By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – April 28, 2025
Human development is a complex process that involves physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes throughout a person’s life. As they progress through various stages of life, it is essential to understand the differences between normal and abnormal behavior. It is crucial that mental health professionals differentiate between typical inattention or hyperactivity and symptoms associated with ADHD. Continue reading “Coaching ADHD and Understanding Human Development”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – April 14, 2025
As an ADHD and attention coach, I am often asked whether exercise is good for those with ADHD? The answer is a resounding yes! In fact, if exercise could be bottled into a pill, it would be hailed as the drug of the century—not just for everyone, but especially for those with ADHD. Continue reading “ADHD and Exercise: A Fascinating Connection”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – April 7, 2025
When it comes to coaching those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), interest isn’t just something; it is everything. In reading this article, you will understand why interest is such an important part of coaching those with ADHD and how it can serve as a window to what is instinctive—or how those with ADHD are hardwired. Continue reading “ADHD: Interest is the Key and It’s Instinctive”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – March 10, 2025
A big question I often hear is whether or not someone should disclose that they have ADD/ADHD. While I can’t make that decision for anybody, I do want to talk about the pros and cons and help facilitate your thinking process if you’re contemplating disclosing your ADHD. Continue reading “Disclosing ADHD: To Tell or Not to Tell”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – March 3, 2025
Today, we’re talking about one of the most powerful tools for managing ADHD challenges—brainstorming. I don’t mean just the outcome, but the process itself. For those with ADHD, understanding and managing brainstorming can be a game-changer. Continue reading “Brainstorming: An ADHD Power Tool”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – February 24, 2025
Much has been written about Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Some of it is consistent; other things are confusing. Today, I’d like to clarify a few things.
The Classifications of ADD
To begin, is it Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or is it just Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)? That is a great question because the terms are used interchangeably.
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – January 27, 2025
Some years ago, I had a conversation with an expert in the criminal justice system around helping young people with ADHD avoid the criminal justice system by understanding and managing their symptoms. The conversation included markers that represent important times, called tipping points, when those with ADHD are vulnerable and could head down the wrong path. But resources are available to help parents be proactive to catch these things before they happen. Continue reading “How Youngsters with ADHD Can Avoid the Criminal Justice System”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – January 20, 2025
Heading to college can be tough for students with ADHD and keeping in touch as a parent can pose some challenges, too! I had a talk with Rob Tudisco, former president of Edge Foundation, to talk about the struggles of students with ADHD as they go off to college.
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 30, 2024
Those who are living with ADHD face challenges in various aspects of life from the classroom to relationships. One area that has drawn attention is the impact of ADHD on sports and exercise. The struggles for those with ADHD are unique, and the impact of sports and exercise is as diverse as the individuals it affects. That’s why I think it’s important to address the issue. Continue reading “The Impact of ADHD on Sports and Exercise”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 23, 2024
In the world of ADHD awareness and advocacy, few voices are as compelling as Alan P. Brown, creator of ADD Crusher. In an episode on Attention Talk Video a few years ago, Alan shared his remarkable journey with attention coach Jeff Copper. He openly discussed his struggles, diagnosis, and ultimate breakthrough.
Alan’s early years were marked by chaos—substance abuse, reckless behavior, and brushes with the law. He was, as he puts it, “this close” to jail. Sadly, it’s a reality many undiagnosed ADHD individuals face, and this is supported by statistics. Up to 45% of the prison population and 70% of alcoholics are believed to have undiagnosed ADHD. Yet, even as he was spiraling out of control, he knew he had potential. He often worked twice as hard as others but didn’t understand why he couldn’t break out of the spiral.
But his turning point came when he noticed a small newspaper ad for an ADHD support group. Alan attended the group where he finally realized his AHA MOMENT. It was the missing piece of the puzzle, leading to his diagnosis and a new sense of direction. As he began to understand the root of his challenges, he dug into learning how to manage his ADHD, ultimately sparking the idea for ADD Crusher™—a program designed to deliver ADHD strategies in a fun, visual, and accessible way.
Today, Alan is a testament to his transformation. He has turned his once chaotic life into a source of inspiration for others. His journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to turn things around. Please watch the video interview with Alan, “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: What an Aha Moment Looks Like,” to learn more of his story.
If you are struggling with undiagnosed ADHD, this experience offers hope and an opportunity to seek support and strategies that will work for you. The AHA MOMENT isn’t just a revelation—it’s the start of a life-changing transformation.
TRANSCRIPT:
Jeff Copper: Welcome everybody to this edition of Attention Talk video. I’m your host, attention coach, Jeff Copper. And I’m here with ADD Crusher, Alan Brown. Alan, welcome to the show.
Alan Brown: Well, thanks for having me here.
Jeff Copper: We’ve interviewed Alan on Attention Talk radio, and he’s storied, he’s legend, he’s Mr. Detention because I’m Mr. Attention. And sometime after the show, get Mr. Intention on, but anyway, Alan Brown had… You were quite the character for a period of time and weren’t diagnosed with ADHD until later in life. And can you just tell us a little bit about your background? And what the show’s about today is the aha moment where you kind of changed things. So pre-diagnosis and kind of pre-getting your act together. Can you explain to everybody a little bit of your background?
Alan Brown: I’ll tell you what, it’s just very, very close to home. The huge potential problem that is undiagnosed adult ADHD. And in fact, I’m giving a TED Talk in San Diego next month on the 85% who are undiagnosed adults that, for instance, 45% of the prison population is undiagnosed ADHD, up to 70% of alcoholics. You know all these stats, but it’s scary stuff. So what were my teens and twenties like?
Jeff Copper: Yes.
Alan Brown: I was this close from jail, this close from-
Jeff Copper: Okay, so when you say this close from jail, what is… I mean, they’re chasing you down the street with guns or…
Alan Brown: Well, first of all, it’s alcohol abuse. Second, it is stupid, crazy behavior. Third, it is crime. I was engaged in some crime. I was a drug dealer. I was buying large amounts of drugs in Harlem in the height of the crack epidemic. And a couple of my friends were doing something similar and they got caught. I didn’t get caught. So I came within an inch on more than one occasion of really having a completely different life than the one I do now with our nice suits on.
Jeff Copper: Yes, yes. This was not the uniform back in the day.
Alan Brown: No, it was not. No, it was not.
Jeff Copper: So I’m hearing that you had some substance abuse issues, run-ins with a law possibly and got in close because your friends were there, plus there was an adrenaline junkie side to you. If I’m not mistaken, you had… Matter of fact, Rent-A-Car companies hate you, I would imagine.
Alan Brown: Yes, they do. I just got a letter from one the other day. It’s a woman in Philadelphia. I did something in Philadelphia. But anyway, I do feed my adrenaline addiction in a little bit more of a healthy way. I race motorcycles. I was actually just doing that last weekend. So it’s a healthier way. No drinking and driving when you’re on the racetrack.
Jeff Copper: But that’s today. Before you had flipped a car in the Jersey Turnpike a couple of times.
Alan Brown: Yeah. And bottom line, I hit bottom with the drugs, with the behaviors, etc. And I kind of turned myself over to self-help groups and was able to finish college and get a job in advertising. But-
Jeff Copper: I’m going to cut you off there because I want to just kind of fast-forward today. You are ADD Crusher. You’ve put together a program that you’re promoting, but also you’re an advertising executive. You’ve been very successful and you’re splitting time between the two and wearing a very nice suit here, I might add.
Alan Brown: Thank you.
Jeff Copper: So we talked about the before and now we’re at the after. Oh, and recently married.
Alan Brown: Yep.
Jeff Copper: So you got a lot of things going for you. And what I want to ask here, the focus of this program is for our viewers out there is what was the aha, how did that kind of come about? Because I mean, there’s a lot of people who are sitting there probably identifying with this a little bit, but somehow something clicked for you and it turned. Can you just talk about that experience?
Alan Brown: I was struggling in the advertising business, working as hard as I possibly could, twice as hard as my peers and not get anywhere. I’m sitting in a cafe in the East Village of New York, and the back page of the Village Voice has a little ad for a support group for ADHD. I had already been told about three years before by my doctor that ADHD was a myth. Don’t worry about it, Alan. You might think you have ADD, just do more crossword puzzles. Well, I went to the support group, it’s the Manhattan Adult ADD Support Group, and they’re still going. I love these people.
Jeff Copper: Yes, yes.
Alan Brown: And I went into this one meeting and the speech happened to be one, the talk happened to be one about doctors who get it and doctors who don’t. And the light bulb went off. And I said, man. And by then I had a new doctor whom I went and I asked her, “Do you believe or do you not believe?” And she said, and this is 15 years ago, she said, “Do I believe? My son is a classic case. Let’s send you through a battery of tests. Let’s make sure it’s not something else.” Diagnosis, more light bulbs go off. And then of course ADD Crusher happens because that all flows out of wow.
Jeff Copper: So what I’m interested in, and this might be difficult, is that you’re sitting there, life is on the skids, but what you see this ad, what compels you? I mean, you could have done things before that, but what was it about that that enabled you to say, I’m going to go to this?
Alan Brown: Well, I think it was a really frustrating point where I just couldn’t understand why it was that as hard as I worked and I worked long hours, I worked every Saturday for about seven years, every Saturday. Why couldn’t… And I know I’m no dummy, I just couldn’t break out. And then when I saw that thing, and I remembered that three, four years prior, a doctor had told me ADHD is BS. I said, “That’s got to be it. This has got to be it.”
Jeff Copper: So I think what I’m hearing you saying is deep down your self-esteem was a wreck, but there was something inside that was telling you that you weren’t a wreck and you saw this and you said you were looking… This has to explain it. This could be the difference between what I feel and what is and that compelled you to go.
Alan Brown: You just characterized it perfectly.
Jeff Copper: And this is very difficult, I guess to kind of explain, but my intuition is when you… There’s so many that I’ve coached that they’re just bright people. They know that they’re bright, but they just haven’t executed. And to be on the rock bottom and say, “Wait a second, this is not making any sense to me. I’m not that dumb. I shouldn’t be here. There’s got to be a reason for it.” To me, is what I’m hearing is like, hey, I’m looking… This could be the reason, which is enough to kind of get going. And I’m assuming, I’m inferring that once you went, you found a little bit of a tribe and you start identifying and then slowly… Am I putting words in your mouth?
Alan Brown: No. Well, you know what? Right up until a certain point, because once I was diagnosed, I ran out and grabbed all the books I could so I could learn strategies. And of course, I’m a horrible reader, so I couldn’t really pull the info. That’s what really started the idea of ADD Crusher. I wanted to find a way where I can get strategies delivered to me in a fun visual way and not have to read them.
Jeff Copper: This is interesting because I’m having a little bit of aha because I didn’t really think about this, but the epicenter of this is the disconnect in your mind with here’s who… I know that I’m better than this, but this is where I am. And one day you look and say, if this is the explanation, the relief to say, hey, no, I am and get myself out. This is kind of a weird moment for me because it’s mechanical, but literally it all boils down to that is you know that were capable of more, but you weren’t seeing it. And that was the, hey, this is the ticket.
Alan Brown: That was the hey. And it was a moment of potential relief because you knew at least you could see the path. The real relief came when I started to learn strategies and teach myself strategies for how to be a better performer at work and in my personal life. And that’s where the real-
Jeff Copper: And I think that in my experience coaching people, there’s this huge euphoria of when they get the diagnosis that, oh, that explains it.
Alan Brown: Yes, yes.
Jeff Copper: But then they kind of go back to it for a period of time. Okay, great, I’ve got… What do I do?
Alan Brown: What do I do now?
Jeff Copper: The second piece of it is some of the things that ADD Crusher doing and the coaching side is, okay, let’s talk about what you do, how do you get past procrastination. So with that, Alan, I appreciate you coming on the show. Everybody, if you want to learn more about Alan, the best place to go is AddCrusher.com.
Alan Brown: AddCrusher.com. Yeah.
Jeff Copper: It’s A-D-D-C-R-U-S-H-E-R dot com. And I have to think about that because I can’t spell.
Alan Brown: I know, you’re terrible. That was pretty good.
Jeff Copper: Well, I know…
Alan Brown: You’re awesome.
Jeff Copper: So anyway, thank you very much for coming on the show.
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 16, 2024
As an ADHD and attention coach, it is my job to bring clarity to my clients by listening to what they are NOT saying (i.e., the unasked questions). I do this by asking questions that lead them through five simple steps designed to take them from stuckto aha. My goal today is to take the mystery out of the coaching process by showing you how my techniques move my clients forward by helping them choose their focus. Continue reading “ADHD: Hocus Pocus, the Trick Is in Choosing Your Focus”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 9, 2024
How can you successfully navigate a ship if you don’t know its current position, the course it’s set on, or the obstacles in its path? Similarly, understanding the stress and anxiety that come with ADHD is the first step toward managing ADHD effectively. Today, we are looking into this crucial aspect of our ADHD lives, because, first of all, it’s essential to understand what we’re dealing with. Continue reading “ADHD: Unpacking Stress and Anxiety”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 2, 2024
In this blog post, I address how individuals with ADHD often thrive by using strategies that are nontraditional and are more suited to their brain’s unique wiring. With ADHD, their ability to focus and process information is impaired, and traditional methods may not always work. Instead, they should experiment with different environments and other approaches, like using background music or movement to optimize learning or productivity. Continue reading “Writing a Harvard Dissertation While Listening to Punk Rock”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – November 25, 2024
I stumbled into ADHD coaching as a profession 15 years ago. Daily, most people go to work, but I go to fun! Two things I like most about the job is the creativity and helping people. It is even more rewarding to help those who struggle with limiting beliefs or the reflexive urge to focus on emotions. (Often, judgment is what keeps a person down.) Continue reading “Celebrating Those Who Trust Me to Push Them. Thanks!”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – November 18, 2024
You fall in love, get married, and live happily ever after… NOT! How about a reframe? You fall in love, get married, and live happier, and happier, and happier. Now you’re talking! Continue reading “We Plus ADHD: A Great Relationship”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – November 4, 2024
If you have ADHD, you may find that your biggest problems are related to specific types of tasks. For example, boring things can feel like a big challenge. But more importantly Multifaceted or unclear tasks can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stuck. So how do they relate to ADHD? Continue reading “The Truth About ADHD: Is It Really a Thinking Impairment”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – October 28, 2024
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, impacting their daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being. To shed light on this complex condition, David Giwerc of ADD Coach Academy (https://addca.com), a renowned expert in ADHD education and coaching, has authored a groundbreaking book titled Permission to Proceed. In this blog post, I delve into the insights and models shared by David in a conversation on Attention Talk Radio. Continue reading “Permission to Proceed with ADHD”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – October 21, 2024
If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard countless people use the phrase, “Every individual has a unique set of gifts, talents, or abilities at which they excel.” And, in my experience, this is definitely true. However, you’d be surprised to learn the number of people who can’t articulate their own unique set when asked; in fact, many of them find the answer to this question to be difficult and even intimidating. Continue reading “Excavating Talents by Removing Barriers”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – October 14, 2024
There are lots of conversations around when you should disclose your ADHD and when you shouldn’t. In fact, it may be better to disclose only the symptoms, not the diagnosis. But sometimes it’s kind of cool and clever to find that there are benefits around disclosing it. Continue reading “Surprising Perks of Disclosing Your ADHD”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – October 7, 2024
For many young folks with ADHD, the transition from adolescence to adulthood is a bit more complicated than it might seem. Legal issues change, the mental health landscape changes, and the likelihood of more serious addictions come into play. In fact, it’s a conundrum when it comes to coping with the circumstances. It may involve legal twists, mental health turns, and the haunting specter of addiction. Continue reading “ADHD: Transitioning from Teen to Adult”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – September 30, 2024
Sara has ADHD. She has struggled to pay attention throughout her life. Before coming to coaching, she was easily distracted and stressed out in crowds. It was only after she came to coaching that she discovered how to be effective at managing her attention and stress. Continue reading “How Sara Managed Sound to Manage Her ADHD”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – September 23, 2024
Play is not just for kids… especially for adults with ADHD. Let’s talk about de-stigmatizing play. All too often, adults think of play as childish, but for those with ADHD, playing or having fun in the workplace has value in the business world. In this blog post, we are exploring the significance of play that can enhance creativity and executive functioning. Continue reading “ADHD and the Workplace: Finding Fun in Every Task”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – September 16, 2024
If you are a man married to a woman with ADHD, we are talking to you! In all likelihood, your marriage or partnership is anything but mainstream. Old paradigms don’t work. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a survival guide? Continue reading “Survival Guide for Men Married to ADHD Women”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – September 2, 2024
Those with ADHD struggle with boredom more than neurotypicals do. This especially applies to bedtime. Boredom has been defined as the physical discomfort where one is motivated to escape it. In other words, if those with ADHD are uncomfortable or bored, they will seek comfort, even if what is comforting is something they shouldn’t do. It takes an enormous amount of cognitive energy to sit in pain when all we want is to seek relief. And when it’s time to go to sleep, those with ADHD have a tough time dealing with that boredom even for a few minutes. Continue reading “The ADHD Dream to Dream”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – August 26, 2024
In the classroom, ADHD students are often fidgety and energetic, unable to sit still and pay attention. What can teachers do? In my experience as an ADHD and attention coach, I have heard schoolteachers and other educators talk about their challenges in managing these students. It calls for a balance of structure with flexibility that can reduce the student’s impulsivity and anxiety, and, thus, the concept of in-house field trips was born. Continue reading “Tips to Manage Wiggly ADHD Students”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – August 19, 2024
Living in a relationship where one or both partners have ADHD can present unique challenges. Those challenges require a subtle approach so the partners can achieve understanding and communication. Without this growth between them, the partners may suffer daily disagreements with no resolution, resulting in resentment and frustration. But help is available when the partners truly want to move forward in a happy and successful relationship. Continue reading “How to Move Forward in an ADHD Relationship”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – August 12, 2024
We live in a society that fosters negativity and self-limiting beliefs. Just look at the daily news, the endless array of advertisements for things to “fix us,” or the fascination with the mishaps of celebrities as just a few examples.
The ego loves weakness, and we feed into it by focusing on it; and for some, this focus invades every aspect of life. The result for many is staying “stuck” and not moving forward. Continue reading “What is Your Ego Paying Attention To?”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – August 5, 2024
Knowing what to do is often the easy part, especially for folks with ADHD. A phrase coined by ADHD expert Dr. Russell Barkley captures the essence of ADHD that says it’s not a disorder of knowing what to do but rather a disorder of doing what you know. In other words, you know you’re supposed to do something, but you don’t actually do it. Continue reading “ADHD: The Gap Between Knowing and Doing”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – July 29, 2024
What is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)? Can an individual have ADHD and OCD at the same time? If so, how can a person obsess and be compulsive and, at the same time, be impulsive and distracted? Believe it or not, it happens. To learn more, I had a conversation with Dr. Roberto Olivardia, a clinical instructor in the Department of Psychology at Harvard Medical School with a private practice in Arlington MA, as well as Dr. Kirsten Milliken, a psychologist and trained ADHD coach. Continue reading “Are ADHD and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder the Same?”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – July 15, 2024
The word “how” is an interesting word when you think about it. “How” can be used as a noun, a conjunction, an idiom, or an adverb. As an attention coach, I use “how” as an adverb. Adverbs work as adjectives to modify verbs. For example, “How do I pay attention to something?” To illustrate, let’s substitute “attend” as the verb in the following sentence: “How does one address the president?” becomes, “How does one attend to the president?” Continue reading “Attending to the Word “How” and How It Works”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – July 8, 2024
We often talk about memories. It feels like it’s just one thing and one kind of memory, but there are several different kinds of memory. Today, we’re breaking down memory into three key types of memory for those with ADHD: long-term memory, working memory, and prospective memory. In other words, memories are remembering backwards, remembering in the moment, remembering into the future. Continue reading “ADHD: Unlocking the Three Key Types of Memory”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – July 1, 2024
What is obvious to you? To me, what is obvious is a function of what you pay attention to. Not sure if you agree with me? Then pay attention to most jokes, parables, quotes, and metaphors. They all illustrate my point. Each one is designed to shift your attention to what is obvious. Continue reading “What’s Obvious Is a Function of What You Pay Attention To”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – June 24, 2024
Are you familiar with the ADHD Machine, Mind, and Mission Model? To me, it’s an exciting tool to help you understand how to move forward with ADHD. The model can also explain how medications and other treatments, like coaching, can affect progress differently. It’s a mental model for those who are struggling to move forward. It’s a great way to put things in context, not just things like exercise, diet, and medicine, but also coaching and other types of treatment. Continue reading “ADHD: Machine, Mind, and Mission”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – June 10, 2024
Are you a parent looking for effective strategies to improve communication with your ADHD child? In an interview with Elaine Taylor-Klaus (https://impactparents.com), we discussed simple and fun approaches to keep the lines of communication open without resorting to constant instructions. These methods focus on creating a positive and engaging environment for your children, allowing them to express themselves freely while fostering a stronger bond. Continue reading “ADHD Tip: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – May 27, 2024
Those with ADHD are often challenged to maintain a regular sleep schedule due to the restless and overactive nature of their minds. There are just too many other more interesting things to do than sleep. Racing thoughts and an inability to switch off cognitive processes can make bedtime a frustrating ordeal, leading to inadequate and poor sleep. It’s like a roller coaster ride! Continue reading “ADHD and Sleep: Making Time For It”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – May 20, 2024
Those with ADHD often go through life with challenges that make them feel like they’re living in a maze where there’s an obstacle at every turn. But there is hope, because we now have a way to shed some light on what’s holding them back. Through a special lens I’ve developed over many years, we can look at our thoughts and beliefs to see what’s actually there. It’s called AttentionScope® and it’s incorporated into my new systematic program, Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out™. Continue reading “Understanding the Workings of Our ADHD Brains”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – May 13, 2024
Students, whether they’re teenagers, adolescents, or young adults in college, need to have their own goals, their own reasons to succeed, which really leads to whether they are motivated. Sometimes this means they need professional help, and coaching is an effective means to help them move forward because research is showing that coaching has a positive impact. However, there is a caveat. Are they coachable? Meaning, are they ready for coaching? That’s a very important question, because the answer apparently is, no, they are not all ready for coaching. Continue reading “ADHD: Are Teenagers Coachable?”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – April 29, 2024
As an ADHD and attention coach, I frequently have individuals come to me for coaching because they are not getting the outcome they want. The majority of the time they are “stuck” because they are paying attention to how they believe something works (or how they believe it is supposed to work).
Take for example the stock market. Some individuals value a stock based on its current trading price while others value a stock based on its long-term inherent (or real/genuine) value. But are they paying attention to the right things and how they actually work? Continue reading “Mr. Market: Paying Attention to the Right Things”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – March 18, 2024
“If we weren’t all crazy, we would go insane” ~ Jimmy Buffet. That’s right; we’re all a little crazy in our own way, especially those with ADHD. All too often, ADD-ers get caught up in the seriousness of life. Most could use a little humor to lighten things up, and the ability to laugh at themselves is something we should aspire to just to take off some of the pressure. Continue reading “Managing ADHD with Humor”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – March 11, 2024
Frustrated by your weaknesses? Why not look at the opposite end of the spectrum?
I yam what I yam and that’sall that I yam.
I am Popeye, the Sailor Man. —Popeye, the Sailor Man
Although this quote may seem a bit simplistic, I think it illustrates how free you may feel when you pay attention to who you are, and Popeye did just that. We all have the option to choose what we pay attention to. Consider this: Would this be Popeye’s quote if he paid attention to what he could NOT do? Or does he feel great about himself because he is paying attention to what he CAN do? Continue reading “The Opposite End of the Spectrum”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – March 4, 2024
It might be surprising to learn that kids with ADHD are twice as likely to land in police custody at some point. In fact, as we learn more about behavior in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, it’s an easy jump to say that many of the kids in the criminal justice system should have been in the mental health system instead.
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – February 19, 2024
What is stigma? How does it impact ADHD? Is it different from discrimination? How is it different and what are its properties? Does language play a role in stigma? How can we overcome stigma? In this blog post, I’m looking into the concept of stigma to unravel its layers and explore its implications… especially regarding its impact on ADHD. Continue reading “How Stigma Impacts ADHD”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – February 12, 2024
I’m a fan of what I call insightful thinking, and I’m sharing a simple example that I think beautifully illustrates the difference between insightful thinking and methodical thinking as a way to help delineate the different types of problem-solving strategies. Let’s begin by defining a few terms so we are paying attention to the same thing.
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – February 5, 2024
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is confusing and key ADHD symptoms are often misunderstood in relationships. One of the patterns that couples fall into that is damaging for them is that they don’t understand the symptoms as they’re expressed in the relationship.
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – January 22, 2024
Life in a family of five where they all have ADHD can be a unique and challenging experience. The dynamics in such a family are often characterized by high energy levels, impulsivity, and difficulty with focus and organization. With everyone sharing similar traits, there may be a sense of understanding and empathy within the family, as they can relate to each other’s struggles. But it can also lead to chaos and frustration, as it might be harder to maintain routines and responsibilities. Continue reading “How Teens Raise ADHD Parents”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – January 8, 2024
As an ADHD and attention coach, I’m often asked what works for those with ADHD. So, I want to dive into that, but I also want to explore what doesn’t work. First, it’s essential to understand that everyone’s experience with ADHD is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. But in general, the key to success is finding strategies that support the individual’s strengths and challenges.
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 25, 2023
Have you ever meditated and noticed your mind wandering? Congratulations, you’re meditating correctly. You might be wondering, “What does meditation have to do with my ADHD?” The answer is in a paradigm shift, because meditation is all about paying attention to your attention! It’s like a workout for your mind, helping you become more aware of the present moment and improving your ability to control what you focus on. Continue reading “ADHD: Control Your Attention with Attention Exercises”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 18, 2023
The placebo effect has been documented to positively impact physical and mental health. How can this be? After all, a placebo is benign. It’s a sham or simulated intervention designed to produce a perceived or actual improvement. Many times, a placebo is used to reinforce a person’s expectation of getting well or moving forward. Studies show this phenomenon is pervasive. But, if a placebo is benign, how can it have positive effects? I’m calling this to your attention as evidence of the power of what you pay attention to. Continue reading “The Relationship Between Attention and the Placebo Effect”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 4, 2023
If you have ADHD, do you have trouble getting started? Sometimes that looks like procrastination or a lack of motivation. Have you considered a body double? Most of us think of body doubles in terms of stand-ins or stunt actors in movies or on television. I think it’s an valuable concept as a strategy to help those with ADHD. Continue reading “ADHD Solutions: Body Doubles Can Help”→
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – November 20, 2023
I’d like to share an old parable used by Mark Twain that I feel illustrates the dangers of searching for, or succumbing to, the control of others regarding what you should do in life.
A schooled military history buff died and was met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates. The man curiously asked for the identity of the most talented general of all time. To the man’s surprise, Saint Peter exclaimed, “There is no question who that is,” and pointed out the individual. Continue reading “To Be You or To Be What Others Want You To Be”→