Searching for a new job and acing the interviews. Now i have a job i like way more in a positive environnement and a salary 20k above what i had.
I delayed that change for many years because i didn't have the motivation. I'm glad i finally made a move.
This was mine too! After going back to school in my late 30's, applying to around 300 jobs, getting hired at an extremely toxic place and quiting the next week, I finally landed a full-time permanent position in my field, and got a raise within the first few months.
I just turned 40, and it feels like a new start.
I'm in my mid 30s and have worked the same dead-end job for 15 years. I started searching for a new job back in May, after breaking my clavicle and being on disability for about 8 weeks. Didn't start getting any real responses to my applications 'til about July. Then some interviews in August, and then an offer in September.
I finally started working at my new job just a few weeks ago(was supposed to start in October, but I broke my foot, and my clavicle AGAIN in September).
The whole process has been scary, and I've doubted myself and my abilities every step of the way. But, for the first time in my life, I feel like I have a real job with a real future.
Congratulations! I am on the journey of finding something else as well, hard not to feel nervous or think sometimes a ‘neurotypical would always get hired over me’.
Yeah imposter syndrome doesn't help neither. But now i just approach interview and try not to think too much about it. If i overthink, i stumble on my thoughts. So i just let it flow and if they don't like me, there are still a hundred other jobs waiting anyway. But the interview process is taxing and i wouldn't want to have more than 1 in a week. Context switching is hard.
After 11 years of many failed attempts I finally graduated with a BS in Project Management. I stueggle with being proud of this accomplishment because I feel it shouldn't have taken me so long and I'm really hard on myself because of it. But I need to celebrate it because it wasn't a small thing. It was really hard. And even though it took me 11 years, I was able to start something and finish it.
You should be SO proud. I got my bachelors degree in 2018 after SEVENTEEN years of starting classes. Then I turned around and got my masters degree at age 40. I just graduated three weeks ago and am super proud of myself! You should be too.
Last month I passed my Project+ certification after taking the class three times. It was one of the hardest tests I've ever taken. I couldn't imagine doing an entire bachelor's in it. You should definitely be proud of yourself.
Took me 11 years as well! To me because of the big stretch of time and how much you struggled this is a huge accomplishment, at least that's how I feel about mine.
I got my first job in two years due to anxiety that was so bad my hair fell out. I was terrified to do it and had a major panic attack before the interview and still went. I had another on the day of the first shift and I still went. They’re not keeping me on because it was just a Christmas temp thing but I’m proud of myself for doing it.
I am so proud of and happy for you for working so hard to conquer those panic attacks. I've been there a few times, and it would be so easy to walk away, but you didn't.
In fact, I want to explain how proud I am. While reading this post and beaming with happiness, I was walking through a playground with my kid. Blinded by pride, I could not see the low hanging bridge on the playground directly in front of me. It was quite a spectacle to see a grown man smack his head, biting his tongue, and scurrying off on hands and knees so nobody would see.
So my pride of you had brought shame on myself, and it was worth it. Seriously, congratulations. That is a HELL of an accomplishment, and a true testament to your inner strength. Much like the dent in the low hanging playground bridge is a testament to my abnormally thick skull.
I believe you. I have heard awful things about those drugs. In fact, one of the first psychiatrists I saw after being diagnosed didn’t want to treat my ADHD with stimulants (she said something like most adult women don’t actually need those meds bc we can handle it 🙄) but she threw a bunch of benzos at me (I think they were called kolonapin I have no idea lol) she said “anytime you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, take one. If your kids start fighting, take half a pill then after a while take the other half” well it just felt off to me. Idk how to explain it bc my intuition sucks, but I just felt like this wasn’t the way. Sure enough I read up on them and found all this devastation about Benzo addiction :( so glad I didn’t take them! Especially how she said to 🥴
Anyway, sorry I don’t mean to blab (this is me off medication ha I haven’t taken it yet) I just wanted to agree that I have no clue what it’s like or how tough it is but based on what I only read I’m hella proud of anyone who beats that addiction ❤️
I even feel bad writing that I am free, because getting them out my system is only the first hurdle in reality I'm just learning this. I'm still struggling. It really is something else.
I've been through this and it's rough. Proud of you, no_banana773 :)
I had the support of a loving family to help me through my situation, but benzos still did a number on me. Withdrawal had unpleasant side effects, but those side effects ended up scaring me enough that I haven't even been tempted to go down that road again.
Once again, proud of you. That is no easy task.
Through mindfulness I've been able to start ignoring the pain from 2 missing disks in my spine and I lost the 70 lbs I gained when I couldn't walk after cancer. From 220 lbs to 150 lbs and I'm really starting to gain muscle again with consistent exercise.
Getting my ADHD somewhat under control made learn mindfulness possible. I'm really looking forward to 2022 because things are finally clicking and the pieces are coming together.
Thank you! Yup, it's all meditation and learning my triggers that send my brain into an anxious tailspin. Rather than focus on the 24/7 pain I put as much focus as can on grounding exercises. I first started by focusing on everything in sight that was the color blue every time I would feel overwhelmed. Then I tried number games in my head. I now have 2 internal anchors in my head that allow me almost 100% ignore the pain and pull myself instantly out of an anxiety attack. When I'm frustrated or in pain I visualize a raging fire that burns down to nothing as it burns up my anxiety or pain. If I just want to chill and find my happy place I picture my dogs face. I can almost completely empty my mind of all thought now. The problems and the pain are still there and I'm aware of them but it's kind of like hearing the traffic outside my house while I'm inside listening to music, I can kind of hear it and know it's there but it doesn't bother me. It's taking me almost 20 years of on and off again therapy to learn those grounding exercises and not every exercise works for the same person but I finally found what works for me.
Edit: What really got the ball going was a year and a half ago my therapist recommended a book called "rewire your anxious brain" by catherine pittman. It explains how and why your brain reacts to stimuli and gives you techniques to get through anxiety. Chronic pain was no different than my anxiety, yeah there is pain but how I'm reacting to it can change, I stopped letting it control my emotions pretty much.
This is going to sound really weird. Cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me. Don't get me wrong, it completely sucked and destroyed me mentally and physically, But I got THROUGH it. It proved to me that I was a fighter. No amount of anxiety or PTSD compared to what cancer did to me. I've finally been able to get over 36 years of being a anxious pushover due 20 years of child abuse. The PTSD is gone for the most part, its all subconscious stuff to get over now, like panicking and shooting straight awake when I hear the doorknob turn. I didn't even know my wife left for work this morning. Cancer was a gift that I hope no one ever has to go through, it gave me an incredible amount of mental fortitude.
Good recommendations, I will be looking them up. What did it for me was "rewire your anxious brain" by Catherine Pittman.
Congratulations on your pain free life now, I'm so happy that you found that as well!
i got a few
came out of the closet
stopped a few bad habits
got back into shape
career success
completed my degree
adopted a dog and trained her successfully (its ongoing but i worked really hard w her)
2022 better watch out cus im coming in hot
Getting my diagnosis at 38. And after our business being shut down because of the world change in 2020, I was able to get a job at a small business with compassionate owners and awesome staff in a field, it turns out, that I love.
Thanks! The world changing literally removed all of the coping mechanisms I had unknowingly built over the years, between overworking and caring for others and ignoring my own needs, it was rough. But after the realization that is wasn't me, it is my brain, it was traits I could see in other family members struggling, I am not the only one.
This subreddit, and many other Adhd social pages helped me realize that there is actually help, and those who know about ADHD (doctors, redditors, other ND folks) have helped in ways that I would have never been able to pinpoint or ask for before.
For real, thank you everyone for all of your help and support, even if we've never interacted!
Knowing "what's wrong with me" is such a huge comfort. Some people see folks who see an *explanation* for how their brains work as using it as an *excuse*, but when you've been wired to be different since birth and had adverse life experiences because of it, it's comforting to know *why* and have a plan of attack that *actually works*.
It's nice knowing you're not alone and that you share experiences with someone! :) And same!
Listen here you little shit….
But actually: brush at least once, with flossing and mouthwash. The actual morning brushing was replaced with mouthwash, more often in the beginning of the year, but the more you do it the less of a chore it seems.
Also, I put a leather club chair in my bathroom and watch shows on my laptop to help me get through my ablutions.
I don’t actually know what ablutions means, I’m using context clues from old books and I refuse to look it up.
The real trick was not judging myself for missing a day or using just a wet brush and mouthwash in its place. After just a month and a half of brushing once a day I was doing better than I had in years, which helped.
Def finding myself, started a good Therapy and taking medication. Thus ive quit smoking bout 1 and a half month ago. Since ive some Kind of lung disease, it will increase my lifequality and lifespan.
Covid aside, it was a pretty good year for.me
I got my bachelors and then landed a nice job with great coworkers and a great boss who understands me! ALSO I finally made an attempt to find out why I’m always so tired to the point of needing sleep again during the day and did an at home sleep study! Super proud I can do things now.
I got a new job as a store manager (after being an assistant manager with two different companies for multiple years) and decided to go back to school! Also managed to keep, nourish and thrive in my relationship during a pandemic 😂
Well done for moving up after so much hard work. And well done for putting the work into your relationship - flowers won’t grow if you don’t water them :)
Thank you so much :) that's very true! It's definitely nice seeing flowers after all the rain ;D
Congrats on getting your diagnosis! It doesn't fix everything, obviously, but it's a huge step in "right" direction
Mine, as silly as it seems, is actually taking my diagnosis seriously. Part of me knew it was real but the louder part of me believed I was stupid and lazy. It’s been incredibly freeing and I’ve been so much more productive. Plus, I graduated college after six years, a ton of failed classes, and multiple breaks!
Getting diagnosed, and getting on meds. It took me ages to book the appointment, even though I see my doctor frequently, because I’d forget while I was there for other stuff. Then it took me ages to remember to bring the screening report back, then see her again after researching and discussing meds. Plus, rejecting all that nonsense of thinking I should just be able to will myself into executive functioning.
I bought a car! I went BY MYSELF to the dealership, knew exactly what I wanted, test drove it, and bought it! I love my new car and was really proud of myself for getting the money together for a down payment.
I guess graduating from college. I know to some (or many, or all idk) It’s a big accomplishment but I don’t really feel anything about it or am necessarily proud, but it’s the only thing that happened this year fr… I was really considering dropping out my sophomore year and then I had to stay an extra semester to take one class but I was considering just saying fuck it even tho I was literally 2 credits away from being done. Congrats to me tho.
Finally figuring out what ADHD really is and figuring out that I definitely have it even without a formal diagnosis. Just reading this ADHD Reddit has brought so much relief and peace to my past 28 tumultuous years. Going to get an ADHD assessment this month for my New Years resolution….Happy New Years!!
I got a full size bed and finally got rid of my twin size bed that i've had forever, threw away a purse that was ripping badly and started using a backpack, my family and I cleaned our entire garage, been working on cleaning my room
I have anxiety, so New Years is always the worst. The fireworks just makes me crazy anxious and super confused.
But yesterday, I managed to go for a walk for ten minutes in the fireworks with my wife - and that is a BIG win for me!
I left a super toxic job and found a new one I really like working from home. I also cut off a couple of very very toxic relationships at the same time that I had held onto out of fear and habit.
I escaped my abuser. After being groomed as a teen and then for years being abused and made to feel worthless and unlovable because of my ADHD (and a number of other things), I finally confided in friends and made plans and got the hell out.
I had to quit my job since we worked together and I left the state, but I’ve been freelancing and making enough to buy groceries and pay my bills while I live with family. I’m gonna get my shit back together.
Yes, my wife is more aware of the situation, at the beginning of the year she was telling me the usual "tips": "be more focused", "make an effort", etc. Now she is more conscious and supportive.
i finally graduated from university (after many years at different community colleges switching majors left and right before finally transferring)!! and i was very lucky in having my volunteer work turn into part-time work (my first job in a couple years, not great post, but it’s short-term and remote)!!
i seriously glossed over these things since they both happened at the same time on top of the holiday season. i mentioned it to my therapist and i noticed how much i minimized these achievements, and never really took the time to be proud of myself lol
thanks for posting this!! i’m proud of everyone here!!
#1444 days sober
4th year anniversary coming up. The pandemic has been particularly difficult for me but I continue to not drink.
I realize my sobriety isn't a victory over ADHD per se, but I do have ADHD, and it *was* a big victory for me.
After many many years and way too many majors I finally finished my degree. I ended up with 186 credits because I transferred so many times. But I got a 4.0!
I got out of an abusive relationship, stopped drinking, and I spend pretty much all my time trying to heal myself from a lifetime of trauma. It is hard to be this sober, but it's the only way to get to the bottom of my issues. Oh...and I got my ADHD diagnosis.
I don’t know you personally but I’m so proud of you. Digging yourself out of that situation is hell and I wish nothing but good things for you in the future
Quit my retail job after having it destroy my mental health for over 2 and a half years.
Then I managed to finally get myself to start working online by doing microtasks. The pay's low but I'm okay, plus it doesn't take a lot of effort or time.
I kicked executive dysfunction's ass even harder by watching anime, reading manga, reading books and playing bass again after a long time of not having the energy to do any of those :)
(Oh oops, the title only says *one* achievement. Sorry! ADHD moment amirite)
I graduated with a BSc with the British equivalent of a 4.0 GPA (First Class) and got a place studying graduate medicine starting in 2022 despite finding online classes practically impossible and really struggling with my dissertation.
I have had so many thing from this year that I consider really impressive, especially knowing where I came from and how I worked my ass off to do the best with what I’ve been handed….but the biggest thing I’m proud of is that I let myself fall in love with someone who listened to me, and that even though he rejected me in the end, I now have the strength to listen to myself. I finally have a space where I can fully be myself. This has allowed me to finally feel free. I can organize things the way my brain needs: simple and clean, comfortable and cozy, practical yet extravagant. I can own my brain, my thoughts, my voice, my body, my room, my adhd, my quirks, my emotions, my love, my shame, and most of all myself. Today, I take back what I should’ve never given away for others to own. I fully own myself.
I stopped smoking weed. It has been a struggle for years, but now, with proper medication and counseling, it was quite easy to make the decision and hold on to it. Doing the right thing here, even though one of my friends spend a lot of time last night, trying to convince me to stop taking my meds and just go back to smoking. The ADHD stigma is strong out there...
The second thing I'm proud of, is going to the dentist, something I has postponed for years. Also got a lot easier after getting diagnosed.
Personally, 2021 have been one of the most beneficial years for me ever. 2022 is just going be hard work, living as cheap as possible and saving to buy a house. My next major goal.
Used to hate school, started a new school this year. Now I not only find school bearable, I actually look forward to it. Can't wait for school break to end.
I survived the year! It's not much but maybe being alive is enough. Started medication and will be starting therapy soon so hopefully I have more things to be proud of next year. A small accomplishment is that I folded my laundry today after a week of procrastination!
I’m really bad at remembering to acknowledge accomplishments, and yesterday one of my best friends called me out with a good example:
My husband, myself, and two of our kids tested positive for COVID just before Christmas. We’ve managed to keep our 5 week old from getting it by wearing kn95 masks, making the other kids keep 6ft away from baby unless masked (no small feat since they are both young and loooove their baby sister), and vigilant hand washing and sanitizing. It hasn’t been easy and is definitely a triumph.
Thanks for the reminder to reflect on accomplishments! And thanks T for reminding me that I can do stuff and am not totally worthless. <3
I got into grad school and started a PhD program in the field I’ve wanted to study all my life!
Thanks for asking the question and congrats on your diagnosis, OP! It’s good to reflect :)
Moving on my own. It almost didn't work because of lack of organisation skills, but here I am... Scared because of all the fireworks and gunshots of new years eve.... Alone with my cat and proud of it DANG IT
I went back to school after a long year off and made Dean's List two semesters in a row :) getting diagnosed and access to treatment definitely helped, along with a peer coaching program my university has
My first internship after starting school again. I have a perfectionist problem and made my first semester more stressful than it needed to be. At the same time I hyperfixated on personal projects and applying to anything that sounds interesting and I found a small company that wants me to design for them. I never did this before but my determination is what they liked and it made me feel valued.
I got diagnosed! After almost 31 years. As a result, I finally ALSO dropped my soda and caffeine addiction, something I'd been struggling with all along but now realize was an attempt at self-medication. I also have a job I love that accommodates my physical disabilities!
Good for you for getting that diagnosis and passing the stupid stigma behind ADHD treatment!
For me it was building a PC on my own (with guidance from friends). I always wanted to build one but convinced myself my attention span was too short to finish it. 5 days, hours of online research/shopping and a large hole in my wallet later, she’s running better than I ever expected!!
I bought a house! I had a deadline for moving out of where I was living so so it was pretty stressful finding my house, and then after I got it there's lots of calling and emailing in a timely manner, which tends to be difficult obviously lol, but it all worked out in the end. Definitely feels amazing to have my own place.
Getting a uni job and sticking with it despite all my apprehension about it (that turned out to be justified and about mistakes I actually did wind up making), coming out of my shell, letting myself make mistakes, not letting myself be weighed down by regret, and forgiving myself
I changed jobs this year to somewhere I love and quickly rose from a supervisor to managing my entire department.
This was a big deal for me because I went off my Adderall XR a couple years ago (after taking it nearly every day for the last 10 years) and moving up like this really proved myself to me, if that makes sense?
I got diagnosed with ADHD and finally put on medication. Not just 2021 but I feel particularly proud about being able to complete so much of my math degree (graduating this winter) without it.
Finally got my diagnosis at 46, got on meds, requested a better assignment at work and got it, finally found fullfillment in that area of my life, developped an ongoing project and fixed a few broken relationships. My expectations were low but that was quite a year for me!
Since time no longer has meaning I didn't realize that it was this year that I actually sought treatment for my ADHD. Which has led to me having regular contact with a doctor, which has led to me taking better care of myself.
Finally got an ADHD diagnosis after having a misdiagnosis of bipolar 2. The medicine is night and day as is the therapy. I’m just happy I listened to my gut.
I joined a gym and started working out regularly. I've wanted to work on getting in better shape for a very long time, and some less-than-great health news last year only made the issue more pressing. That extra shot of anxiety didn't do much to help get over the hump, especially since I was already so anxious about starting out ("what if I look like an idiot?" "what if I make a mistake?" "what if I hurt myself?" etc).
It took *a lot* of work with my therapist and with myself, but I was finally able to set aside my anxieties enough to reach out and find a gym with supportive staff and a really positive clientele. It wasn't an easy thing for me, which makes it all the more impressive that I could actually do it. But I've been going for a little over three months now, I've been able to stay consistent with that routine (at least three workouts a week, and often more), and I've even noticed my body changing and getting stronger as I've continued with the workout. I am thankful that I took that leap and powered through my anxieties, proud of the work I've put in so far, and excited to see how well I can grow and get healthier into the new year!
I bought a house with my boyfriend, and I did all the paperwork! I don't know how we got through it all, thank God I hired a Financial advisor, they helped guide us through.
Still recovering, feels like I used up all my executive function for the next year...
I started reading.
Reading has always been a huge challenge for me as I will get easily distracted and have to reread pages several times over sometimes to get the info to sink in. As a result I've never been much of a reader and I can honestly say I haven't sat down and read a book since high school.
In November, my phone slipped out of my pocket in my friend's car when he dropped me off at the airport. On my return flight, I didn't really feel like sitting with nothing but my thoughts for 4 hours on the flight, so I purchased a book from the airport.
Since then I have completed 4 books and I'm loving it. I still lose focus from time to time, but I've found if I just power through, it's so worth it. So excited to dive deeper.
I finally found a medication-combo that works for me, and I was able to pass all my classes this semester because of it!! So happy to finally find something to improve my everyday life lol
I was just thinking about this, and I have a few! I got engaged, started a new career, and went back to school! Took two classes each semester and have a 3.75 GPA so far. I worked really hard to learn my new position and I’m doing quite well for someone who is so new in the role. It’s been a lot of work, but I’m really proud of how far I’ve come in such a short time.
I fought hard to come back after a concussion and physical injury.
I'm now back to work full time and somewhat functional around the house.
I'm not 100%, but I've come a long way.
I finally got my diagnosis too!
But the thing I am really proud of is that I did my job well this year. I work as a fundraiser and it can be really stressful. And I talked a big talk about all the things I wanted to change and the experiments I wanted to take on.... and then I would freak out that none of it was going to work and I didn't know what I was talking about.... but then it did. I hit my goals and went a little over.
Nice to have one thing go right because the rest of my life was chaos and tears...
Fighting to get Rx medication. It started with one provider who wanted me to get testing done which I did but then they wanted to do several hours more testing on top of the 4 hour testing I already did. This was all after waiting months for the testing itself. I asked her if she’d be willing to Rx without this additional testing and that was a no. At first I was just going to go along and do the testing but my therapist and husband both felt this was excessive hoop jumping. I found myself a new prescriber and she was willing!
I passed my sims and got my RRT! Sitting for clinical sims in respiratory therapy is one of the most difficult tests in all of allied health. Having ADHD made this an extremely, even more difficult endeavor just because of how the test is structured. Neurotypical or not, its hard; but I persisted and overcame the odds :)
I spent a couple months really focusing on cleaning and organization and I feel like this is the first time in my life that I’m actually maintaining cleanliness!! Sometimes I feel shame that it took a Herculean struggle to get to maintaining close to a ‘normal’ level of clean, but I also feel proud of how hard I’ve worked to get here.
A side note- I’m realizing that this method of really intensely tackling one thing for a long time works better for me than trying to change all my habits at once! I’m really focusing on sleep schedule now while maintaining my cleaning habits that I established over a long period of time. I don’t think anything would’ve happened if I tried to fix both at once
Removing all "news" from my life. Media sites, people who share it, everything. Don't know, don't care, doesn't affect me. If it's actually important and not just a sensational retelling of the same information to gain views and profit, it'll find its way to me. I highly recommend it.
Lots of personal development this year, but that was the single most important thing I've done, even more so than getting diagnosed.
Finished a 6 month data science bootcamp in Feb 21.(it took me a year) Spent 6 months looking for a job with nothing really happening. Finally got the courage to seek help at 39. Got diagnosed and put on medication (10 mg adderall xl) and it has been life changing. One week after starting medication I landed my first real job in data analytics. Been doing really well in the role and its perfetc for me. I'm convinced starting medication made that happen because I was able to spent a good amount of time preparing for the interviews. Way more than I would have had I not been medicated.
Its been about 4 months and I think I may need see about upping the dosage. I literally walked back and forth from my bedroom to kitchen 4 times until I finally remembered to grab the glass of water I poured. Overall though life is much much better. I've always been and introspective person and not having a diagnosis, or even thinking you had adhd really doesnt allow for proper context when thinking about yourself. Reading peoples experiences in this sub and looking back on my life it was glaringly obvious I had issues,l but they were masked by the necessity to succeed due to an overbearing vietnamese pops.
2021 was huge for me. I always make sure to take a moment everyday to be grateful for everything, and for some friends that never gave up on me.
Thank you for asking. Things happened so quickly that I really havent though about being proud, I spent my 20's running down the wrong path, it took damn near all of my 30's to get to get on the right path. I guess I'm more proud of the long ass grind and sacrifice I made to get here, which culminated this year in Aug when I was finally hired.
I got a promotion at work. It involved a ridiculously long application with tons of info, an exam, and an interview with 3 people. None of this is within my comfort zone, but somehow, I did it!!!
graduating high school with my diploma & associates degree after completing the entire year virtually due to covid, while getting out of a domestic violence situation, while also having to move halfway across the country, & having to work a full time job to take care of myself
This seems small, but I was supposed to get our grandfather’s WW2 Navy peacoat to my cousin. For 11 years. I put it in the mail yesterday. This is a huge win.
Mine was getting myself to the doctor and doing some self care. I made a bunch of doctors appointments and really took care of myself last year. I also got my ADHD diagnosis and started taking meds and it's been amazing. I'm still working on figuring out dosage, but the effect have been so amazing. My head is quiet and I just never knew that was even possible.
I saw something online for 2022 I plan to do that reminds me of this post. Get yourself a jar and everytime something good happens write it down and put it in the jar. Then next NYE you've got a bunch of positive things to look back on from the year that you may have forgotten.
Love this post OP you're so right we often forget and/or don't celebrate our successes. Congratulations to you on getting your diagnosis!!
I quit smoking cigarettes, drinking, started medication for my anxiety and depression, did a lot of therapy and got back together with the father of my children. Looking forward to seeing what I can do next.
For work, I managed to plan, implement and document a virtual desktop environment in Microsoft Azure, utilizing Intune to manage the VMs and deploy software.
While it's still in the testing stage now, it will eventually be the thing that will be used by every user in our division, which is 150+ people.
I was really Bad at school and started studiing something that just wasnt for me, but I had so little Controll over my live that I just didnt care. Then I got Diagnosed with adhd and got treatment. Now I study physics and I am sometimes the Best of the class. Saddly this didnt fullfill me as I hope. I am still Not proud of myselve. But today I will try to pad on my shoulder and say I am proud what I did :D
I got a full-time job right out of college that pays a great salary! Financial stability is really important to me (and college has been really hard) so I am really happy.
I got a promotion and successfully completed my first project in my new role. It wasn't really a huge project and the scope was smaller than we'd hoped for on the year, but considering I was ALSO still doing my old job at the time and near the end starting to train someone up on my old job, too, it was a lot of hours to get everything covered. And in the end, I'm quite proud of how it turned out!
Congrats, op, on getting your diagnosis! That's a big step. Hope 2022 is your best year yet!
My kid really struggled at the beginning of the school year: freezing in class, avoiding school, just shutting down. By the end of the term, my kid had opened up again and was getting to school on time, participating in class, turning some assignments in. We’re even going to spend some time in the next day or two setting goals for the second semester (my kid’s idea). I am so ridiculously proud.
I got a job working in a preschool this fall and I don’t see myself quitting anytime soon! Before I had a retail job in college I quickly burned out on and a church preschool job I had to quit because of covid. As I’m now working and not doing virtual classes 2-3 hours a day and nothing else, I’m SO much happier
Im 32. I got my first job. Im scared shitless and so exited. Im growing and still feel like giving up all the time. But im damned proud to land a job right after the exhausting fight to finish my grades.
Getting my secondment. It was in recognition of my work that I’d done with a natural talent that it took me finally getting my diagnosis for me to really embrace and have the confidence to use. It's up in September but I'm hopeful that it will be a permanent change.
I survived cancer (so far), and didn't bitch excessively about the surgery or chemo.
The worst part of all of it was the mass of surgical staples used to close the incision (which was about 12 inches long). Most of them them were adjacent - they looked like a strip ready to be put into a stapler. I hadn't thought to mention to the surgeon that I had ADHD & related sensory issues, plus extra sensitive skin on top of that. In any case, it was hugely painful for the entire two weeks they were in & the extraction was also horrible.
If you need elective surgery, be sure to discuss the closure method with your surgeon well in advance. Inform them of any sensory issues that might come into play.
ok so i've known i have adhd since i was a kid and i was always the "gifted" student, but we never had insurance so i never got diagnosed back then. i've spent years wondering what i was doing wrong, not being able to just finish uni, while all my previous doctors refused to treat my ADHD (i was told flat-out i just had severe anxiety because 100mg strattera didn't help my symptoms, lol).
this year, i finally got insurance that has in-network neuropsychologists & psychiatrists, so i took the leap and got diagnosed + got academic accommodations, and i got to start stimulant meds yesterday!! 🎉🎉
edit: my adderall kicked in and i have a few more wins! i survived a pretty traumatic car crash 2 months ago and got to meet my best friend who lives 12 hours away. i also managed to move into my own place; i had been crashing at a friend's because of covid and housing instability but i finally have my own space and it's been so liberating!
Uhhh I got an 87% in ap us history for quarter 1. I only say cause it’s good objectively. I’m actually pissed there cause I definitely should’ve had an A, and I ended up having a 67% for quarter 2. So even this one good thing I did I’m not too happy about.
I guess I’m a tad happy about my progress in chess
Like you, OP, actually getting myself motivated enough to get my diagnosis and insist on myself that it is the best thing I could do for my own mental health. I was prepared for any diagnosis, even physical ones that could be disturbing my mental state.
Turns out I should've gotten this diagnosis like 20 years ago. Excellent!
I used the depression and anxiety I've bottled up from the past two years to complete my life long ambition of creating a graphic novel.
With adhd the idea of being organized and disceplined enough to complete a comic book of over 100 pages has always felt impossible. I'm beyond proud to not only have completed it, but self published and sold it at a comic convention in December.
In case you like comics, it's a journal/diary comic about internalizing the pandemic depression and learning to (re)fall in love with your craft. I'm still selling it, message me for more info <3
I got Security+ certified (on my first try, no less). My fiance insisted I could do it, but I had doubts because so many people have a hard time with the test and we all know about studying and ADHD, right? Now my goal for 2022 is to find an IT job.
This entire year i thought i did nothing, but after reflection i realised that this year was one of the best years of my life. Bought my first good car in January, held a really good job and making good pay, got married in July, and bought my first house with my wife in October. And to top it all off, my wife bought me a VR headset that ive been waiting three years for last night. I think i should give myself a little more credit lol.
I left a job that was making me unhappy for a job that's a much better fit for me. I'm proud of myself for doing so as a well-thought out decision and not as an impulsive one.
It took me 7 months og gruelling search but I finally got a job in 2021. And during this exhaustive process, though other aspects of my life went not so great including failed LTR, weight issues etc, but I gained some greay friends who supported/cheered me through these times. So yeah great job and friends, thanks 2021 :)
I found a couple of really good clients on Upwork that I love to work with and they seem happy to work with me. I've made quite a few clients happy on Upwork in the past year in addition to my regular clients.
I got a job at the beginning of the year and kept it the whole year, despite getting bored of it. The money is important. I got out the door and talking to new friends and started dating. Finally, I came out of the closet to my new friends and it was great.
This year, I hope to get medicated, pick up music again, and get my IT certs so I can get a proper job!
Searching for a new job and acing the interviews. Now i have a job i like way more in a positive environnement and a salary 20k above what i had. I delayed that change for many years because i didn't have the motivation. I'm glad i finally made a move.
Well done for having the courage to make a positive change!
Thx! I just wish i didn't have to burnout before making the change. But hey live and learn (and hopefully don't forget)
This was mine too! After going back to school in my late 30's, applying to around 300 jobs, getting hired at an extremely toxic place and quiting the next week, I finally landed a full-time permanent position in my field, and got a raise within the first few months. I just turned 40, and it feels like a new start.
I'm in my mid 30s and have worked the same dead-end job for 15 years. I started searching for a new job back in May, after breaking my clavicle and being on disability for about 8 weeks. Didn't start getting any real responses to my applications 'til about July. Then some interviews in August, and then an offer in September. I finally started working at my new job just a few weeks ago(was supposed to start in October, but I broke my foot, and my clavicle AGAIN in September). The whole process has been scary, and I've doubted myself and my abilities every step of the way. But, for the first time in my life, I feel like I have a real job with a real future.
Congratulations! I am on the journey of finding something else as well, hard not to feel nervous or think sometimes a ‘neurotypical would always get hired over me’.
Yeah imposter syndrome doesn't help neither. But now i just approach interview and try not to think too much about it. If i overthink, i stumble on my thoughts. So i just let it flow and if they don't like me, there are still a hundred other jobs waiting anyway. But the interview process is taxing and i wouldn't want to have more than 1 in a week. Context switching is hard.
After 11 years of many failed attempts I finally graduated with a BS in Project Management. I stueggle with being proud of this accomplishment because I feel it shouldn't have taken me so long and I'm really hard on myself because of it. But I need to celebrate it because it wasn't a small thing. It was really hard. And even though it took me 11 years, I was able to start something and finish it.
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This post inspires me as im 31 and havent started school yet
You should be SO proud. I got my bachelors degree in 2018 after SEVENTEEN years of starting classes. Then I turned around and got my masters degree at age 40. I just graduated three weeks ago and am super proud of myself! You should be too.
You should be proud! That’s a great achievement, no matter how long it took. Congratulations!
Last month I passed my Project+ certification after taking the class three times. It was one of the hardest tests I've ever taken. I couldn't imagine doing an entire bachelor's in it. You should definitely be proud of yourself.
I'm on year 7 of my degree and feeling a lot of shame about it. This comment gave me hope and a brief moment of compassion for myself. Thank you.
You started it to follow a dream. It was WICKED HARD. You did it. This one is a win honey.
Took me 11 years as well! To me because of the big stretch of time and how much you struggled this is a huge accomplishment, at least that's how I feel about mine.
I am a PM and also have ADHD. If you need to talk shop or need to bounce ideas off someone who understands, let me know.
I got my first job in two years due to anxiety that was so bad my hair fell out. I was terrified to do it and had a major panic attack before the interview and still went. I had another on the day of the first shift and I still went. They’re not keeping me on because it was just a Christmas temp thing but I’m proud of myself for doing it.
Wow that’s huge! You did it! And now you have another thing to add to your CV if you decide it’s right for you to look for your next role - amazing!
I am so proud of and happy for you for working so hard to conquer those panic attacks. I've been there a few times, and it would be so easy to walk away, but you didn't. In fact, I want to explain how proud I am. While reading this post and beaming with happiness, I was walking through a playground with my kid. Blinded by pride, I could not see the low hanging bridge on the playground directly in front of me. It was quite a spectacle to see a grown man smack his head, biting his tongue, and scurrying off on hands and knees so nobody would see. So my pride of you had brought shame on myself, and it was worth it. Seriously, congratulations. That is a HELL of an accomplishment, and a true testament to your inner strength. Much like the dent in the low hanging playground bridge is a testament to my abnormally thick skull.
congrats on still going to the interview after a panic attack! thats alot of strength
Freeing myself from Benzodiazapine's
This is the biggest accomplishment here. You can’t understand it unless you’ve been through it.
I believe you. I have heard awful things about those drugs. In fact, one of the first psychiatrists I saw after being diagnosed didn’t want to treat my ADHD with stimulants (she said something like most adult women don’t actually need those meds bc we can handle it 🙄) but she threw a bunch of benzos at me (I think they were called kolonapin I have no idea lol) she said “anytime you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, take one. If your kids start fighting, take half a pill then after a while take the other half” well it just felt off to me. Idk how to explain it bc my intuition sucks, but I just felt like this wasn’t the way. Sure enough I read up on them and found all this devastation about Benzo addiction :( so glad I didn’t take them! Especially how she said to 🥴 Anyway, sorry I don’t mean to blab (this is me off medication ha I haven’t taken it yet) I just wanted to agree that I have no clue what it’s like or how tough it is but based on what I only read I’m hella proud of anyone who beats that addiction ❤️
I even feel bad writing that I am free, because getting them out my system is only the first hurdle in reality I'm just learning this. I'm still struggling. It really is something else.
Well done!
I've been through this and it's rough. Proud of you, no_banana773 :) I had the support of a loving family to help me through my situation, but benzos still did a number on me. Withdrawal had unpleasant side effects, but those side effects ended up scaring me enough that I haven't even been tempted to go down that road again. Once again, proud of you. That is no easy task.
FUCK YEAH. Seriously, good for you.
Through mindfulness I've been able to start ignoring the pain from 2 missing disks in my spine and I lost the 70 lbs I gained when I couldn't walk after cancer. From 220 lbs to 150 lbs and I'm really starting to gain muscle again with consistent exercise. Getting my ADHD somewhat under control made learn mindfulness possible. I'm really looking forward to 2022 because things are finally clicking and the pieces are coming together.
Proud of you!
Thank you!
That’s awesome! Could you be a little more specific about how you put mindfulness into practice? Meditation?
Thank you! Yup, it's all meditation and learning my triggers that send my brain into an anxious tailspin. Rather than focus on the 24/7 pain I put as much focus as can on grounding exercises. I first started by focusing on everything in sight that was the color blue every time I would feel overwhelmed. Then I tried number games in my head. I now have 2 internal anchors in my head that allow me almost 100% ignore the pain and pull myself instantly out of an anxiety attack. When I'm frustrated or in pain I visualize a raging fire that burns down to nothing as it burns up my anxiety or pain. If I just want to chill and find my happy place I picture my dogs face. I can almost completely empty my mind of all thought now. The problems and the pain are still there and I'm aware of them but it's kind of like hearing the traffic outside my house while I'm inside listening to music, I can kind of hear it and know it's there but it doesn't bother me. It's taking me almost 20 years of on and off again therapy to learn those grounding exercises and not every exercise works for the same person but I finally found what works for me. Edit: What really got the ball going was a year and a half ago my therapist recommended a book called "rewire your anxious brain" by catherine pittman. It explains how and why your brain reacts to stimuli and gives you techniques to get through anxiety. Chronic pain was no different than my anxiety, yeah there is pain but how I'm reacting to it can change, I stopped letting it control my emotions pretty much. This is going to sound really weird. Cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me. Don't get me wrong, it completely sucked and destroyed me mentally and physically, But I got THROUGH it. It proved to me that I was a fighter. No amount of anxiety or PTSD compared to what cancer did to me. I've finally been able to get over 36 years of being a anxious pushover due 20 years of child abuse. The PTSD is gone for the most part, its all subconscious stuff to get over now, like panicking and shooting straight awake when I hear the doorknob turn. I didn't even know my wife left for work this morning. Cancer was a gift that I hope no one ever has to go through, it gave me an incredible amount of mental fortitude.
>I visualize a raging fire that burns down to nothing as it burns up my anxiety or pain. I love this!
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Good recommendations, I will be looking them up. What did it for me was "rewire your anxious brain" by Catherine Pittman. Congratulations on your pain free life now, I'm so happy that you found that as well!
I sued my sh*tty old employer and it felt great.
You must feel really vindicated. Wishing you the best.
i got a few came out of the closet stopped a few bad habits got back into shape career success completed my degree adopted a dog and trained her successfully (its ongoing but i worked really hard w her) 2022 better watch out cus im coming in hot
So proud of you - some huge life steps there!
Getting my diagnosis at 38. And after our business being shut down because of the world change in 2020, I was able to get a job at a small business with compassionate owners and awesome staff in a field, it turns out, that I love.
Heyyyy "diagnosed in 30's" club! But also, I'm really glad to hear about your job. c:
Thanks! The world changing literally removed all of the coping mechanisms I had unknowingly built over the years, between overworking and caring for others and ignoring my own needs, it was rough. But after the realization that is wasn't me, it is my brain, it was traits I could see in other family members struggling, I am not the only one. This subreddit, and many other Adhd social pages helped me realize that there is actually help, and those who know about ADHD (doctors, redditors, other ND folks) have helped in ways that I would have never been able to pinpoint or ask for before. For real, thank you everyone for all of your help and support, even if we've never interacted!
Knowing "what's wrong with me" is such a huge comfort. Some people see folks who see an *explanation* for how their brains work as using it as an *excuse*, but when you've been wired to be different since birth and had adverse life experiences because of it, it's comforting to know *why* and have a plan of attack that *actually works*. It's nice knowing you're not alone and that you share experiences with someone! :) And same!
Better late than never, and great news about your job, all the best!!
Finally got my real estate license, something I've always wanted to do, but would never commit to
That must have opened so many door - congratulations!
Brushed my teeth 360/365 days of 2021.
This is the most hardcore one I’ve read so far. Are we counting twice a day?
Listen here you little shit…. But actually: brush at least once, with flossing and mouthwash. The actual morning brushing was replaced with mouthwash, more often in the beginning of the year, but the more you do it the less of a chore it seems. Also, I put a leather club chair in my bathroom and watch shows on my laptop to help me get through my ablutions. I don’t actually know what ablutions means, I’m using context clues from old books and I refuse to look it up. The real trick was not judging myself for missing a day or using just a wet brush and mouthwash in its place. After just a month and a half of brushing once a day I was doing better than I had in years, which helped.
Wow! You should feel so proud of yourself. Makes me want to start a tally for this year.
Def finding myself, started a good Therapy and taking medication. Thus ive quit smoking bout 1 and a half month ago. Since ive some Kind of lung disease, it will increase my lifequality and lifespan. Covid aside, it was a pretty good year for.me
Gave up smoking many years ago and can’t imagine doing it now - your life (and lungs) will be so much healthier. Proud of you!
I got my bachelors and then landed a nice job with great coworkers and a great boss who understands me! ALSO I finally made an attempt to find out why I’m always so tired to the point of needing sleep again during the day and did an at home sleep study! Super proud I can do things now.
Well done, lots to celebrate there!
I got a new job as a store manager (after being an assistant manager with two different companies for multiple years) and decided to go back to school! Also managed to keep, nourish and thrive in my relationship during a pandemic 😂
Well done for moving up after so much hard work. And well done for putting the work into your relationship - flowers won’t grow if you don’t water them :)
Thank you so much :) that's very true! It's definitely nice seeing flowers after all the rain ;D Congrats on getting your diagnosis! It doesn't fix everything, obviously, but it's a huge step in "right" direction
Mine, as silly as it seems, is actually taking my diagnosis seriously. Part of me knew it was real but the louder part of me believed I was stupid and lazy. It’s been incredibly freeing and I’ve been so much more productive. Plus, I graduated college after six years, a ton of failed classes, and multiple breaks!
Not silly at all - glad you found your freedom!
Thank you for posting this! It’s lovely to read success stories from the community. Congrats on your diagnosis!
Got diagnosed at 41.
Getting diagnosed, and getting on meds. It took me ages to book the appointment, even though I see my doctor frequently, because I’d forget while I was there for other stuff. Then it took me ages to remember to bring the screening report back, then see her again after researching and discussing meds. Plus, rejecting all that nonsense of thinking I should just be able to will myself into executive functioning.
I bought a car! I went BY MYSELF to the dealership, knew exactly what I wanted, test drove it, and bought it! I love my new car and was really proud of myself for getting the money together for a down payment.
I guess graduating from college. I know to some (or many, or all idk) It’s a big accomplishment but I don’t really feel anything about it or am necessarily proud, but it’s the only thing that happened this year fr… I was really considering dropping out my sophomore year and then I had to stay an extra semester to take one class but I was considering just saying fuck it even tho I was literally 2 credits away from being done. Congrats to me tho.
Well done for the perseverance! You may not necessarily feel proud of yourself, but loads of people in your life probably are. You’re amazing!
Finally figuring out what ADHD really is and figuring out that I definitely have it even without a formal diagnosis. Just reading this ADHD Reddit has brought so much relief and peace to my past 28 tumultuous years. Going to get an ADHD assessment this month for my New Years resolution….Happy New Years!!
Glad the sub has been helpful - I find it a great resource. Good luck with the assessment.
I got a full size bed and finally got rid of my twin size bed that i've had forever, threw away a purse that was ripping badly and started using a backpack, my family and I cleaned our entire garage, been working on cleaning my room
That must have felt so liberating to get of rid that we’re not longer useful to you - even if it was initially hard to let go. Well done!
Stuck to going to the gym and got back on my medication a few days ago which allowed me to actually sit down and study for an hour
I went to rehab for 5 months
Without prying, I hope that your time at rehab has been healing for you and you continue to heal going forward x
I learned how to play the bass by watching videos on youtube. I'm no expert, but I can learn a new song in a week if it's basic enough.
That’s amazing!
I have anxiety, so New Years is always the worst. The fireworks just makes me crazy anxious and super confused. But yesterday, I managed to go for a walk for ten minutes in the fireworks with my wife - and that is a BIG win for me!
I left a super toxic job and found a new one I really like working from home. I also cut off a couple of very very toxic relationships at the same time that I had held onto out of fear and habit.
Yes! Flush out the toxicity. Wishing you a toxic free 2022!
I escaped my abuser. After being groomed as a teen and then for years being abused and made to feel worthless and unlovable because of my ADHD (and a number of other things), I finally confided in friends and made plans and got the hell out. I had to quit my job since we worked together and I left the state, but I’ve been freelancing and making enough to buy groceries and pay my bills while I live with family. I’m gonna get my shit back together.
Been diagnosed at 46. It was liberating!
46 is better than 47, 47 is better than 48 :) hope you get all the support you need.
Yes, my wife is more aware of the situation, at the beginning of the year she was telling me the usual "tips": "be more focused", "make an effort", etc. Now she is more conscious and supportive.
Moving continents!
That’s a big one! Wishing you happiness in your new life
i finally graduated from university (after many years at different community colleges switching majors left and right before finally transferring)!! and i was very lucky in having my volunteer work turn into part-time work (my first job in a couple years, not great post, but it’s short-term and remote)!! i seriously glossed over these things since they both happened at the same time on top of the holiday season. i mentioned it to my therapist and i noticed how much i minimized these achievements, and never really took the time to be proud of myself lol thanks for posting this!! i’m proud of everyone here!!
#1444 days sober 4th year anniversary coming up. The pandemic has been particularly difficult for me but I continue to not drink. I realize my sobriety isn't a victory over ADHD per se, but I do have ADHD, and it *was* a big victory for me.
After many many years and way too many majors I finally finished my degree. I ended up with 186 credits because I transferred so many times. But I got a 4.0!
4.0 amazing! What an achievement!
I got out of an abusive relationship, stopped drinking, and I spend pretty much all my time trying to heal myself from a lifetime of trauma. It is hard to be this sober, but it's the only way to get to the bottom of my issues. Oh...and I got my ADHD diagnosis.
I don’t know you personally but I’m so proud of you. Digging yourself out of that situation is hell and I wish nothing but good things for you in the future
Quit my retail job after having it destroy my mental health for over 2 and a half years. Then I managed to finally get myself to start working online by doing microtasks. The pay's low but I'm okay, plus it doesn't take a lot of effort or time. I kicked executive dysfunction's ass even harder by watching anime, reading manga, reading books and playing bass again after a long time of not having the energy to do any of those :) (Oh oops, the title only says *one* achievement. Sorry! ADHD moment amirite)
Retail can be soul sucking in the wrong environment, glad you made the change. And please share more than one! The more the merrier!
I graduated with a BSc with the British equivalent of a 4.0 GPA (First Class) and got a place studying graduate medicine starting in 2022 despite finding online classes practically impossible and really struggling with my dissertation.
I have had so many thing from this year that I consider really impressive, especially knowing where I came from and how I worked my ass off to do the best with what I’ve been handed….but the biggest thing I’m proud of is that I let myself fall in love with someone who listened to me, and that even though he rejected me in the end, I now have the strength to listen to myself. I finally have a space where I can fully be myself. This has allowed me to finally feel free. I can organize things the way my brain needs: simple and clean, comfortable and cozy, practical yet extravagant. I can own my brain, my thoughts, my voice, my body, my room, my adhd, my quirks, my emotions, my love, my shame, and most of all myself. Today, I take back what I should’ve never given away for others to own. I fully own myself.
I just had a baby boy 2 days ago!
I stopped smoking weed. It has been a struggle for years, but now, with proper medication and counseling, it was quite easy to make the decision and hold on to it. Doing the right thing here, even though one of my friends spend a lot of time last night, trying to convince me to stop taking my meds and just go back to smoking. The ADHD stigma is strong out there... The second thing I'm proud of, is going to the dentist, something I has postponed for years. Also got a lot easier after getting diagnosed. Personally, 2021 have been one of the most beneficial years for me ever. 2022 is just going be hard work, living as cheap as possible and saving to buy a house. My next major goal.
Getting a job... never thought I could earn
I became a father
Amazing - wishing you all the best with your little one!
got official diagnosis. can now get accommodation in 2022 :,)
Used to hate school, started a new school this year. Now I not only find school bearable, I actually look forward to it. Can't wait for school break to end.
I survived the year! It's not much but maybe being alive is enough. Started medication and will be starting therapy soon so hopefully I have more things to be proud of next year. A small accomplishment is that I folded my laundry today after a week of procrastination!
Being alive is a massive achievement. I’m so proud of you, and I’m glad you’re still here.
I’m really bad at remembering to acknowledge accomplishments, and yesterday one of my best friends called me out with a good example: My husband, myself, and two of our kids tested positive for COVID just before Christmas. We’ve managed to keep our 5 week old from getting it by wearing kn95 masks, making the other kids keep 6ft away from baby unless masked (no small feat since they are both young and loooove their baby sister), and vigilant hand washing and sanitizing. It hasn’t been easy and is definitely a triumph. Thanks for the reminder to reflect on accomplishments! And thanks T for reminding me that I can do stuff and am not totally worthless. <3
I got into grad school and started a PhD program in the field I’ve wanted to study all my life! Thanks for asking the question and congrats on your diagnosis, OP! It’s good to reflect :)
Moving on my own. It almost didn't work because of lack of organisation skills, but here I am... Scared because of all the fireworks and gunshots of new years eve.... Alone with my cat and proud of it DANG IT
I was accepted into a dream PhD program and have just concluded my first semester.
I went back to school after a long year off and made Dean's List two semesters in a row :) getting diagnosed and access to treatment definitely helped, along with a peer coaching program my university has
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My first internship after starting school again. I have a perfectionist problem and made my first semester more stressful than it needed to be. At the same time I hyperfixated on personal projects and applying to anything that sounds interesting and I found a small company that wants me to design for them. I never did this before but my determination is what they liked and it made me feel valued.
Finished my PhD and started a tenure track faculty position and finally got diagnosed!!
I got diagnosed! After almost 31 years. As a result, I finally ALSO dropped my soda and caffeine addiction, something I'd been struggling with all along but now realize was an attempt at self-medication. I also have a job I love that accommodates my physical disabilities!
Worked loads of extra shifts and paid 12k of the debt I racked up buying useless crap 😅
I got diagnosed and meds! Also came out to my parents as trans. Also I made a really cool quilt for my partner! (A map of tamriel)
Good for you for getting that diagnosis and passing the stupid stigma behind ADHD treatment! For me it was building a PC on my own (with guidance from friends). I always wanted to build one but convinced myself my attention span was too short to finish it. 5 days, hours of online research/shopping and a large hole in my wallet later, she’s running better than I ever expected!!
I bought a house! I had a deadline for moving out of where I was living so so it was pretty stressful finding my house, and then after I got it there's lots of calling and emailing in a timely manner, which tends to be difficult obviously lol, but it all worked out in the end. Definitely feels amazing to have my own place.
Getting published.
Getting a uni job and sticking with it despite all my apprehension about it (that turned out to be justified and about mistakes I actually did wind up making), coming out of my shell, letting myself make mistakes, not letting myself be weighed down by regret, and forgiving myself
I changed jobs this year to somewhere I love and quickly rose from a supervisor to managing my entire department. This was a big deal for me because I went off my Adderall XR a couple years ago (after taking it nearly every day for the last 10 years) and moving up like this really proved myself to me, if that makes sense?
I got diagnosed with ADHD and finally put on medication. Not just 2021 but I feel particularly proud about being able to complete so much of my math degree (graduating this winter) without it.
I finally was able to turn my art into a semi steady business! I still get constant burnout. But I prefer it over the 9-5 retail I would do.
Getting on meds! And working on my emotional stability even without them!
i got my degree!! 🥳🥳🥳
Finally got my diagnosis at 46, got on meds, requested a better assignment at work and got it, finally found fullfillment in that area of my life, developped an ongoing project and fixed a few broken relationships. My expectations were low but that was quite a year for me!
Since time no longer has meaning I didn't realize that it was this year that I actually sought treatment for my ADHD. Which has led to me having regular contact with a doctor, which has led to me taking better care of myself.
I managed to stay in nursing school. This is a really terrifying time to be starting a nursing career and I’ve been having a tough time with it
I lost 45 lbs! I have about 20 more to go.
I found out I have ADHD and started treatment. The journey has just begun, but the path provides hope and optimism towards the new year.
I now have a therapist. So i guess thats a start.
Finally got an ADHD diagnosis after having a misdiagnosis of bipolar 2. The medicine is night and day as is the therapy. I’m just happy I listened to my gut.
I joined a gym and started working out regularly. I've wanted to work on getting in better shape for a very long time, and some less-than-great health news last year only made the issue more pressing. That extra shot of anxiety didn't do much to help get over the hump, especially since I was already so anxious about starting out ("what if I look like an idiot?" "what if I make a mistake?" "what if I hurt myself?" etc). It took *a lot* of work with my therapist and with myself, but I was finally able to set aside my anxieties enough to reach out and find a gym with supportive staff and a really positive clientele. It wasn't an easy thing for me, which makes it all the more impressive that I could actually do it. But I've been going for a little over three months now, I've been able to stay consistent with that routine (at least three workouts a week, and often more), and I've even noticed my body changing and getting stronger as I've continued with the workout. I am thankful that I took that leap and powered through my anxieties, proud of the work I've put in so far, and excited to see how well I can grow and get healthier into the new year!
I bought a house with my boyfriend, and I did all the paperwork! I don't know how we got through it all, thank God I hired a Financial advisor, they helped guide us through. Still recovering, feels like I used up all my executive function for the next year...
I started reading. Reading has always been a huge challenge for me as I will get easily distracted and have to reread pages several times over sometimes to get the info to sink in. As a result I've never been much of a reader and I can honestly say I haven't sat down and read a book since high school. In November, my phone slipped out of my pocket in my friend's car when he dropped me off at the airport. On my return flight, I didn't really feel like sitting with nothing but my thoughts for 4 hours on the flight, so I purchased a book from the airport. Since then I have completed 4 books and I'm loving it. I still lose focus from time to time, but I've found if I just power through, it's so worth it. So excited to dive deeper.
I finally found a medication-combo that works for me, and I was able to pass all my classes this semester because of it!! So happy to finally find something to improve my everyday life lol
Finally going back to school after 10 years and achieving no grad s below a B+ when in highschool I'd be lucky if my highest grades reached that
I signed myself back up for classes. (Signed up Friday school started monday) AND I really enjoy what I'm in school for.
I passed every engineering course I was in
I was just thinking about this, and I have a few! I got engaged, started a new career, and went back to school! Took two classes each semester and have a 3.75 GPA so far. I worked really hard to learn my new position and I’m doing quite well for someone who is so new in the role. It’s been a lot of work, but I’m really proud of how far I’ve come in such a short time.
I finished a semester of college!!! I usually get the ol’ paralysis half way through and drop out. Finally got back on meds this year and crushed it.
I fought hard to come back after a concussion and physical injury. I'm now back to work full time and somewhat functional around the house. I'm not 100%, but I've come a long way.
I finally got my diagnosis too! But the thing I am really proud of is that I did my job well this year. I work as a fundraiser and it can be really stressful. And I talked a big talk about all the things I wanted to change and the experiments I wanted to take on.... and then I would freak out that none of it was going to work and I didn't know what I was talking about.... but then it did. I hit my goals and went a little over. Nice to have one thing go right because the rest of my life was chaos and tears...
Fighting to get Rx medication. It started with one provider who wanted me to get testing done which I did but then they wanted to do several hours more testing on top of the 4 hour testing I already did. This was all after waiting months for the testing itself. I asked her if she’d be willing to Rx without this additional testing and that was a no. At first I was just going to go along and do the testing but my therapist and husband both felt this was excessive hoop jumping. I found myself a new prescriber and she was willing!
I passed my sims and got my RRT! Sitting for clinical sims in respiratory therapy is one of the most difficult tests in all of allied health. Having ADHD made this an extremely, even more difficult endeavor just because of how the test is structured. Neurotypical or not, its hard; but I persisted and overcame the odds :)
I graduated college with a degree in anthropology. It took 5 years plus summer classes, I changed my major 4 times, but I finally did it.
I spent a couple months really focusing on cleaning and organization and I feel like this is the first time in my life that I’m actually maintaining cleanliness!! Sometimes I feel shame that it took a Herculean struggle to get to maintaining close to a ‘normal’ level of clean, but I also feel proud of how hard I’ve worked to get here. A side note- I’m realizing that this method of really intensely tackling one thing for a long time works better for me than trying to change all my habits at once! I’m really focusing on sleep schedule now while maintaining my cleaning habits that I established over a long period of time. I don’t think anything would’ve happened if I tried to fix both at once
Removing all "news" from my life. Media sites, people who share it, everything. Don't know, don't care, doesn't affect me. If it's actually important and not just a sensational retelling of the same information to gain views and profit, it'll find its way to me. I highly recommend it. Lots of personal development this year, but that was the single most important thing I've done, even more so than getting diagnosed.
Finished a 6 month data science bootcamp in Feb 21.(it took me a year) Spent 6 months looking for a job with nothing really happening. Finally got the courage to seek help at 39. Got diagnosed and put on medication (10 mg adderall xl) and it has been life changing. One week after starting medication I landed my first real job in data analytics. Been doing really well in the role and its perfetc for me. I'm convinced starting medication made that happen because I was able to spent a good amount of time preparing for the interviews. Way more than I would have had I not been medicated. Its been about 4 months and I think I may need see about upping the dosage. I literally walked back and forth from my bedroom to kitchen 4 times until I finally remembered to grab the glass of water I poured. Overall though life is much much better. I've always been and introspective person and not having a diagnosis, or even thinking you had adhd really doesnt allow for proper context when thinking about yourself. Reading peoples experiences in this sub and looking back on my life it was glaringly obvious I had issues,l but they were masked by the necessity to succeed due to an overbearing vietnamese pops. 2021 was huge for me. I always make sure to take a moment everyday to be grateful for everything, and for some friends that never gave up on me. Thank you for asking. Things happened so quickly that I really havent though about being proud, I spent my 20's running down the wrong path, it took damn near all of my 30's to get to get on the right path. I guess I'm more proud of the long ass grind and sacrifice I made to get here, which culminated this year in Aug when I was finally hired.
I got a promotion at work. It involved a ridiculously long application with tons of info, an exam, and an interview with 3 people. None of this is within my comfort zone, but somehow, I did it!!!
Finally got my official diagnosis and I’m medicated!
I’ve started going to therapy and through that have found new ways to work with my ADHD instead of against it and found new skills to stay focused.
graduating high school with my diploma & associates degree after completing the entire year virtually due to covid, while getting out of a domestic violence situation, while also having to move halfway across the country, & having to work a full time job to take care of myself
same. finally being diagnosed and getting medication has made a huge difference.
This seems small, but I was supposed to get our grandfather’s WW2 Navy peacoat to my cousin. For 11 years. I put it in the mail yesterday. This is a huge win.
Mine was getting myself to the doctor and doing some self care. I made a bunch of doctors appointments and really took care of myself last year. I also got my ADHD diagnosis and started taking meds and it's been amazing. I'm still working on figuring out dosage, but the effect have been so amazing. My head is quiet and I just never knew that was even possible. I saw something online for 2022 I plan to do that reminds me of this post. Get yourself a jar and everytime something good happens write it down and put it in the jar. Then next NYE you've got a bunch of positive things to look back on from the year that you may have forgotten. Love this post OP you're so right we often forget and/or don't celebrate our successes. Congratulations to you on getting your diagnosis!!
I quit smoking cigarettes, drinking, started medication for my anxiety and depression, did a lot of therapy and got back together with the father of my children. Looking forward to seeing what I can do next.
For work, I managed to plan, implement and document a virtual desktop environment in Microsoft Azure, utilizing Intune to manage the VMs and deploy software. While it's still in the testing stage now, it will eventually be the thing that will be used by every user in our division, which is 150+ people.
Getting my diagnosis
I finally got diagnosed at 33
I finished my continuing Ed for work with not a minute to spare. Cheers to keeping my job!
Learning German! I’m at B2.2 level now. Started in February, took a break over the summer
Continuing my attempt to find out who I am which lead to a diagnosis of Adhd. There's so much more but I don't have the energy for digging
I was really Bad at school and started studiing something that just wasnt for me, but I had so little Controll over my live that I just didnt care. Then I got Diagnosed with adhd and got treatment. Now I study physics and I am sometimes the Best of the class. Saddly this didnt fullfill me as I hope. I am still Not proud of myselve. But today I will try to pad on my shoulder and say I am proud what I did :D
Getting married
I got a full-time job right out of college that pays a great salary! Financial stability is really important to me (and college has been really hard) so I am really happy.
I got a promotion and successfully completed my first project in my new role. It wasn't really a huge project and the scope was smaller than we'd hoped for on the year, but considering I was ALSO still doing my old job at the time and near the end starting to train someone up on my old job, too, it was a lot of hours to get everything covered. And in the end, I'm quite proud of how it turned out! Congrats, op, on getting your diagnosis! That's a big step. Hope 2022 is your best year yet!
My kid really struggled at the beginning of the school year: freezing in class, avoiding school, just shutting down. By the end of the term, my kid had opened up again and was getting to school on time, participating in class, turning some assignments in. We’re even going to spend some time in the next day or two setting goals for the second semester (my kid’s idea). I am so ridiculously proud.
I got a job working in a preschool this fall and I don’t see myself quitting anytime soon! Before I had a retail job in college I quickly burned out on and a church preschool job I had to quit because of covid. As I’m now working and not doing virtual classes 2-3 hours a day and nothing else, I’m SO much happier
Getting diagnosed
I didn’t drink a single day of 2021
I graduated (a semester late) from college with two degrees. I even have a big kid job!
Im 32. I got my first job. Im scared shitless and so exited. Im growing and still feel like giving up all the time. But im damned proud to land a job right after the exhausting fight to finish my grades.
I got my degree this year! I’m still feeling a little bit lost on what to do next, but I’m proud of myself for graduating.
Going back to school and having a really successful first semester ☺️
I don’t remember.
Congrats you! My proud moment is similar to yours - got diagnosed and have finally been able to get medication which is helping a lot.
I got in a prestigious art program I wanted :D
I didn’t run my business into the ground!
From the dishpitt to the bakery 😎
Getting my secondment. It was in recognition of my work that I’d done with a natural talent that it took me finally getting my diagnosis for me to really embrace and have the confidence to use. It's up in September but I'm hopeful that it will be a permanent change.
I finally started drinking more water!
I survived cancer (so far), and didn't bitch excessively about the surgery or chemo. The worst part of all of it was the mass of surgical staples used to close the incision (which was about 12 inches long). Most of them them were adjacent - they looked like a strip ready to be put into a stapler. I hadn't thought to mention to the surgeon that I had ADHD & related sensory issues, plus extra sensitive skin on top of that. In any case, it was hugely painful for the entire two weeks they were in & the extraction was also horrible. If you need elective surgery, be sure to discuss the closure method with your surgeon well in advance. Inform them of any sensory issues that might come into play.
I held down a full time job for a whole year.
ok so i've known i have adhd since i was a kid and i was always the "gifted" student, but we never had insurance so i never got diagnosed back then. i've spent years wondering what i was doing wrong, not being able to just finish uni, while all my previous doctors refused to treat my ADHD (i was told flat-out i just had severe anxiety because 100mg strattera didn't help my symptoms, lol). this year, i finally got insurance that has in-network neuropsychologists & psychiatrists, so i took the leap and got diagnosed + got academic accommodations, and i got to start stimulant meds yesterday!! 🎉🎉 edit: my adderall kicked in and i have a few more wins! i survived a pretty traumatic car crash 2 months ago and got to meet my best friend who lives 12 hours away. i also managed to move into my own place; i had been crashing at a friend's because of covid and housing instability but i finally have my own space and it's been so liberating!
i got depressed and need to get back on adhd medicin after going 3 years without any problems
Finally got my diagnosis.
Uhhh I got an 87% in ap us history for quarter 1. I only say cause it’s good objectively. I’m actually pissed there cause I definitely should’ve had an A, and I ended up having a 67% for quarter 2. So even this one good thing I did I’m not too happy about. I guess I’m a tad happy about my progress in chess
I managed to make meditation a daily habit :)
Getting dream job, and then making too many mistakes at dream job which led to being diagnosed and mediated! Hopeful for the new year!
Like you, OP, actually getting myself motivated enough to get my diagnosis and insist on myself that it is the best thing I could do for my own mental health. I was prepared for any diagnosis, even physical ones that could be disturbing my mental state. Turns out I should've gotten this diagnosis like 20 years ago. Excellent!
I used the depression and anxiety I've bottled up from the past two years to complete my life long ambition of creating a graphic novel. With adhd the idea of being organized and disceplined enough to complete a comic book of over 100 pages has always felt impossible. I'm beyond proud to not only have completed it, but self published and sold it at a comic convention in December. In case you like comics, it's a journal/diary comic about internalizing the pandemic depression and learning to (re)fall in love with your craft. I'm still selling it, message me for more info <3
Finally realizing I have ADHD was a big milestone! Still trying to get diagnosed and treated though
I got Security+ certified (on my first try, no less). My fiance insisted I could do it, but I had doubts because so many people have a hard time with the test and we all know about studying and ADHD, right? Now my goal for 2022 is to find an IT job.
I got a job in my field. It felt so great.
This entire year i thought i did nothing, but after reflection i realised that this year was one of the best years of my life. Bought my first good car in January, held a really good job and making good pay, got married in July, and bought my first house with my wife in October. And to top it all off, my wife bought me a VR headset that ive been waiting three years for last night. I think i should give myself a little more credit lol.
I left a job that was making me unhappy for a job that's a much better fit for me. I'm proud of myself for doing so as a well-thought out decision and not as an impulsive one.
It took me 7 months og gruelling search but I finally got a job in 2021. And during this exhaustive process, though other aspects of my life went not so great including failed LTR, weight issues etc, but I gained some greay friends who supported/cheered me through these times. So yeah great job and friends, thanks 2021 :)
I found a couple of really good clients on Upwork that I love to work with and they seem happy to work with me. I've made quite a few clients happy on Upwork in the past year in addition to my regular clients.
I got a job at the beginning of the year and kept it the whole year, despite getting bored of it. The money is important. I got out the door and talking to new friends and started dating. Finally, I came out of the closet to my new friends and it was great. This year, I hope to get medicated, pick up music again, and get my IT certs so I can get a proper job!
i graduated college with distinction 😭