Reframing ADHD, Reimagining Wellness
Himanshu Chaudhari is a seasoned corporate leader in the Financial Services sector, currently spearheading Operational Excellence at one of Singapore’s top banks. With more than twenty years of corporate experience, he has established a strong reputation for driving meaningful corporate innovation, and actively advocating for mental health awareness in the Financial Services industry. He is also an active EdTech investor and a compulsive ‘self-experimenter’ when it comes to ‘Health & Longevity’. Diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, Himanshu approaches the condition with curiosity and self-compassion, channelling it into purposeful change.
Quotes
“Sharing my story at work was empowering. I realised that as a leader, embracing my differences and standing out was far more valuable than simply blending in.”
“ADHD is neither a blessing, nor a curse. It is a manageable condition through exercising our sense of agency. But it must be diagnosed first.”
Discovery and Diagnosis
My journey with ADHD began at work, where I found myself struggling to complete tasks that should have taken a couple of hours but instead dragged on for days or weeks. I was frustrated – I knew what needed to be done but couldn’t finish. When my company’s Employee Assistance Program offered support, I decided to take the step to seek help, despite feeling anxious about what to expect. To my surprise, I felt comfortable opening-up during my sessions. ADHD was identified early on and later confirmed by a psychiatrist, who also spoke with my spouse.
Knowing that I have ADHD was an ‘Aha!’ moment for me. . It sparked a deeper curiosity about myself—if I had missed this for so long, what else was I unaware of? Over the following year, I reflected, learned, and grew. My family, especially my spouse, was incredibly supportive, and connecting with a community of others with ADHD gave me a sense of belonging and reassurance.
Sharing my story at work was empowering. I realised that as a leader, embracing my differences and standing out was far more valuable than simply blending in.
Initially, I caught myself using ADHD as an excuse in challenging situations, but I’ve since become intentional about not letting it define or limit me. I’ve come to think of ADHD as one part of my identity, not a defining limitation.
Strengths and Mindset
Before diagnosis, my struggles were the same, but my mindset was very self-critical. I would beat myself up with negative self-talk, comparing myself unfavourably to others. The mindset towards my challenges has since shifted – through learning and practicing self-compassion.
My inattentive ADHD traits are often hidden by coping mechanisms. Two adaptations, in particular, have been strengths: my ability to hyperfocus under time-pressure and being comfortable with mental chaos have helped me thrive in time-sensitive, complex work environments.
Daily Strategies
Managing ADHD for me involves two key areas: Routine and Mindset.
My scientific curiosity drives me to experiment with various techniques—vision-based focus exercises, sensory cues like smells or sounds to signal ‘focus time,’ breathing methods, cold baths to regulate dopamine, and habits that boost my baseline energy. These practices help me hack my mental state and are built into my daily routine. I do feel fortunate to be blessed with loving relationships in my life. So, practicing daily gratitude and spending time with family is also an important daily ritual for me.
On the mindset front, I embrace acceptance and self-compassion, even when focus is elusive. Regular sessions with an ADHD coach and psychologist have been invaluable. I also prioritise physical health, knowing that an active lifestyle supports my mental resilience.
Advice to My Younger Self
I would offer two messages: practice self-compassion, and cultivate curiosity.
As a child, I was unforgiving with myself. I compared, criticised, and carried shame silently. I now tell my kids what I wish I could have told myself: Replace “How dumb!” with “How human!”.
When I faced setbacks due to inaction, instead of anger, I learned to be curious about my habits, journalling and tracking my behaviour. My mantra became: “Be curious, not furious.”
Looking Ahead
ADHD is neither a blessing, nor a curse. It is a manageable condition through exercising our sense of agency. But it must be diagnosed first. For me, the diagnosis has been a catalyst for personal growth, community building, workplace transformation, and a new approach to wellness.
Though stigma around seeking help persists, I’m optimistic. We are making positive strides beyond just ‘surviving’, to ‘thriving’. I look forward to Unlocking ADHD making an impactful contribution to this journey ahead.
Support the ADHD Community
If you’d like to read more stories like these, consider donating $150 or more to receive a copy of our book, Differently Wired Minds as a thank-you. Limited quantities available.
Your donation helps Unlocking ADHD provide counselling, psychoeducation, and other vital support services to those affected by ADHD.
Special thanks to our sponsors whose generous support made this book possible:
MINDSET, Singapore Pools, Chua Foundation, Hyphens Pharma
Leave a Reply