How Identity Has Influenced an Advocate at an Advocacy Nonprofit's Career
Lindsey's late ADHD diagnosis profoundly impacted career navigation, highlighting how tasks others find easy, like "showing up on time," posed significant challenges. By leveraging their capacity for "hyperfocus" on novel information and implementing strategies like calendar automation for even mundane tasks, Lindsey transforms potential career detriments into strengths, demonstrating how intentional habit-building can harness neurodivergence for success.
ADHD, Time Management, Calendar Management, Self-Advocacy, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Lindsey Kirchhoff
Advocate, Attorney, and Swim Coach
Policy Advocacy Nonprofit
US Air Force Academy
Boston College, Master of Arts in Philosophy; Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, Juris Doctor; Pepperdine Law Straus Institute, Master of Dispute Resolution
Anthropology, Sociology
Law
Operations and Project Management
Veteran, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Lindsey's late diagnosis of ADHD highlights the challenges of navigating a career without proper understanding of one's learning differences. This emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and seeking professional help to understand and manage ADHD.
2. The strategies Lindsey uses to manage her ADHD, such as automating bills, using a calendar for all tasks (including mundane ones), and leveraging her hyperfocus on research, offer practical tips for students who learn differently.
3. Lindsey's perspective on how her ADHD can be both a challenge and a superpower is inspiring. It reframes neurodivergence as a unique strength that, with intentional strategies, can be utilized effectively in a professional setting.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as learning differently, how has that impacted how you navigate your career?
I was diagnosed with ADHD, attention deficit disorder, in my mid-thirties. Looking back, I exhibited many of the hallmark symptoms, such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and difficulty remembering things.
I was often bored in school and struggled to pay attention. I also got into trouble for talking too much. Imagine that.
I was first diagnosed by a psychologist I saw while in the Air Force. She asked if I had ever considered ADHD. I grew up in a private Christian school and was then homeschooled for high school. This meant I didn't have access to a counselor or someone who could intervene.
As the compliant oldest daughter, I managed to get my schoolwork done. However, when I was diagnosed, it made so much sense. It helped me understand why certain tasks are very difficult for me.
Things that my friends find easy are hard for me. For example, showing up on time can be a struggle. I also struggle with mundane tasks, like opening mail, which I tend to put off.
I find it difficult to maintain daily disciplines that others manage with ease. I've learned this is because my brain is drawn to novel or new information and ideas. I can harness this when researching something; I can hyperfocus and accomplish a lot.
The challenge is that I also struggle with depression, which I've dealt with most of my life, starting as a teenager. When you combine ADHD and depression, it can be very difficult to manage basic life tasks.
To help, I've automated my bills so I don't have to remember to write checks. I also heavily rely on my calendar. I schedule everything, even laundry and bedtime.
I try to be consistent with my schedule, but it doesn't always happen. Using my calendar for every little thing helps me remember what I need to do, especially with recurring reminders for tasks.
There are ways your neurodivergence can be a superpower. You just need to be intentional about putting safeguards in place. This way, your differences don't become detriments. Instead, they can make you more intentional and thoughtful about your habits, routines, and processes. I hope this helps.