Is it you, me, or ADHD?

Overcoming Obstacles: A Pragmatic Approach to Coaching Adults with ADHD

Do you find that some clients are stalling in their progress, not getting the return on investment of their time and money in the coaching relationship? Do you feel that you're not providing the value you aspire to give to your coaching clients?

Many clients come to you for life coaching, but as you explore their reality and options, you may realize they are consistently held back by similar obstacles. Often, these obstacles stem from a lack of confidence and self-belief.

You might start to suspect that they have adult ADHD. Perhaps they had ADHD as children, but it was never diagnosed, or it was diagnosed, and now people dismiss the idea of adult ADHD.

Even without a formal diagnosis, if they exhibit traits of ADHD—such as lack of focus, concentration, hyperactivity, or inability to sit still—you can use your knowledge about ADHD to tailor tasks that meet them where they are.

This pragmatic approach to coaching clients with adult ADHD involves meeting them where they are.

They come to you with history, pain, and undermined self-confidence. As coaches, it is our role to help them understand the origins of these issues and what they can do to achieve small victories. By setting shorter time frames, smaller goals, and building on each success, we guide them towards their big picture goals, which they are frustrated they can't reach.

It's up to us to help them understand what might be holding them back. You don't have to label it as ADHD; they may already self-diagnose or have a formal diagnosis, providing a framework for your coaching.