#73 - CHASING CHAOS: The ADHD Pattern

In this revealing episode of The Personal Success Podcast, Ryan shares his unexpected ADHD diagnosis at age 39—and how it reshaped everything he thought he knew about focus, motivation, and success.

Despite a background in psychology, Ryan missed the signs in himself until a podcast about low testosterone led him to a deeper truth: his brain wasn’t broken—it was wired for intensity. ADHD, he explains, isn’t just about distraction. It’s about regulation. Pressure becomes purpose, and chaos becomes comfort.

This episode explores the hidden side of high-performing adults with ADHD—messy perfectionism, all-or-nothing energy, overcommitting, and hyperfocus. Ryan offers a new lens: success doesn’t require burnout. It starts with structure, stillness, and support.

Share this episode: https://www.ryanwattslifecoaching.com/podcasts/the-personal-success-podcast-with-ryan-watts/episodes/2149011540

✨ Tools Mentioned:

• Personal Success Planner – Free 90-day planner to bring clarity and calm: personalsuccessplanner.com

• Success IQ Assessment – Discover your emotional intelligence strengths and blind spots: ryanwattslifecoaching.com/successIQ

If you’re tired of thriving in chaos but crashing afterward, this episode is your mirror. You’re not alone—and you’re not broken.

00:00 – Introduction & Personal Background
01:00 – ADHD Diagnosis & New Self-Awareness
01:36 – Nervous System Wired for Pressure, Not Peace
02:28 – Understanding the Dopamine Loop
03:56 – Four Hidden ADHD Behaviors
05:54 – It’s Not Laziness, It’s Brain Chemistry
07:21 – High Performance Built on Struggle
08:21 – Addiction to Chaos & Urgency
09:19 – The Cost of Success Without Clarity
10:09 – Rewiring with Self-Awareness & Strategy
10:37 – Three Small but Powerful Shifts
11:38 – You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
12:31 – Success Without Burnout Is Possible
13:21 – Free Personal Success Planner Call-to-Action