When your ADHD side quest becomes the main plot

Welcome back to ADHDfounder! I’m so happy you’re here. Let’s get right into it 🤝

Ever done something so completely unhinged that it felt like it could only go two ways—disaster or wild success? Well here’s a little story…

Exactly a year ago today (my birthday) I made an absurd pledge. I announced on LinkedIn that I’d hit 1 million followers on social media in one year. I didn’t care if it looked cringe, so I decided to tell the world, “Hey, I’m going to do this thing. Watch me.”

And it worked. In less than a year, I not only hit my goal, but I blew past it. 10k… 100k… 500k… and eventually, 1.2 million.

Why? Because accountability is everything.

I didn’t just throw it into the void and hope for the best. I brought my community along for the ride. Week by week, I shared updates—successes, failures, and everything in between. I built a system where I had no choice but to keep going.

Dopamine Detoxing

Feeling scattered and overstimulated? Hey, me too! 🖐️

Here’s a quick reset that can make a big difference: Dopamine Detoxing. It’s simple.

• Step 1: Walk away from the noise. Take 12 hours—or a full day—off social media, binge-worthy shows, and other high-stimulation habits.

• Step 2: Do something slower. Try journaling, taking a walk, or reading that book you’ve been putting off.

Why it works: ADHD brains crave novelty. By stepping off the dopamine rollercoaster, you give your brain a chance to recalibrate. When you come back, everything feels fresh—and focus comes easier.

(FYI, it’s not meant to be easy. You’ll need a lot of discipline to fight the instant gratification). 

Michael Phelps’ Golden Strategy for Harnessing ADHD

Michael Phelps turned his ADHD into his edge—and made history.

Growing up, Phelps struggled with focus and hyperactivity. As he went through school, his mom worked to channel his energy into something productive—swimming. Once he dove into the pool, everything clicked.

Swimming became his anchor. Phelps leaned into his hyperfocus, training harder and longer than anyone else. His ability to visualize every stroke and turn helped him master his craft. In middle school, he went off his ADHD stimulant medication to go all in on what he loved. And for 10 years he never missed a practice. The result? Olympic history.

Phelps turned his ADHD challenges into gold medal victories.

Think about how you can channel your energy into something great—and dive in.

That’s a wrap! Bold moves often feel unhinged, but they’re also where growth happens. Here’s your challenge: What’s one habit, system, or routine you can tweak to better align with how your brain works?

Hit reply and share your plan—I’d love to hear it!

(And hey, as a little birthday gift, consider sharing this newsletter - or even just an insight - with a friend who could use it 🎁)

—Eugene (ADHDfounder) ✨