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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Faster Than Normal summary
Turbocharge Your Focus, Productivity, and Success with the Secrets of the ADHD Brain
15 mins
Brief summary
Faster Than Normal by Peter Shankman explores the concept of ADHD as a gift, not a curse. It gives practical tips and strategies for harnessing the benefits of ADHD to become more productive and successful.
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Faster Than Normal
Summary of 4 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 4
A blessing, not a curse
Growing up in New York City in the 1980s, Peter Shankman knew he was different. He was always blurting things out without thinking, which got him beaten up or sent to the principal’s office on countless occasions. He couldn’t remember to tidy his room, but every once in a while he would clean the entire home to perfection and do all of the family’s laundry on top of that. He could focus for hours on a complex project, but in the middle of a basic task, he’d get distracted.
The issues followed Shankman to adulthood, especially in his personal life, where he had a string of failed relationships. He was bemoaning yet another breakup during a therapy session when his therapist threw a book at him. Literally. Hit him right in the gut with a copy of Delivered from Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey.
Figuratively, it hit him in the heart.
Shankman cried as he read their description of ADHD – attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. He finally felt seen as the book explained how the condition makes life a paradox; makes you feel laser-focused one minute but spacey the next; makes you ultra-confident one day but insecure another. Most importantly, the book helped Shankman understand his ADHD was a blessing, not a curse.
For now, remember the book, Delivered from Distraction as we’ll come back to it at the end of this Blink. And remember the key lesson it taught Shankman, which is the foundational premise for his book and this Blink – ADHD is not a disease, it’s a power, and if harnessed correctly, it can be a superpower that leads to an amazing life.
In general, people with ADHD are creative, eager, spontaneous, daring, inventive, and compassionate. Their brains work faster than normal – sound familiar? Some of history’s most famous thinkers exhibited traits that could have easily led to an ADHD diagnosis if such a thing had existed in their day. You may know some of the names, like Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci, Ben Franklin, Louis Pasteur, Henry Ford, and Albert Einstein. Many of them struggled with everyday tasks and in school. They were all considered different, they all had failures, and yet they all changed the world.
Without getting too scientific, people with ADHD don’t produce enough of the chemicals that help us focus and feel happy – dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline. Our modern understanding of ADHD has only started to gain traction in the last 25 years or so, but doctors have been observing and noting ADHD behaviors – such as wild swings in attention span and lack of a verbal filter – since the mid-1800s.
If left unchecked, ADHD can be disastrous for people who have it. They can be forgetful, distracted, and unreliable. Their overactive brains make it hard for them to relax or sleep. They’re prone to addiction, anxiety, and depression. That’s why ADHD must be monitored and rules must be put in place to harness its power. And that’s exactly what we’ll cover in the next section.
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What is Faster Than Normal about?
Faster Than Normal (2017) explains that ADHD isn’t a disease to be diagnosed but a power to be nurtured and harnessed. If you follow certain rituals and avoid the triggers that lead to self-destructive behavior, you can utilize the full power of your brain to create an extremely productive and deeply fulfilling life.
Faster Than Normal Review
Faster Than Normal (2017) by Peter Shankman is a book that sheds light on the superpowers and advantages of living with ADHD. Here's why you should definitely read it:
- Packed with eye-opening insights and helpful strategies, it offers practical advice for harnessing ADHD's strengths and leading a successful life.
- Through real-life stories and relatable experiences, the book highlights the unique abilities and creativity that come with ADHD, challenging the notion of it being a deficit.
- With its refreshing perspective and actionable solutions, it provides a refreshing and engaging take on ADHD, ensuring that readers won't find it boring.
Who should read Faster Than Normal?
- Anyone who wants to supercharge their brain and their life
- People with ADHD who want to understand ADHD better
- Anyone who loves or works with someone with ADHD
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Faster Than Normal FAQs
What is the main message of Faster Than Normal?
The main message of Faster Than Normal is that ADHD can be a superpower if managed correctly.
How long does it take to read Faster Than Normal?
The reading time for Faster Than Normal varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Faster Than Normal a good book? Is it worth reading?
Faster Than Normal is a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding and harnessing the power of ADHD. It provides practical insights and strategies for success.
Who is the author of Faster Than Normal?
The author of Faster Than Normal is Peter Shankman.
What to read after Faster Than Normal?
If you're wondering what to read next after Faster Than Normal, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Successful Time Management by Patrick Forsyth
- DIRTY LAUNDRY by Richard Pink & Roxanne Emery
- ADHD for Smart Ass Women by Tracy Otsuka
- The ADHD Advantage by Dale Archer
- 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management by Kevin Kruse
- Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg
- The Couple's Guide to Thriving with ADHD by Melissa Orlov & Nancie Kohlenberger
- ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey
- The Better Brain by Bonnie J. Kaplan and Julia J. Rucklidge
- Scattered Minds by Gabor Maté