ADHDifference - CREATIVITY

ADHDifference

Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss the link between ADHD and creativity – a mighty strength for many individuals with ADHD. They ponder what creativity is - from the arts, to communication, storytelling, and non-linear thinking.
From hobbies, to careers, to household chores, creative thinking can be applied in every waking hour - even mowing the lawns! They chat about the links between creativity and dopamine, imposter syndrome, burnout and brilliance. They dissect their childhood and reflect on their present where creativity is very much alive and well.
Topics discussed in this episode:

• Delving into what it means to be creative.
• How dopamine plays a part in boosting our joy in creative fields.
• Creativity, self-criticism, and imposter syndrome when comparing ourselves to others.
• Looking back at our younger selves to find where creative traits were very evident.
• Music, art, dance, crafts, DIY, photography, systems and processes, cooking, gardening, alternative thinking.

Key takeaways:

• Creativity is more than just ‘the creative arts’. It includes creative thinking and problem solving too which can be applied to pretty much every, every minute of the day.
• Even mundane tasks can become quite interesting by applying a creative approach.
• Hyperfocusing on a creative hobby or project, while fun, can also lead to burnout or self-combustion, without life balance.
• Perfectionism towards our creative endeavours can lead to dismissing our unique talents – be aware: creativity need not be a competition.
• Creativity is a personal expression, much like storytelling.

Links:

Julie is the author of THE MISSING PIECE: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD (Harper Collins, 2024).

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