I remember it vividly. It was my turn to solve the math problem Mrs. Dawson wrote on the chalkboard. A moment of silence and then those dreaded words, "Steve, we're waiting!" I didn't know what to say. The harder I tried to think, the more I panicked. I just wanted to be able to do it! But in the moment, when it mattered, I froze. It was like running off a cliff without a bridge to take me to the other side. I broke down in tears, burying my head at my desk in the back of class where I hoped I wouldn't be noticed. The teacher moved on to the next student and I was left humiliated.

I never understoodwhat happened that day until an ADHD Coach explained to me that the part of my brain responsibile for focusing decreases under pressure when I try to concentrate. I realized all those times people told me to try harder made things worse. Coaching helped me see myself differently. I learned I wasn't lazy, stupid or crazy. I realized that I had a way of learning and working that revealed a unique set of strengths that I'm using to my advantage even today. Coaching relieved the pressure and gave me the support I needed to succeed!