I coach because I know what it’s like to finally be understood by someone who knows what ADHD looks like.

To become a coach, I had to take on my own ADHD with self-compassion, self-advocacy, and intention.

What empowered me was knowing that the work of becoming a coach would lead to my own continued growth and to bringing new hope and possibility for others.

As I talk with adults living with ADHD, I find that we all share a common goal that lies at the heart of achievement: to feel calmness, self-direction, connection, and alignment with our values and human needs.

I understand the importance of that goal, because long ago, my own ADHD set up a struggle within me: between my vision of how I could be, and the disappointment I felt with my reality.

Now I know: this struggle is a hallmark of ADHD. 

ADHD gets between knowing and doing. It makes it hard to develop a realistic goal, lay out a plan, and work toward it. Without a realistic approach to goals and plans, I was left with ideas, ideals, and feelings of failure.

This struggle made it hard to be happy in the moment, and led to discounting of my real accomplishments.

You can disrupt the struggle cycle!

I had years of experience working with myself - but I didn’t realize the skills I had developed that contributed to my successes. After my diagnosis, I learned that the curiosity of a learning mindset is the primary self-management tool for ADHD. By accepting my ADHD challenges, I could bring self-compassion and intention to working with myself — and step out of the struggle.

I coach because coaching is transformational, and I have now accompanied many people to see new possibilities that change their lives. I would like to be that coach for you.

Becoming a coach required me to face my deepest doubts about myself and embrace my deepest belief in myself. I found that coaching is a continual workshop in being present, for the coach as well as the client. On my path, what has helped me is being patient with my progress, flexible in my expectations, and always focused on my direction.

For me to become a coach, I learned to model my “Big Why” and to hold it in my head and heart. Being a coach connects my values, strengths, and needs with an inspirational hugeness that keeps me engaged through the ups and downs of daily life. Walking with others on their path of self-discovery and progress is the highest privilege I have experienced.

What’s your “Big Why”?

I have taken on my ADHD by committing to a calling that is worthy of the work it requires, and that motivates me to do the work. By connecting daily life to my strengths, values, and meaning, I can direct my effort and calm my mind.

Coaching is a rare opportunity to focus on your experience and develop the life you want.

Being understood and supported in the coaching space allows the brain to begin to calm and focus. Coaching will expand your view of yourself and your possibilities, and make a difference for the rest of your life - for you and everyone around you. I hope you will get in touch!

- Susan

Susan McGinnis, CALC
coaches via Zoom
from Charlottesville, Virginia [EST]