By Lori Berkey, Contributing Writer
Hudson – More than a decade ago, Hudson entrepreneur David Greenwood launched his own public relations (PR) firm. A self-proclaimed “traditional PR guy,” he could easily get his clients featured in the newspaper or land them television publicity. But as social media emerged, it changed the PR industry, and Greenwood found himself having to do more and more for each customer. Having grown up with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the situation left him scratching his head, wondering how other entrepreneurs with ADHD juggle industry changes. His quandary gave him the idea to write a book on the topic. He did, and “Overcoming Distractions: Thriving with Adult ADD/ADHD” is due for release by Sterling Publishing Tuesday, Nov. 1.
To gather information for the book, Greenwood interviewed more than two dozen successful business owners and entrepreneurs around country who happen to have ADHD. The process of listening to his interview subjects not only gave him material for creating a “how to” manual for doing great with ADHD, but also gave him some practical tips that he’s implemented in his own work life.
“I became more aware of what I need to do to be productive personally,” he said.
Greenwood’s personal toolbox for success includes regular exercise, meditation, getting adequate sleep and other techniques.
“One method that got me through a big chunk of the book is something called the Pomodoro technique,” he said.
According to Greenwood, the Pomodoro technique involves doing nothing but work for 25 minutes, taking a five-minute break, then repeating the cycle three more times to earn a 15-minute break, and continuing the process. He said he began to enjoy competing with himself to complete more cycles, and it enabled him to hyper focus to write the book.
Greenwood said the book is targeted toward any adult who has ADHD, anybody in business with ADHD, and to family members of people with ADHD, to help them understand how others manage and thrive with ADHD. He is also hoping the book will spark a greater awareness of the abilities of people with ADHD.
“I think there’s a stigma associated with people with ADHD,” Greenwood said, “that they’re completely disorganized, they always lose their car keys, they’re in bad relationships, they can’t manage their personal finances – and that’s not the case, I think, for a majority of people, especially adults, with ADHD.”
Greenwood believes that when people with ADHD fall in love with what they do, it motivates them to focus. He saw numerous examples of how enthusiasm helps when he interviewed his subjects.
“One of the things that I really found impressive is these people really followed their passion,” he said. “They found something that got them up at four in the morning saying ‘I want to go to work.’ They created businesses or they were serial entrepreneurs.”
By spreading the word about how people can and do thrive with ADHD, Greenwood hopes to create a more welcoming environment in the business sector.
“I think you can bring a lot to the table in terms of entrepreneurship, new ideas, creativity and just a new way of thinking, and I think if companies and employers shifted their understanding of ADHD and what people could bring to a work force, I think there would be a lot more acceptance,” he said.
In writing the book, Greenwood has found a new passion. He wants to write more books and do some public speaking on the topic. He aspires to go to colleges that have programs for students with ADHD to offer inspiration of how others are thriving.
“The main message is that ADHD is not a curse. In fact, if managed properly, it can be a blessing,” Greenwood said.
For more information about the book, visit www.davidagreenwood.com.
Greenwood will be presenting a discussion on tips for living a fulfilling life with ADHD, at Tatnuck Bookseller, Saturday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m.
Chris Berlow, co-author of the book, “You Have Infinite Power” will also join Greenwood to discuss techniques on how to rid your mind of negative thoughts.
Tatnuck Bookseller is located in the Westborough Shopping Center, Route 9 and Lyman St., Westborough.