From Past ADHD to Peak Performance at Work

From FAA Standards to Workplace Demands

Pilots with a past ADHD diagnosis must prove they can perform without medication. Professionals outside aviation face a similar challenge; showing up at work with focus and consistency, even when old ADHD habits resurface. For more detail on this process, see my post on FAA ADHD Fast Track Mistakes or the FAA ADHD Fast Track process.

Those requirements have an interesting parallel for many professionals outside of aviation. A lawyer, physician, or startup founder may not meet criteria for ADHD anymore, yet still notice some challenges at work. Common experiences include:

• Distractibility

• Procrastination

• Trouble with follow-through

• Difficulty staying calm under pressure.

Getting started is often the hardest barrier. The mind says "I'll get to that later...". Yet, once you begin momentum carries you forward. Even when you know a winning approach, you still have to decide to do it.

One approach that often works is to shrink a task into a tiny first step, like setting a timer for ten minutes, opening a document, and writing only a couple of sentences. Most of the people I see already know this works for them; they still need a little push to take action and get going.

Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation to explore therapy options.

Micro-Strategies That Make a Big Difference

Sometimes it helps to add micro-scaffolding, like asking a spouse or colleague to check in, which makes the commitment feel more real. These small shifts remind people that they have control and can choose to act, even when their brain is busy lobbying them for avoidance.

For more on managing stress and follow-through in daily life, see how I approach these issues in ADHD Therapy.

Why ADHD Feels Different for High-Performers

Pilots offer a good model for managing focus. They practice their trade constantly to make responses second nature. They make tasks as predictable as possible, rely on checklists to reduce uncertainty, and work with co‑pilots who provide real‑time scaffolding much like a supportive spouse or colleague might. These structures allow them to keep attention steady under pressure and avoid wasting energy on decisions that could be simplified. Aviation activities make it difficult to procrastinate!

Other strategies may involve planning short breaks or building in small rewards. The point is to make work less painful and sometimes even enjoyable. After all, our brains have a habit of pushing us toward the opposite of what is needed, like when you reach for potato chips instead of a hard boiled egg. This shows up in everyone, not just those with a history of ADHD. Your goal is to train your brain to eat the egg first, and then save room for some chips.

For related reading on how accommodations can support performance under pressure, see my post on Getting Extra Time on the LSAT or MCAT for Anxiety or ADHD.

Why Therapy Helps High-Performers with ADHD

For pilots, the FAA looks for stability and safety. For professionals, therapy provides a similar structure. It offers a space to strengthen attention, build reliable routines, and reduce stress in ways that fit real life. Where the FAA focuses on aviation safety, therapy focuses on sustainable performance and overall quality of life. You can explore more about my Therapy Services here.

If this all sounds familiar, a focused round of therapy can help strengthen the systems you already have so that your work and daily life feel more manageable...and sometimes even enjoyable!

Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation to explore therapy options.