From Shamans to Entrepreneurs: ADHD Is Our Legacy, Not a Disorder

“Focus, focus, focus!”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this. Teachers, coaches, mentors—even well-meaning family members—would tell me I needed to sit still, stop daydreaming, and do things “the right way.”

They said my ideas were too crazy. They said, “You can’t do that.”

And yet, here I am: a doctoral-level psychologist, a successful entrepreneur, and someone who has outperformed many of the same peers who thought I’d never make it.

To every kid (and adult!) with ADHD who’s been told to stop following the shiny objects, I’m here to say: STOP listening to them. Our brains are wired for greatness. We’ve been paving new paths for generations—and we’re just getting started.

ADHD: The Legacy of Seekers and Shamans

Let’s rewind history for a moment. The traits we now call ADHD—curiosity, impulsivity, heightened intuition—weren’t seen as flaws in ancient societies. They were gifts.

The Seekers of New Land

Our ancestors needed people like us to survive. ADHD individuals were likely the explorers, the ones who noticed subtle changes in the environment and found new lands, resources, and opportunities. The rest of the tribe depended on our ability to think differently and act boldly.

A study by Hartmann (1997) theorizes that ADHD traits evolved as part of a “Hunter versus Farmer” hypothesis. The “hunter brain” thrives on novelty, quick decision-making, and adaptability—traits that were essential in ancient environments for survival and exploration.

• While others stayed put, we moved.

• While others focused on the routine, we imagined something better.

The Shamans and Mystics

Many ancient cultures revered highly sensitive individuals—those who could feel the earth, sense changes in weather, and predict outcomes with their intuition. We were the shamans, the spiritual guides, the visionaries who saw the bigger picture. Our role wasn’t to stay still and conform. It was to follow the shiny object, even when others didn’t understand why.

Research by Winkelman (2010) explains how shamans often exhibited traits such as hypersensitivity and hyperfocus, aligning closely with modern understandings of ADHD behaviors. Shamans used altered states of consciousness to connect with the environment and their communities, providing a vital role for group survival.

We were the ones who looked up at the stars and wondered, “What’s out there?”
We were the ones who listened to the whispers of the earth and trusted our gut instinct.

The Modern Disconnect: ADHD Isn’t a Disorder

Fast-forward to today, and our unique traits are labeled as a “deficit.”

Society tells us to:

• Sit still.

• Stop daydreaming.

• Focus on one thing at a time.

But here’s the problem: The world we’re being forced to fit into wasn’t built for people like us.

Think about it—does sitting in a classroom or an office for eight hours sound like the ideal environment for someone who was born to explore, innovate, and connect with the world in a deeper way? Of course not!

Instead of suppressing our natural instincts, we need to reframe ADHD as a set of hidden gems.

How ADHD Traits Drive Success in Modern Life

Let me tell you a secret: I didn’t succeed despite my ADHD. I succeeded because of it.

1. Following the Shiny Object

While others might call it distraction, I see it as curiosity-driven problem-solving. Here’s a real-life example:

• I’ve been known to have 25+ tabs open on my computer at once. (Sound familiar?)

• While cleaning up piles of “organized chaos,” I’ve stumbled upon solutions no one else could find.

• My “crazy ideas” have led to breakthroughs in both my personal and professional life.

This isn’t a weakness. It’s innovation.

2. Seeing What Others Can’t

ADHD brains are wired to see patterns, connections, and possibilities that others overlook. This is why so many successful entrepreneurs, artists, and visionaries have ADHD. We think differently—and that’s exactly what the world needs.

Research by Archer et al. (2020) highlights how novelty-seeking behavior, a core trait of ADHD, often correlates with creativity and entrepreneurial success.

While others are stuck in the status quo, we’re busy inventing the future.

3. Persistence Against All Odds

People told me I wouldn’t succeed. They said I’d never make it through school, let alone earn a doctorate. But I didn’t let their doubts stop me. Like so many other ADHDers, I carved my own path and outperformed expectations.

A Message to Fellow ADHDers: Carve Your Path

If you’ve been told to stop following the shiny object, I want you to remember this:

• Our ancestors relied on people like us to survive.

• We are visionaries, explorers, and creators.

• The world needs us more than ever.

So, the next time someone tells you to “focus, focus, focus,” smile and keep moving forward. Because the truth is, we don’t do things their way—we do things the ADHD way.

And trust me, the ADHD way is how new paths are carved and new worlds are created.

Let’s Honor Our Legacy

It’s time to reclaim the narrative. ADHD isn’t a disorder. It’s a legacy of survival and innovation. From shamans to seekers, from explorers to entrepreneurs, ADHDers have always been the ones to see what others couldn’t.

So keep following the shiny objects, keep dreaming big, and never let anyone tell you to stop. Our path isn’t the usual one—but that’s what makes it extraordinary.

Are you ready to embrace your ADHD hidden gems and carve your path? Let’s connect. Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’ve turned your ADHD traits into your greatest strengths.

References

1. Hartmann, T. (1997). The Edison Gene: ADHD and the Gift of the Hunter Child. Park Street Press.

2. Winkelman, M. (2010). Shamanism: A Biopsychosocial Paradigm of Consciousness and Healing. ABC-CLIO.

3. Archer, C., Kuhn, S., & Zhuang, Y. (2020). “Novelty-Seeking Behavior and Its Evolutionary Role in Human Societies.” Evolutionary Anthropology, 29(3), 189-205.