Lissy Donovan | Beyond Busy Brains

@lissydonovan.bsky.social

Helping high-achievers with busy brains believe in themselves & dream again.

Just because you can hyperfocus sometimes and get a month's worth of work done in a day, that does not mean you should be able to work like this every day! Click to read the 3 other things I wish I knew about ADHD 20 years ago (as a 39 year old mental health coach who got diagnosed at 36).

A screenshot essay titled '4 Things I Wish I Knew 20 Years Ago About ADHD'. The body text discusses the author's insights about ADHD, highlighting 4 key points. The first point emphasizes that ADHD manifests differently in individuals, mentioning symptoms like racing thoughts and anxiety. The second point stresses that occasional hyper-focusing doesn't imply one can maintain that level of productivity constantly, emphasizing the necessity of rest. The third point notes that many individuals with ADHD identify as perfectionists, often being overly critical of themselves. The fourth point clarifies that ADHD should not be equated with laziness, encouraging self-care to manage challenges.

I made it to 35 thinking I was just a quirky, anxious person. Turns out, my entire life was built around unknowingly managing my ADHD! My meditation, walks, need for movement... all were treatments for a brain I didn't yet understand. If you're late-diagnosed or suspecting, this one's for you!

A screenshot essay titled 'How I got Interested in ADHD' discusses the author's late diagnosis of ADHD at age 35, explaining how they had previously been misdiagnosed with anxiety and depression. The text highlights the author's experiences during perimenopause, attributing a worsening of symptoms to this transitional period. It emphasizes the revelation gained from working with ADHD clients and recognizing that the coping strategies employed throughout their life were intuitive treatments for their undiagnosed condition. The essay encourages understanding one's neurotype, promoting self-care, stress relief, and the importance of designing flexible routines for well-being. It concludes with a empowering message about embracing differences and cultivating a thriving lifestyle.

You know what to do. You’ve tried the lists. The hacks. The apps. But the follow-through still doesn't happen. If you're an ADHD professional or entrepreneur, your problem isn’t laziness or lack of ambition. It’s trying to force yourself into systems that do not work for you.

Psychological Safety gets talked about a lot around work teams, but not as much in light of your relationship to yourself. It is so helpful to look at as something you can create and cultivate for yourself. It makes it easier to try new things, be a beginner, and make progress on new skills.