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I am 30, a freelance writer, ADHD, with too many interests, confused what to choose. Any help?

I have multiple interests like filmmaking, movies, art/digital art, fiction writing/novel, screenwriting, basically anything related to story and the craft of storytelling in any medium- writing, visual, etc. With that, I am also too driven for pyschology, self-help, sprituality and philosphy stuff. Then some business aspect with blogging or online stuff attracts me too with the same with Youtube. I am fascinated with content creation for a long time.

Having diagnosed with adhd, choosing one thing feels painful and like i am leaving a part of my personality behind, missing out. Even though i entertained the fact that i can be all or most or some one by one over time, and not have to choose. you know the specialization vs generalization thing. But struggling with the concept of not being master in one as well.

Any help on this, any resource or anything will be great!

Thank you comment icon Your interest in psychology will help in writing convincing characters in a screenplay. Discipline and focus are always important. I have written 7 feature film screenplays by wrting in 2 hour blocks. Set an alarm and don't take a break. Here is a writing challenge for you. Write a screenplay about a 30 year old writer with adhd who meets a world famous director and the director gives them a 21 day deadline to deliver a script to them. If they can do it, he will make it. How does the writer overcome her adhd to complete the task? In writing this 'autobiographical' script you might answer your own question. Garrett John Hunter

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Kay !

I congratulate you on having many important interests because that is the seed that will grow many opportunities for you. There is good news in what you've said about your current concern and I would like to provide some advice for you so that you can begin. Begin with the things that you love.

What stands out to me is your love of film making. All of your other interests fit very well with that. The most important advice I can give you since you have come to a fruitless end is that overthinking will cause you to do nothing. It's like a buffer and the more you over think and worry, the more delayed your actual work will be. Everything you are interested in will culminate into one fine career in film. But you must start and that seems to be the issue.

Story telling, writing, visual arts, psychology, self-help, spirituality, philosophy and business are all elements of film. You seem to have the whole package but how can you develop the motivation to begin ? We all have to start sometime and now is a great time for you because you have come up with the perfect ingredients that will be necessary to start learning about being a film maker. You probably didn't recognize it because of the overthinking you said you do.

I would suggest making a plan and that means writing it out on paper or computer print out. Make your goals easy to do and take things step by step. One goal could be to write a story treatment about a film you'd like to write. Conceptualize it. Next goal would be to write the first five pages of the screenplay. A career for film requires interaction with other people so another goal would be to do a search online for film companies or groups to meet other people in film. Go to college for film and immerse yourself and start making contacts. You may be in your situation right now also because you may not be socializing enough to get the motivation you need to start something.

Your comfort zone is turning into an uncomfortable zone for you, but you can progress forward when you are ready to do so. Also, do not underestimate your talent for freelance writing, that is an accomplishment and should be recognized. It is time to master the art of being you ! I would also advise widening your social circle with positive, encouraging and motivational type people. People that can bring out the best in you, It's not easy to break out of a slump but eventually everyone does and you can too. Just think of how much your work will touch people and that is a great contribution to make. Defy the things that hold you back. This too is a process, so go easy on yourself and take your time, but write out a plan on paper and have small goals that you can easily do. Those small goals will lead to big accomplishments. Choosing one thing will not be as painful if you realize that in film, you can highlight all of your interests. You are worried about things that haven't happened yet. That is something that naturally holds people back. Know that many people share your amount of interests. Let things happen in a natural flow.

The best thing is that you have clearly recognized your conflict and have reached out for advice about it. That is a very useful place to begin. Know that you are a valuable person with so much to contribute in life and I do hope that this has been helpful.

Best wishes and success in all you do !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

MUMBAI FILM COMPANIES https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Film_production_companies_based_in_Mumbai
INCREASE SOCIALIZATION https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/12-ways-improve-social-skills-and-make-you-sociable-anytime.html
FILM INDUSTRY POSITIONS IN MUMBAI https://in.jooble.org/jobs-film-industry-freshers/Mumbai
ENJOY YOUR LIFE WITHOUT OVERTHINKING https://www.themuse.com/advice/6-easy-ways-to-stop-overthinking-every-little-thing-and-just-enjoy-your-life
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Michele’s Answer

I'm not sure that your varied interests are a hindrance. You mention that you want to be a content creator through film/YouTube or written format. You also mention your interests in psychology, self-help, spirituality, and philosophy.

Every piece of content requires a subject. Perhaps you could consider creating films and YouTube videos about aspects of psychology, self-help, spirituality, and philosophy. If you prefer creating fiction, look into how you can explore themes of psychology, spirituality, and philosophy in your work.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Kay,

Navigating the Crossroads of Career Selection

As an individual with ADHD and a multitude of passions, you may find the task of selecting a singular career path daunting. This is a familiar struggle for many in your position, as ADHD often brings with it a diverse set of interests and talents. Remember, opting for one career doesn't necessitate forsaking your other passions. Instead, seek out creative ways to weave them into the fabric of your life.

The Power of Being a Jack-of-all-Trades

In our rapidly evolving world, possessing a wide array of knowledge and skills can be a potent asset. With the relentless pace of change and escalating intricacy in numerous fields, a broad spectrum of abilities can give you a significant edge. By nurturing multiple interests, you can cultivate a unique viewpoint and skillset that can be utilized across various domains.

The Art of Skill Diversification versus Specialization

While concentrating on a single skill can lead to expertise, it isn't the sole route to accomplishment. Cultivating a variety of skills can also pave the way to a prosperous and gratifying career. By exploring your diverse interests, you can gain proficiency in multiple areas, enhancing your worth and opening up fresh opportunities.

Blueprint for Juggling Multiple Passions

Here are some tactics to help you manage your multiple interests:

Rank Your Passions: Pinpoint your most cherished interests and rank them. Concentrate on honing skills in these areas first, while keeping your other interests alive.
Establish Achievable Goals: Formulating achievable goals for each of your passions can help you advance without feeling swamped. Segment your goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
Design a Timetable: Crafting a timetable that accommodates each of your interests can aid in effective time management. This can also prevent feelings of being inundated and stressed.
Champion Lifelong Learning: Championing lifelong learning can keep you updated in each of your areas of interest, helping you acquire new skills and maintain engagement with your passions over time.
Explore Diverse Careers: Explore careers that let you utilize multiple skills and interests. For instance, a career in content creation could let you employ your skills in filmmaking, writing, and psychology.
Solicit Support: Solicit support from friends, family, and mentors who comprehend your predicament and can offer guidance and motivation.
Tools for Additional Support

Here are some tools that could prove beneficial:

Books: “The ADD Entrepreneur: Turning Your Passions into Profits” by Carol Gignoux; “The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity” by Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott; “Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World” by David Epstein.
Websites: ADDitude (www.additude.com); MindTools (www.mindtools.com); TED Talks (www.ted.com).
Career Counseling: Consider enlisting the help of a career counselor who specializes in aiding individuals with ADHD or other learning differences. They can assist you in identifying your strengths, interests, and values, and crafting a career plan that aligns with them.

May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
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Kevin’s Answer

Hey there, I think what your going through is normal. There is always this never-ending struggle to find satisfaction where once you've done that one thing you set your mind to even, if its just a small step you already want more of the next thing to come. And that negative empty side where not knowing how or when to obtain just destroys you but you attempt to act as though you are fully well because your not sure you should be feeling anything differently so, as to not effect others around your surroundings.

You are never as alone with this as your mind would allow you to believe. It doesn't matter the age, the race or the gender you will always have this challenge to open the next door ahead of you, try the next thing to come into mind even if it is not clear yet. You've said you struggle to focus because a ADHD but you can be aware of you want, what you struggles are and that you honestly do not wish to be stuck in one place forever.
Keep moving forward and if your not sure what to specialize in that's okay, to be a jack of traits.

The option of branching out is open. You could work as a filmmaking and go on to join a group of artists or writing/novels to the side and find yourself in a transition later down the road.
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Honda’s Answer

Hello Kay,

It's wonderful that you have such a wide range of interests and passions! However, choosing a specific path can be difficult when you have so many diverse fields you want to explore. Instead of viewing your diverse interests as a disadvantage, view them as an asset. Your ability to draw from multiple fields can bring a unique perspective to your work.

Determine which interests are most important to you at this point in your life. Think about what brings you the most joy, aligns with your long-term goals, and has the potential for growth and improvement.
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Curtz W.’s Answer

Hello, Kay
I struggle with ADHD daily, and seeing your choice is not easy. What an exciting and creative person you are to wish to venture into multiple fields. There are favorable ways to challenge ADHD that benefit us and other options that might cause frustration, undue hardships, and disappointments. Unfortunately, and fortunately, it is advisable that you make a choice, focus on it, and build up your professionalism.
You may consider learning and harnessing one avocation sufficiently to an employable level, then proceeding to a relative field. For instance, you could first take on cinemaphotography and then gain instruction on directing and producing a feature film. True, people might achieve them all at once, yet the effect could be overwhelming, particularly for an individual with ADHD. Success stories exist about individuals scoring high on their first written, directed, and produced work. More than them are the disastrous outcomes and ruined careers.
Please keep in mind that an amiable reputation is strengthened by experience. It is also enhanced by wise decisions and proper procedures that lead to success. For example, a new writer usually does not change the rules of grammar but rather excels at them. You have the opportunity to explore the universe of your selected occupation, meet like-minded creatives, and build networks.
Whichever path you decide on, it is vital for any ADHD artist to maintain an effective schedule and be organized. Please care for yourself and do not take on too much to comprehend; instead, get the most from your life with contentment. I wish you the best.
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Andre’s Answer

Hey, I was in your shoes just a few months ago, grappling with the same issue. Let me share with you the steps I took. One day, I sat down and penned all the things that sparked my curiosity. Afterward, I simply...stepped back. Yes, you got it right. I then spent a whole day in quiet solitude. The following day, I revisited my list and began to rank them based on their importance to me, or rather, what truly ignited my passion. I discovered my love for assisting others and crafting imaginative narratives. I pondered how I could merge these two passions to benefit myself. Ultimately, I chose to return to school to study Screenwriting and Social Work. It might sound odd, but consider this: all writers draw their inspiration from their interests and experiences. Always remember, a writer pens what they know, not what they're unfamiliar with.

Take all your interests and explore ways to blend them. If spirituality and self-help resonate with you, delve into some books on these topics. If psychology piques your interest, consider enrolling in a few classes for a deeper understanding. By doing so, you'll unearth inspiration to weave creative stories in any format you prefer. Just remember, never, under any circumstance, should you let go of something that forms an integral part of who you are.
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Patrick’s Answer

You clearly have a wide range of interests and skills, which can be both a gift and a hurdle, particularly when dealing with ADHD. Here are some practical steps and things to think about to help manage this situation.

First, it's crucial to understand that having many interests isn't a drawback, but an advantage. The challenge is to find a way to unite these varied passions into a single path that brings both personal satisfaction and professional achievement.

One possible solution is to look into fields that combine different interests. For instance, merging writing abilities with filmmaking or digital art could open doors to screenwriting or creating content for online platforms like YouTube. This not only uses existing skills but also offers a chance to learn and expand within a wider field.

Since you enjoys storytelling in various forms, concentrating on perfecting the art of storytelling could be a common thread linking different activities. This might include learning about story techniques, character building, and plot design, which are useful in writing, filmmaking, and other creative pursuits.

When it comes to managing ADHD and the associated challenge of picking one specific path, a flexible approach might be beneficial. Rather than seeing specialization and generalization as opposites, think about blending the two, where you can specialize in certain areas while keeping a wide range of interests. This might involve setting aside specific times to delve deeply into a particular field while also allowing for discovery and experimentation in other areas.

Useful tactics for managing ADHD in this situation could be to break big goals into smaller, more achievable tasks, set clear deadlines and priorities, and use organization tools like planners or digital apps to stay focused. Also, getting help from professionals, like therapists or ADHD coaches, can offer tailored strategies for dealing with executive function issues and decision-making difficulties.

Lastly, it's vital for you to practice self-kindness and acceptance throughout this process. It's completely normal to feel unsure or overwhelmed by the idea of picking a single path, and accepting the complexity of one's interests can ultimately lead to a more rewarding and fulfilling career path. Fostering a mindset of curiosity, growth, and resilience can equip this person to handle the natural uncertainties of career exploration with confidence and poise.
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Latina’s Answer

Hello! I can completely relate to your experience as I also grapple with ADHD and am a creative individual. Just like the multitude of ideas that flood my mind, there's an equally long list of tasks I need to tackle to achieve my goals. I'd recommend exploring the expansive world of graphic design, a field where you can dabble in a multitude of areas. This includes Typography, which can lead you to logo design, and subsequently to creating engaging flyers, among other creative pursuits.

My journey began with photography and then transitioned into graphics when I needed to design a logo and create a website to display my work. From there, it just took off. UX/UI design is another exciting area that can be quite engaging for minds like ours. It provides a perfect blend of technicality and creativity, ensuring that our creative energy is constantly stimulated.

I often turn to YouTube tutorials for learning different aspects of graphic design. Start from there and see where it takes you. You might end up discovering a completely new path. Stay receptive to all possibilities because when it comes to creativity, the sky is the limit. Wishing you abundant blessings on your exciting journey.
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William’s Answer

If you a confused on which career to choose from among many of your abilities.
Do these:
Learn to prioritize opportunities. The strength, weaknesses, opportunities and treats (SWOT) analysis on your various career options will help you.
After scoring the options.
Research each of your career options to know better.
Consider making a scale of preference, and choose your career not just based on emotions, but on sound reasons backed with facts.
Consider your personality. I mean personal values too, so that you enjoy satisfaction.
Choose the right career, count other options as forgone alternatives, though you may have keep some options as part of your hobbies and extracurricular activities, if you love doing such things.
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MOHAMMED SURAJ’s Answer

It's great that you have so many interests! To help narrow things down, try focusing on what brings you the most joy and fulfillment. Consider your strengths, values, and long-term goals. Additionally, creating a schedule or prioritizing tasks can help manage ADHD symptoms and make decision-making easier. Would you like assistance brainstorming potential focus areas based on your interests?
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Tami’s Answer

Why not write about all of those things? You're not alone when it comes to having lots of interesting things to do or at least think about. Managing your time and devoting portions of it on various things is possible and may prove to help with your blogging. You are very honest about your situation, but have you considered developing a writer's persona and creating a digest in a way that is private, yet remains sincere? You could use rebranding of yourself like this to also include other arenas, such as offering merch or even printables.

Tami recommends the following next steps:

Create a mood board (or a few, many) of random ideas
Do some brainstorming on ideas that really stick with you
Come up with a schedule for areas of interest, i.e. 15 minutes per week for each aspect
Use your curiosity for the greater good, i.e. mental health awareness could be a central theme or focus.
Try to enjoy the creative process and have fun
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