Have you ever wished there was a way to work with your neurodivergent mind, instead of against it, to unlock your full potential? That you could chart a path towards a life in which you understand and appreciate your unique ADHD personality?
Imagine a day where you are on friendly terms with your present, the future, and the past. A day where you are able to get things done. Imagine coming to fully accept your emotional experiences without shame or guilt. Imagine being not only aware of your deeply held beliefs and values - but able to act on them when, and how, you wish to act on them. Imagine being able to pause, to consider your options, and then act on them at the right pace and at the right time.
If you have ADHD, this is not just a fantasy; it’s a possibility, with Shimmer’s new Shimmer Mastery program.
Executive functioning in ADHD
You may already be familiar with the executive functioning skills that enable us to set strategies for the future, stay focused and hold concentration, stop and reassess our emotions and behaviors, and juggle multiple tasks successfully.
Skills like working memory, planning, organizing, emotional regulation, and more are critical for day-to-day life, enabling us to set goals, plan for them, and act on those plans. Whether the plan is as small as doing the dishes, or as monumental as starting a new career, all of the executive functioning skills are necessary. When these skills are weaker, as they are in people with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other neurodiversity, it can feel like an uphill battle to achieve your goals, no matter how hard you try.
Where executive functioning tools fall short
Traditional clinical ADHD and executive functioning assessments are designed to compare against a “normal,” "neurotypical" brain. And, unfortunately, these tools aren’t sensitive enough to the myriad ways in which ADHD can impact cognition, emotion, and behavior.
The results produced through these assessments are like a noisy, overwhelming map that shows you where you are, but not how to get you where you want to go. There are no clear boundaries, no helpful indications of safe roundabouts or the quieter streets with less traffic. Instead, the results of current executive functioning measures simply point out the bumpy roads, potholes, and cracks. They highlight your weaknesses - which you are likely keenly aware of already - with no direction on how to improve.
The solution: Shimmer ADHD Mastery
At Shimmer, we knew that there had to be a better way to address this. We envisioned a way of talking about ADHD that not only helps understand your everyday experience, but also illuminates the paths forward.
The result is Shimmer ADHD Mastery. An assessment grounded in science, yet flexible enough to account for the variability and dynamism of ADHD.
The science behind Shimmer ADHD Mastery
Shimmer Mastery is the culmination of years of research and implementation experience. To develop this groundbreaking tool, we drew from the best of established psychological theories and disciplines:
- Executive Functioning Models: the evidence-based and scientifically informed EF model, developed by the renowned ADHD expert Dr. Russell Barkley, informed the foundations for Shimmer Mastery's assessment domains.
- Health Psychology: We incorporated insights from health psychology to address the crucial role of motivation in behavior change, using transformational metaphors which help individuals understand and work with their own internal dynamics.
- A Comprehensive Paradigm: In our approach, we emphasize a multitude of psychological processes from the realms of both coaching and counseling. In this way, we encompass the variability of ADHD presentations and support Shimmer Mastery's focus on building value-aligned strategies, identifying strengths, and accepting one's feelings.
But we didn't stop there. To ensure that Shimmer ADHD Mastery is truly tailored to the needs and experiences of adults with ADHD, we subjected our assessment to rigorous triangulation and refinement. We examined patterns of responses to identify the most common and impactful EF challenges, and we continuously honed our questions to be as precise and actionable as possible.
The result is an assessment that is deeply grounded in science, yet practical and resonant with the lived experiences of ADHD adults. An assessment that not only illuminates challenges, but also shines a light on the path to overcoming them.
The elements of Shimmer ADHD Mastery
Shimmer ADHD Mastery is more than just a set of questions. It's a carefully crafted journey of self-discovery and empowerment:
- The Assessment:
Our 39-question assessment is the heart of Shimmer Mastery. But these aren't just any questions. Each one has been carefully crafted and validated to probe a specific facet of your daily life functioning, as it relates to the unique experiences of ADHD adults. From time management to emotional regulation, the assessment covers the full spectrum of self-management.
What sets Shimmer Mastery apart is not just the comprehensiveness of its questions, but also their forward-looking and actionable framing. They don't just ask "what's wrong," but also "what's possible." This solution-focused approach lays the groundwork for the insights and strategies to come. - The Metaphor:
Imagine your “operational” self as a large, powerful Elephant. It's the part of you that ensures your survival and satisfies your immediate needs. Now, picture your strategic planning side as a Rider sitting atop the Elephant. The Rider is tasked with directing the Elephant towards long-term goals - but it's an uphill journey through the jungle.
For adults with ADHD, the communication between the Elephant and Rider is often compromised. The Rider's attempts to steer are easily overpowered by the Elephant's weight and strength. Thus, the rider requires specific tools, adaptations, and strategies in order to effectively steer the elephant and keep it moving on the right path.
Shimmer Mastery helps you understand your own Elephant and Rider dynamic. It provides a framework for developing strategies to work with, not against, your natural tendencies. The goal is not to subdue the Elephant, but to harness its power and align it with your Rider's goals.
Shimmer Mastery enhances ADHD Coaching efficacy
Shimmer Mastery is not a passive assessment, but an active journey. It's an invitation to understand yourself more deeply, to challenge long-held assumptions, and to rewrite the story of your ADHD. This journey is tailored specifically to you. No more generic advice or one-size-fits-all solutions. With Shimmer Mastery, you'll gain insights and strategies that are as unique as your own brain’s wiring.
But self-insight is just the beginning. The real transformation happens when you put these insights into action - and that's where our expert ADHD coaches come in. Armed with your Shimmer Mastery results, your coach will guide you in translating awareness into real-world, every-day change.
Together, you'll create a personalized plan for a better quality of life, with ADHD in mind. You'll learn how to communicate with your Elephant, strengthen your Rider, and align your actions with your aspirations. Whether your goal is to excel at work, nurture your relationships, or be healthy and active, Shimmer Mastery provides the roadmap and your coach is your guide.
How to get started with Shimmer Mastery
If you're ready to go beyond just managing your ADHD to truly mastering it, start your Shimmer Mastery journey today. In just 5-10 minutes, you'll gain a new perspective on your wellbeing and performance potential - and take the first step towards unlocking it.
ADHD should not be cause for shame and embarrassment. It's a unique set of strengths and challenges that, when understood and harnessed, can propel you to heights you never thought possible. With Shimmer ADHD Mastery and adult ADHD coaching combined, you'll have the tools and support to not just survive, but thrive.
So take the leap. Invest in yourself.
And get ready to shimmer.
