Learning to Flow with ADHD: My Journey of Discovery and Self-Acceptance
Janine is the founder of Solve Education which gamifies education and trains youth in South East Asia to learn and upskill in order to contribute economically to their families and nation. She is also a Mensa member and has been active in pioneering a different approach to education in order to open up possibilities for those who face challenges in accessing education through traditional means.
When and how did you find out you have ADHD?
I received my formal ADHD diagnosis in November 2023. It wasn’t something I had been actively seeking — in fact, it only came up because a close friend who had recently been diagnosed noticed that I shared many of the same traits. He suggested I consider getting tested, and that gentle nudge started me on a path of self-discovery that changed everything.
What did life look like before the diagnosis?
One of the biggest misconceptions about ADHD is that people with it can’t pay attention. In reality, many of us can pay attention — but we can’t control what we focus on. That’s my experience. I can become deeply absorbed in tasks I enjoy to the point that I don’t hear my husband speaking to me, even if he’s right next to me. But when it comes to things I find uninteresting, my brain just refuses to engage, no matter how hard I try.
Before my diagnosis, this pattern caused a lot of internal frustration. I grew up in an elite school surrounded by high performers, and I often felt like I was falling short. My report cards were full of comments like, “She needs to pay more attention in class.” I internalised those remarks and was incredibly harsh on myself, constantly wondering why I couldn’t keep up the way others seemed to.
What changed after the diagnosis?
My first response after being diagnosed was grief. I felt sad for the younger version of myself who had struggled for so long without understanding why. I had blamed myself for things that were never personal failings — they were neurological differences.
That grief eventually gave way to clarity and self-compassion. I started accepting myself more fully. I stopped forcing myself to be good at things I didn’t enjoy, and I began surrounding myself with people whose strengths complemented my weaknesses. When I can’t delegate a task, I redesign it in a way that brings me joy — like rewarding myself with something I love once it’s done.
What helps you cope?
Surprisingly, I didn’t overhaul my systems after being diagnosed. I realized I’d already been building tools to support myself over time without even knowing I had ADHD. I use task management tools like GitLab and Asana, plus spreadsheets to track both work and personal projects. I also have strong morning and evening routines, including journaling at night to clear my mind for restful sleep.
One of the most powerful shifts, though, has been learning to follow my flow. I no longer force productivity during times when my energy is low. Instead, I ride the wave when inspiration and focus come naturally. I also always carry a notepad and a voice recorder — ideas strike at unexpected times, and I want to capture them when they do.
Reading about ADHD has been one of the most helpful parts of my journey. As an introvert and an ADHDer, attending workshops, conferences, or events can be overwhelming. It often feels like too much cognitive load all at once. I’ve found that reading works much better for me. It allows me to process information in a calm environment at my own pace, Books like Driven to Distraction and Scattered Minds have been especially valuable — they gave me the language to better understand myself and helped me reframe years of self-judgment through a lens of compassion and clarity.
What are your ADHD strengths?
I’ve come to recognize that my brain has some incredible strengths. I’m great at:
- coming up with innovative ideas
- solving problems from different angles
- learning new things quickly
- generating random sparks of creativity that often lead to meaningful insights.
I’ve also started applying these strengths in my work at Solve Education!, an AI-powered learning platform that delivers scalable, high-impact education to underserved youth around the world.
Being neurodivergent gives me a deeper appreciation for how different brains learn—and that insight directly shapes how we build our technology, design our programs, and serve our communities.
Final reflections
We don’t experience ADHD in the same way — so it’s essential to learn about yourself and adjust your environment to suit you. Bring your loved ones along the journey too. Many ADHDers face relationship challenges, but since my husband and I began learning about it together, our relationship has grown stronger.
Most importantly, accept and love yourself. Many of us with ADHD grow up feeling like we’re too much, or not enough. But the truth is: we don’t have to live a conventional life to be successful. Follow your gut — you might just find a life with more energy, purpose, and joy than you ever thought possible.
Complete this sentence: ADHD is…
ADHD isn’t just a set of challenges—it’s also a different way of thinking that can be incredibly powerful.
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