47 Comments
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Willa Goodfellow's avatar

Well damn. I moved to another country two months ago where my ADHD meds are not available, have no idea when I might get an appointment to find another med. Just received a copy of my original ADHD evaluation in support of that effort. And the numbers on that evaluation totally explain why I am reading your substack instead of working on my current writing project. I think I will go look for the cookies that really are crackers in MY house.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

We may be soulmates Willa.

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Willa Goodfellow's avatar

After I investigate the WhatsApp notification that just dinged.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Right there with you;).

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Tom Kuegler's avatar

Michael have you seen The Bear yet? For some reason this article reminds me of the first episode of that show with all the super quick smash cuts and the electric guitar playing in the background. If you haven't seen that show, it's wild. Totally worth the watch. One of my favorite shows ever.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Possibly my top show ever also. Incredible writing. I want to get into screenwriting next and fun practice trying to describe an average day/scene and really dissect it and give it color to see if other people come along for the ride or not.

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Tom Kuegler's avatar

Can’t wait for Season 3!

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Jody Gates's avatar

Next week!

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Megan Lee's avatar

🙏🏼😂😂 From one very sweary but tries to have a f*cking I mean flipping fliter around her child, I love this. 😂

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Thank you Megan. Where I live swearing isn't as big of a deal as it was when I was growing up in the US. Kind of funny to hear kids in the park scream "What the F*ck!" from time to time.

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Jody Gates's avatar

Well, I call bullshit on the ADHD comment in the title now... no way you'd be able to remember that whirlwind, or write it down.

It took me 4 days to read that whole post as I kept disappearing to get cookies or Nutella. Then I was looking up "The Magic Clap." Then I was converting 300 meters to feet.

Needless to say, inspired writing. Literally, I'm already trying to move from 'help center article' style to a more personal 'storytelling' style and this goes in inspiration folder now. Thanks!

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Magic Clap is my kids favorite song and it's become mine now also. Lots of fun in car rides.

"M-A-G-I-C C-L-A-P let's go... with the personal storytelling style.

In my more normal writing, I have to have stories if I'm going to propose any recommendations. Very much a "How I got less bad at something and maybe a variation can work for you" and not the "How to be great at something."

I'm bogged down through July with book stuff but happy to chat sometimes about it Jody.

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Jody Gates's avatar

Your 'share my story to propose recommendations' is very much my methodology as well. I think there is something inherently ADHD in the recognition that we each have different ways to do thing, so my idea may or may not work for you... today.

I tried the hyperbolic headlines and guarantees of life changing advice and... I just don't have the confidence to make those promises. People are all different, there isn't a size that fits all.

I'd love to chat sometime, I'd love to hear the story of writing a book and marketing a book as well. I'll keep pestering you, distracting you? through the marketing month.

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Murray Galbraith's avatar

Oh f*ck! I mean faaaaark... Tried to focus long enough so I could sign up (again) and attempt to write something on Substack, started reading this and now I've done less than nothing and my kids are waiting to be picked up from school.

Worth it.

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Rif Rinaldi's avatar

The amount of smoking hot wifes here.

Thank you for sharing! Nice comedy. Wish the best on your pitching and promotions.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Thank you Rif. This was fun to write and take on a different style from my norm.

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Lily Chien-Davis's avatar

Loved reading this and have already pre-ordered your book! So relatable with all the ADHD thoughts pinging and zinging through your head as you make your way through the morning with your lovely family!

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Thank you so much for this Lily. Means the world and hope to see you around these parts more.

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AI Insights & Tool SMB HuB's avatar

i dont like how you trivialize adhd, it sucks.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Apologies you view this as trivializing ADHD as just showing an average day and where my mind goes which after 45 years I now view as beautiful.

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AverageFelix's avatar

liked your very much! honest and funny.

coming back for more of your post for sure.

Best

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Thank you very much. Love the name AverageFelix BTW. Very memorable. Hope to see more of you and your great name around these parts in the future - Michael.

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Crystal Dufour's avatar

I'm really starting to realize that the most creative minds and passionate hearts are struggling with ADHD. Awesome, I'm not alone. Good stuff.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Thank you and definitely not alone. Loads of truth to the notion that our strenghts are our weaknesses and weaknesses are our strengths.

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Will Myles's avatar

Looking forward to hearing what Tuesday is like

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Dream is to one day turn this into a daily blog. Damn bills to pay.

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Rancho's avatar

Maybe it will sell more books. You never know 😉

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Yesterday I got two emails from PR firms asking if I need help. Evidently they don't think I have a good strategy here which is a good sign that my not having a strategy is the right move....if that makes an ounce of sense.

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Rancho's avatar

Strategies will be developed gradually. Just go with the flow.

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Evelyn So (Thinker & Co.)'s avatar

“You know I’d be a famous writer if they didn’t exist,” <--- kids do cramp one's style ;)

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Michael Thompson's avatar

They're awful. Kidding. Mine are aged 6 and 9 now and loads of fun and serve as the inspiration for some of my favorite stories.

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Evelyn So (Thinker & Co.)'s avatar

I knew you were kidding of course! Mine are 20 and 16.

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Jeff Matlow's avatar

Wonderfully written article!

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Thank you Jeff. Means a lot and had a lot of funny picking at this one.

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George Chilton's avatar

My morning was similarly stressful to this (minus the pitching), so thanks for the laugh!

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Glad it loosened up the day. Was fun to write.

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Michele Price's avatar

“ Just tell your mother if you’re a little red later that you think you have a fever.”

Your youngest laughs.”

I cackled so loud I woke up the damn neighbors.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Thank you so much Michele as I was partial to that line also. I really appreciate the support as I try to get moving on here.

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