A newly revised and updated edition of the classic guide to reframing our view of ADHD and embracing its benefits • Explains that people with ADHD are not disordered or dysfunctional, but simply “hunters in a farmer’s world”--possessing a unique mental skill set that would have allowed them to thrive in a hunter-gatherer society • Offers concrete non-drug methods and practices to help hunters--and their parents, teachers, and managers--embrace their differences, nurture creativity, and find success in school, at work, and at home • Reveals how some of the world’s most successful people can be labeled as ADHD hunters, including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, and Andrew Carnegie With 10 percent of the Western world’s children suspected of having Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADHD, and a growing number of adults self-diagnosing after decades of struggle, the question must be raised: How could Nature make such a “mistake”? In this updated edition of his groundbreaking classic, Thom Hartmann explains that people with ADHD are not abnormal, disordered, or dysfunctional, but simply “hunters in a farmer’s world.” Often highly creative and single-minded in pursuit of a self-chosen goal, those with ADHD symptoms possess a unique mental skill set that would have allowed them to thrive in a hunter-gatherer society. As hunters, they would have been constantly scanning their environment, looking for food or threats (distractibility); they’d have to act without hesitation (impulsivity); and they’d have to love the high-stimulation and risk-filled environment of the hunting field. With our structured public schools, office workplaces, and factories those who inherit a surplus of “hunter skills” are often left frustrated in a world that doesn’t understand or support them. As Hartmann shows, by reframing our view of ADHD, we can begin to see it not as a disorder, but as simply a difference and, in some ways, an advantage. He reveals how some of the world’s most successful people can be labeled as ADHD hunters and offers concrete non-drug methods and practices to help hunters--and their parents, teachers, and managers--embrace their differences, nurture creativity, and find success in school, at work, and at home. Providing a supportive “survival” guide to help fine tune your natural skill set, rather than suppress it, Hartmann shows that each mind--whether hunter, farmer, or somewhere in between--has value and great potential waiting to be tapped.

Can drugs cure Attention Deficit Disorder? Why are some ADD children and adults more successful that their normal peers? What professions are best for ADD people?

How to harness your ADHD “hunter” strengths to start your own business and prosper in the workplace • Provides organizational strategies, tips to maintain focus, and tools to set goals, build a business plan, and discover the right project to keep you motivated • Shares ADHD success stories from Fortune 500 CEOs, inventors, small business owners, and the author’s own experience in launching new businesses • Explains the positive side of ADHD behavior in the context of creating a business, working within an existing company, and raising children with ADHD Most people do not “grow out” of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For many, their ADHD traits have led to difficulties in school, relationships, and work. But for our hunter-gatherer ancestors these characteristics were necessary for survival. Hunters must be easily distractible, constantly scanning their environment, and unafraid of taking risks. When humanity experienced the agricultural revolution 10,000 years ago, a vastly different type of personality--the methodical “Farmer”--became dominant. Most of our modern world is tailored to this Farmer personality, from 9-to-5 jobs to the structure of public schools, leaving ADHD Hunters feeling like unsuccessful outcasts. However, the Hunter skill set offers many opportunities for success in today’s Farmer society--if you learn how to embrace your ADHD traits instead of fighting against them. In this step-by-step guide, Thom Hartmann explains the positive side of Hunter behavior. He reveals how Hunters make excellent entrepreneurs, sharing ADHD success stories from Fortune 500 CEOs, inventors, small business owners, and his own hands-on experience in launching new businesses. Drawing on solid scientific and psychological principles, he provides easy-to-follow organizational strategies, tips to maintain focus and create a distraction-free workspace, and tools to set goals, build a business plan, and discover the right business project to keep you motivated. Hartmann shares valuable advice for both the Hunter entrepreneur and the Hunter within an existing company and for curtailing the aggressive side of the Hunter personality in group situations or manager positions. Revealing the many ADHD opportunities hidden within the challenges of work, relationships, and day-to-day life, Hartmann also includes tips on navigating family relationships and parenting--for most Hunter parents are also raising Hunter children.

Culled from the author's bestselling books on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, this volume folds in new information about the condition and urges parents to find alternative education when the public schools fail to assist their children. 20 charts, tables, worksheets.

The most comprehensive holistic guide to transforming adult ADD / ADHD. "The Drummer and the Great Mountain - A Guidebook to Transforming Adult ADD/ADHD" starts with the premise that ADD/ADHD is a neurological type, not a disorder -- shared by countless artists and great minds throughout history. It offers a soulful, comprehensive, and holistic support system for creative individuals looking to maximize their potential and minimize their challenges with focus and consistency. Topics covered: Nutrition, Exercise, Emotional Support Tools, Time Management, Life Visioning, Creating Effective Support Systems, ADD / ADHD and Addiction, Meditation and Mindfulness Practices, and much more. Who Can Benefit: 1. Anyone diagnosed (or self-diagnosed) with ADD / ADHD. 2. Artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and creative-types who struggle with consistency, structure, self-motivation, and possibly addictive tendencies. 3. People taking ADD / ADHD medication who are looking for effective, natural alternatives. 4. Social Workers, therapists, and wellness professionals seeking a comprehensive support plan for their clients. 5. Spouses, partners, and parents looking for ways to effectively support their loved ones. 6. Teachers, life coaches and support professionals wanting to discover more in-depth tools of support. "The Drummer and the Great Mountain is an informative, practical guidebook for those of us with the artistic or entrepreneurial temperament, offering a treasure trove of survival tools, personal growth techniques and coping mechanisms for a personality type that can often be at odds with our linear, rational society." ~ Warren Goldie, Author “This book seems to not only span the whole spectrum of the ADD/ADHD subject but pierces deeply, bringing into focus the essential value of each part of our lives to augment – even perfect – our given natures; no matter how unique, rare or misunderstood.” ~ Doro Kiley, Life Coach “Michael has taken a deeper look at how the foods we eat affect our brain chemistry. He has done a beautiful job explaining this phenomenon in clear and understandable terms; offering a realistic roadmap on how to recognize and take control of detrimental dietary patterns.” ~ Jennifer Copyak, Nutritionist

"ADHD Secrets of Success, an update of Thom Hartmann's critically-acclaimed Focus Your Energy, will help ADHDers understand and overcome the symptoms of their condition that may hold them back, and take advantage of the traits marking them for success"--Page 4 of cover.

Explains the author's hunter/farmer hypothesis about the origins of ADD and offers stories of patients who have suceeded in life