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 problem-solving, artistic pursuits, to everyday tasks, they discuss the dopamine-driven joy of creative expression, the challenges of perfectionism and imposter syndrome, and the importance of self-acceptance in fostering growth. Whether it’s traditional art, innovative systems, or simply making the mundane more fun, creativity is a hallmark of the ADHD mind that thrives when nurtured in supportive environments.   KEY TAKEAWAYSCreativity as a Strength in ADHD: Creativity is deeply integrated into the ADHD brain, driving problem-solving, artistic expression, and innovative thinking. It can manifest in traditional forms (art, music, writing) and in everyday tasks too.Dopamine and Creativity: Dopamine hits from completing creative projects motivate ADHDers to continue and improve incrementally, finding joy and fulfillment in their progress.The Importance of Self-Acceptance: ADHDers often compare themselves to others or feel their creativity must meet high standards to be valid. Celebrating personal achievements, no matter how small, is key to fostering creative growth.Challenges and Interruptions: Imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and hyperfocus can hinder creativity. Life’s pressures often push creativity aside, leading to feelings of loss for those who let it lapse.Non-Traditional Creativity: Creativity isn’t limited to the arts. Logical professions like engineering, coding, and business systems benefit greatly from innovative problem-solving, highlighting how diverse creative expression can be.Encouragement and Environment: Being surrounded by supportive and like-minded creative individuals fosters inspiration. Negative or dismissive environments can stifle creativity, leading to masking or self-doubt. Celebrating everyday creativity is important. Whether inventing recipes, building birdhouses, or improving workflows, creativity enriches daily life. Recognizing and celebrating these moments encourages further exploration and growth.Connection to ADHD Traits: ADHD traits like nonlinear thinking and curiosity drive unique approaches to creativity, making it an intrinsic part of many ADHDers’ lives. Balancing creativity with other responsibilities helps avoid burnout.LINKSJulie is the author of THE MISSING PIECE:  A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD (Harper Collins, 2024)ADHDifference - InstagramDo you have a story to share? We'd love to hear from you if you have inspiring ADHD experience/journey you'd like to share. We are looking for strategies that work for you, uplifting stories of overcomingSend us a textThanks for listening. 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe for more tools for beautifully different brains. 🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz 📷 INSTAGRAM: ADHDifference_podcast 📖 BOOK: The Missing Piece: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference.

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