ADHD Growth: New Paths Ahead

The Impulsive Thinker, all about growth, self-awareness, and mastering your Unique Abilities®. I had the pleasure of talking to Tom Lambotte, who’s wisdom and experience regarding coaching heart-led, impact-driven entrepreneurs. Tom shares my passion for helping you, the ADHD entrepreneur, navigate the often-tumultuous journey toward finding fulfillment in your personal and professional life. Let's dive into the nuggets of wisdom he shared with us. 

Don’t feel like reading? Listen to the episode. 

Discovering Your Unique Ability® 

Tom Lambotte firmly believes in the power of uncovering one's Unique Abilities®. He talked about his journey away from the tech industry, despite his success there, and toward coaching and empowering leaders. 

For Tom, the turning point came when he realized that while AI and technology might have been his strengths, they weren't where his passion lay. His heart belonged to coaching and helping others. This realization led him to transition out of a managed service IT company and into a role where he could make a deeper impact by working with high-performing entrepreneurs. 

Takeaway: Your Unique Ability® isn't just about what you're excellent at; it's about what lights a fire in your belly. It's about doing work that feels like play and brings you energy. As ADHD entrepreneurs, we often excel in various areas, but fulfillment only comes from focusing on what truly matters to your belly! 

The Four Categories of Activity 

Based on Strategic Coach’s Unique Ability® model, our conversation was about breaking down activities into four categories: Unique Ability®, Excellent, Competent, and Incompetent. Understanding these categories can help us prioritize and delegate effectively. 

• Unique Ability®: These are tasks that you're amazing at and passionate about. They give you energy and are aligned with your core purpose. 

• Excellent: You're great at these tasks, but they don't excite you. They can drain your energy if done for too long. You are well known for these tasks. 

• Competent: You can get these tasks done, but they neither spark joy nor present a challenge. Requires extra time to remember how to do them. 

• Incompetent: These are tasks that you struggle with and dislike doing. They cause frustration and you delay doing them. 

Takeaway: Focus on your Unique Ability® and start delegating the rest. As ADHD entrepreneurs, knowing when to let go of excellent tasks is crucial. It's about creating space for what truly matters and keeps you engaged and energized. Start by delegating your Incompetent tasks first. 

Moving From Success to Fulfillment 

During our chat, Tom emphasized the difference between chasing success and seeking fulfillment. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle, but without passion, the grind becomes draining and cause burn out. 

Tom's own path led him from being a successful tech entrepreneur to finding a more meaningful and fulfilling role as a coach. His journey is a testament to the importance of aligning our work with our passions and values. That’s what leads him to true fulfillment. 

Takeaway: Ask yourself if your current path brings you true joy and fulfillment. If not, it might be time to pivot or restructure what you do. Success is great, but fulfillment is what will keep you motivated and resilient in the long run. 

Navigating Transformational Change 

Transformation isn't a walk in the park. Tom and I discussed the challenges of shedding old identities and stepping into new roles. It's especially daunting for ADHD Entrepreneurs who thrive on novelty but also struggle with letting go of the familiar – the familiar environment you learned to survive in. 

Tom shared his experience of transitioning from tech to coaching and the importance of discerning which opportunities align with your future goals and aspirations. He highlighted that most people never truly discover their unique abilities. 

Takeaway: Embracing transformational change requires courage and a willingness to evolve. It’s not easy but shedding the old to make way for the new can unlock levels of fulfillment and potential you never knew existed. New source of ENERGY! 

The Emotional and Personal Side of Growth 

Much of our conversation centred on personal challenges and emotional growth. Tom emphasized the need to work on ourselves holistically—not just professionally. This means investing in your health, family, and freedom. 

As ADHD Entrepreneurs, our emotions are often intertwined with our business decisions. Ignoring the emotional and personal aspects can stunt our growth. 

Takeaway: Nurture every part of your life. True growth comes from a balance of personal and professional development. Managing your mental health, fostering strong relationships, and ensuring you have the freedom to pursue your passions are all crucial. 

Providing Leadership While Stepping Back 

Tom touched on the concept of offering leadership and ownership to a company without being present every day. This strategy empowers your team and allows you to focus on higher-level strategic thinking and creativity. 

Tom has created the space to explore other entrepreneurial journeys by working just one day a week in his companies. This approach helps him do justice to the team while maintaining a harmonious balance and providing his Team with independence for success. 

Takeaway: Consider stepping back to focus on guiding and coaching your team. Trusting others to handle the tactical work can free you to pursue activities aligned with your Unique Abilities®. 

The Continuous Evolution of Self 

Lastly, Tom and I explored the ongoing process of self-assessment and evolution. Personal growth isn’t a one-time event; it's a continuous journey. As ADHD entrepreneurs with a growth mindset, we must be agile and open to change. 

Tom’s transition from tech to coaching and his emphasis on discerning opportunities show the importance of aligning actions with long-term goals. We must constantly reassess where we are and where we want to be. 

Takeaway: Keep striving for growth. Self-assessment and evolution are key to sustained success and fulfillment. Don't be afraid to pivot and pursue what truly resonates with you. 

Your Next Chapter 

As we wrapped up our conversation, I invited listeners to think about their next chapter and share their thoughts with me. What does fulfilling work look like for you? Where do your passions lie? Reflect on these questions and start writing your own new chapter. 

A Final Thought: Remember, it’s not just about the grind. It’s about finding what makes you tick and dedicating your time and energy to those tasks that align with your Unique Abilities.  

For those wanting to connect with Tom, you can find him on LinkedIn, visit his website myonedayworkweek.com, or email him at tom@onedayworkweek.com. And as always, you can reach out to me, André, The Impulsive Thinker, to share your thoughts, questions, or just to say hello.  

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