Sometimes, what feels like an individual challenge can turn into a powerful strength. For Peter Shankman, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and media expert, ADHD became the driving force behind his success.
Diagnosed in his mid-30s, Shankman reflects on his childhood when ADHD wasnât widely understood. He jokes it was called the âsit down, youâre disrupting the classâ disease. For years, what others called strange or disruptive was actually a sign of a fast-moving, creative mind.
Finding Strength in ADHD
Instead of trying to âfixâ his ADHD, Shankman chose to harness it. His experience is a blueprint for turning a diagnosis into a competitive edge. By building structure and limiting distractions, he learned to stay focused and productive.
âI eliminated choices,â he explains. âI wear one of two outfits depending on the dayâso I never waste energy deciding what to wear.â
Optimizing His Environment
To stay sharp and manage his energy, Shankman follows key ADHD-friendly habits:
- Daily exercise to improve brain chemistry
- Strict routines that reduce decision fatigue
- Avoiding alcohol and other distractions
- Recognizing triggers and working around them
He also uses self-awareness to make strategic decisions. âI donât do moderation,â he says. âI have to recognize what works and what doesnât.â
Turning ADHD Symptoms Into Success Strategies
Shankman thrives on deep focus and goes to extremes to protect it. When writing books, he books round-trip flights to write uninterrupted for hours.
âI wrote two books on flights to Asia. Sounds crazy, but it works!â
He channels his need for stimulation into healthy outlets like:
- Skydiving
- Ironman races
- High-adrenaline speaking and business gigs
Medication: Used Only When Needed
Shankman doesnât take ADHD medication daily. Instead, he uses it only for tasks he finds boring or administrative.
âI call it âexpense report medication.â I take it only when I absolutely need it.â
This highlights a personalized ADHD management style that combines natural strategies with optional medication.
Advice for Others With ADHD
His key message? Know yourself.
Whether you have ADHD or not, success starts with self-awareness.
âMake yourself the best you can be. You canât help others until youâve done the work on yourself.â
From Diagnosis to Breakthrough
ADHD does not define Peter Shankman; he thrives because of it. As the founder of Help A Reporter Out (HARO), a bestselling author, and a highly requested speaker, he proves that neurodiversity can be a competitive advantage when managed intentionally.
For Shankman, ADHD doesnât mean being scattered. It stands for:
Accomplished, Driven, Helpful, and Directed.
About the Author
Dr Hatem El-Emam is a GP with a special interest in ADHD and co-founder of ADHDX, a digital platform focused on education and compassionate care for individuals with ADHD. He is an advocate for early identification and management of ADHD, and firmly believes that with the correct understanding and proper support, ADHD energy and creativity can be turned into a strength.
References
(2022). The Role of Physical Activity in ADHD Management: Diagnostic, Digital and Non-Digital Interventions, and Lifespan Considerations. MDPI 12(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/children12030338
M.D., M. A. & M.S.T., L. A. (May 1, 2024). Overcoming Decision Fatigue in ADHD. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changing-the-narrative-on-adhd/202405/overcoming-decision-fatigue-in-adhd
Caprino, K. (October 4, 2017). Peter Shankman Shares The Gift Of ADHD: How To Leverage It For Phenomenal Success. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2017/10/04/peter-shankman-shares-the-gift-of-adhd-how-to-leverage-it-for-phenomenal-success/