When I was 12 years old, I had been taking piano lessons for six years. I was still playing at an early intermediate level. My parents, finally wearied of nagging me to practice each day. They allowed me to quit. “He must have other strengths,” they said.
Why did I make no progress? Many years later I learned the reason. I wasn’t lazy. I wasn’t stupid. I had a learning disability which prevented me from gaining traction.
Today I cannot play the piano. I wasted six years.
But it was not a waste. I learned about myself. And I can still read music when I sing.
Also, I have ADHD. Severe ADHD. And a few other brain issues. So writing a blog post sounds like this:
“Today’s topic—-what should I eat for lunch?——the topic is important—-—maybe a sandwich——-so, as I was starting to say——peanut butter or humus——-What is today’s weather———I’m going to try this later. Wait. . . humus on a sandwich?”
The process takes a long time.
Should I eat blueberries as brain food?
Not a big problem. To create, everyone must spend more time and energy than expected. I might take a little longer than some people, but I am able to overcome my disabilities and eventually create. I might I have other strengths which enhance the finished product.
ADHD people are like David Banner and the Incredible Hulk. You know you have a superpower, but you cannot rely on when it will be available. You might need your creative abilities during a brainstorming session or when sitting down to design. But the Hulk might stay dormant. The late that night, when it is time to sleep, creativity forces explode.
Do you have weaknesses that must be overcome before you can create? Feel free to share with me. One strategy: focus on building your strengths first.
What are you trying to learn? What are your struggles? What issues would you like me to address? How exactly can I help you? I would like to hear from you. Either leave a comment, or confidentially contact me at Brock@BrockStout.org.
Brock has helped many people to be extremely successful. He has lived in various countries and has enjoyed several careers, but is now a writer and a career coach.
He sustained mild lead poisoning as a child, resulting in neurological damage. The result was a life of learning disabilities, always struggling to keep up.
But he completed two degrees from competitive universities, then advised Wall Street executives in Asia for 15 years. He later earned a PhD and worked as a university professor for six years. He has started three profitable companies in between.
So he particularly wants to help those with special learning challenges. Because so many of us now have these special challenges, they are no longer special. But they are challenges. He wants you to TEACH YOURSELF how to be successful.
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