ADHD + Human Design – Are we just designed this way?

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As someone with ADHD, I’ve always been interested in finding ways to work with my unique energy rather than against it. That’s why I was excited to learn about Human Design and how it can help people like me harness their energy in a way that feels empowering.

What is Human Design?

Human Design is a personality model that I recently discovered, and I’ve been fascinated by its insights into how individuals can best navigate the world based on their unique energy type.

It was developed by a man named Robert Allan Krakower, who later changed his name to Ra Uru Hu. He apparently had a mystical experience in 1987 that led him to channel a new system of knowledge that combined elements of astrology, the I Ching, the Kabbalah, and quantum physics. He spent the rest of his life teaching and promoting the system, which he called Human Design.

So, is Human Design scientifically based?

The short answer is no. While the system incorporates elements of quantum physics, it has not been scientifically validated or studied in any rigorous way. There is no evidence to suggest that the system is based on any objective reality or that it has any predictive power.

What People With ADHD Can Learn From Human Design

Even though Human Design isn’t based in science, man people find value in the system as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth. Human Design provides a framework for understanding one’s unique energy type, and it can help individuals make decisions that feel aligned with their authentic selves.

As an ADHD trained coach, I cannot tell you how important it is for my ADHD clients to understand themselves and build self-awareness around their authentic strengths, interests and energy. To that end, I think the human design framework can provide insights and clarity that we may not otherwise notice about ourselves.

How Human Design Supports an ADHD-Friendly Lifestyle

The study of human design emphasizes the importance of honoring one’s unique strengths and interests, and it encourages individuals to live in a way that feels fulfilling and authentic to them. While this is beneficial for all human beings to embrace, it’s especially true for folks with ADHD. If we’re not honoring our unique strengths and harnessing our often unpredictable energy, then we’re not tapping into our true potential as neurodivergents.

What is a Manifesting Generator?

Manifesting Generators are one of the five energy types within the Human Design system. The interesting trait I noticed about this sub-type is that Manifesting Generators are able to hold simultaneous energy for many activities and passions (a key ADHD trait).

Manifesting Generator archetypes are multi-passionate, multi-hyphenate individuals with a ton of varying interests and lots of energy. They’re the second-most common type of energy type in the Human Design system, representing about 34% of the global population.

Align With What Lights You Up – Important for Manifesting Generators and ADHD’ers

One of the most important themes for Manifesting Generators is aligning their energy with what lights them up. This is true for ADHDers as well. When we do things that we’re passionate about, we have seemingly limitless energy and focus. On the other hand, when we’re doing things that don’t interest us or feel like a chore, it’s a short road to burn out.

The key for me has been to identify what lights me up and to prioritize those things in my life. This means saying “no” to things that don’t align with my passions and interests, even if they seem like they would be good opportunities or are expected of me by others.

Embracing Multifaceted Desires

Another key trait of Manifesting Generators is their deep, multifaceted desires. This is certainly true for ADHD’ers as well. Personally, I have a lot of different interests and passions, and I often struggle with feeling like I need to choose just one thing to focus on.

However, by embracing our multifaceted desires and allowing ourselves to explore multiple interests at once, we can find a sense of fulfillment and purpose that we might not have otherwise. This is so true for me as a creator. I’ve been able to pursue topics and genres that interest me, rather than feeling like I need to stick to one niche, but I create through the lens of ADHD and how it impacts my community.

Using Energy to Respond (I Love This)

Manifesting Generators are meant to use their energy by responding to initiations outside of themselves. This means that they can access their energy by saying “yes” or “no” to things that align with their passions and interests. As an ADHDer, I’ve found that this approach works well for me too.

Rather than trying to force myself to focus on something that doesn’t interest me, I’ve learned to listen to my gut and only pursue opportunities that feel like a “yes” to me. Of course, this doesn’t mean that I can always avoid tasks that don’t interest me, but it does mean that I can be more intentional about how I use my energy and avoid burnout.

Finding the Right Environment – A Critical Step for Manifesting Generators and ADHD’ers

Both Manifesting Generators and ADHDers can struggle in environments that don’t honor their varied interests or require them to stay in their proverbial lane. For me, this has meant seeking out a career as a coach and creator, where I can explore multiple topics and genres. It’s also meant being intentional about how I structure my workday and creating an environment that allows me to focus on what’s important to me.

Thriving with ADHD as a Manifesting Generator in Human Design

For me, thriving as an ADHD Manifesting Generator has meant embracing my multifaceted desires and prioritizing the things that light me up. It’s meant learning to use my energy to respond to opportunities that align with my passions, rather than trying to force myself to focus on things that don’t interest me. And it’s meant seeking out an environment that allows me to explore my interests and pursue my passions.

Whether or not you’re an ADHDer who identifies as a Manifesting Generator, I encourage you to explore the Human Design framework and see how it can complement your understanding of your unique strengths and challenges. By embracing your multifaceted desires and aligning with what lights you up, you can create a life that is both fulfilling and productive.

At the end of the day, what matters most is that you find a way to honor your unique strengths and to live in a way that feels fulfilling and authentic to you. Whether that means embracing Human Design, exploring other models and frameworks, or simply following your gut, the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and your unique energy.