October 20, 2026- Persons with ADHD typically present with some combination of risk taking, not thinking before doing things, impulsivity, lack of focus, inattention, procrastination, high energy, hyper focusing, high passion, multitasking, diverse thinking, creativity, complex problem solving, anger and hyper activity. If not controlled and harnessed, these types of characteristics can lead to persons having problems being successful in work, personal and social interactions. If controlled and directed in positive ways, the person with ADHD can be successful and have a very successful life. One needs to only look at someone like Bill Gates to see how this can be true in an exceptional case. We can add to this list with previously great football player Terry Bradshaw and Olympic gold medalists Michael Phelps and Simone Biles. While every person with ADHD is different and that must be taken into account when choosing a career, successful careers for a person with ADHD would include a police officer, correctional officer, emergency dispatcher, military personnel, special forces, EMT or emergency room nurse or doctor, firefighter, skilled trades such as electrician, plumber, carpenter, mason or landscaper, etc., journalist, high pressure chef, high variety and varied work experiences, inventor, business owner, high risk capitalist, and a financial advisor. The important thing is to be able to channel the unique skills that someone with ADHD has to have the person be as successful as they can be. The potential creativity of a mind that is always restless and ready to look at things from many different angles can lead to success in life and even great achievement. Problems occur when the person with ADHD does not channel their abilities in the right direction and they can feel lost in life and often stuck in relationships and work environments that fail. Even worse would be substance abuse and problems with the law. In many cases, a combination of medication and therapy can help someone overcome potential problems with the characteristics of ADHD. The positive thing about many ADHD characteristics is that moderate to great success is possible if a person is able to channel them in the right direction.