stressful consequences of lateness.

5. The Power of Hard Deadlines

For someone with ADHD, deadlines function as a lifeline to focus and completion. Open-ended tasks often spiral into inaction or chaos, as ADHD brains juggle countless ideas and impulses.

Shankman stresses that "soft" deadlines provide no urgency to focus, while "hard" deadlines force the brain to hyper-focus and deliver results. This can apply not only to professional work but personal goals as well.

By setting immovable timeframes, ADHD individuals give their rapid-thinking minds a clear structure. It replaces procrastination and variability with intent and focus, helping them see tasks through to completion.

Examples

• Shankman insists on deadlines for all work projects, enforced by others if necessary.
• He prioritizes "doing it now" over "later" to reduce distractions and delays.
• Even household chores become structured with time-stamped goals.

6. The Importance of Decluttering

Clutter is an enemy of clarity, especially for someone with ADHD. Shankman discusses how messy environments create visual and mental distractions.

Whether it’s a digital screen full of app icons or a physical workspace piled with belongings, disorder can derail focus. Shankman believes that maintaining clean environments reduces distractions and creates headspace for important tasks.

By decluttering, ADHD individuals can channel their energy more effectively rather than expending it on locating items or feeling overwhelmed.

Examples

• Grouping digital apps into files prevents distractions when navigating a phone.
• Organizing workspaces eliminates time wasted searching for essentials.
• Shankman maintains one clean-car rule to extend organization to his vehicle.

7. Tracking Progress for Self-Improvement

Tracking habits can help ADHD individuals harness their energy and see tangible improvements in focus and productivity. Shankman is a firm believer in detailed tracking.

He uses apps like Withings, Runkeeper, and MyFitnessPal to keep tabs on his eating, exercise, and sleep. The act of logging progress creates satisfaction, reinforcing the desire for consistency. It also provides valuable data, helping individuals identify what works and what doesn’t.

Tracking progress achieves two goals: it keeps the mind engaged in constructive tasks and builds motivation through incremental wins.

Examples

• Weight-tracking helps Shankman monitor patterns in his health behaviors.
• Exercise logs on Runkeeper build momentum through cumulative streaks.
• MyFitnessPal ensures meal choices align with health needs.

8. Limited Screens for Unlimited Focus

Technology, when mismanaged, can exacerbate ADHD tendencies by introducing endless distractions. Shankman suggests limiting apps to a single home screen.

Consolidating apps reduces the temptation to fall down a rabbit hole of notifications and unnecessary browsing. Less scrolling means fewer chances to lose track of time and focus.

Through mindful use of technology, ADHD individuals can turn phones and tablets from distractions into tools for better organization and productivity.

Examples

• Shankman places productivity apps like Google Calendar at the forefront of his phone.
• Grouping non-essential apps prevents frequent, impulsive browsing.
• Keeping tech streamlined mirrors the decluttering process of physical spaces.

9. Personalization is Key to ADHD Success

Every ADHD brain is different, which is why Shankman emphasizes tailoring strategies to fit individual needs. What works for him might not suit someone else.

For example, while he thrives on rigid time management systems, others might benefit from looser structures. The goal is to experiment and learn what fosters focus and happiness in your unique ADHD journey.

This personalized approach encourages self-reflection and adaptability, ensuring that individuals thrive on their own terms.

Examples

• Shankman’s self-declared eating and sleeping schedules keep him on track but may differ widely for another person.
• His avoidance of Las Vegas contrasts with someone who might handle similar distractions differently.
• ADHD manifests differently in childhood and adulthood, requiring evolving solutions.

Takeaways

1. Create daily rituals tailored to your strengths and use them to minimize decision fatigue.
2. Track at least one habit (e.g., exercise, eating) over time to achieve momentum and gain self-awareness.
3. Identify and eliminate personal triggers, avoiding environments or activities that provoke harmful behaviors.