In June of 2022, at age 40, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Since then, I’ve embarked on a journey to better understand and manage my symptoms, improve my life, and share my experiences with others. One transformative aspect of my journey has been my experience as an early adopter and beta tester of Shimmer, a digital-first ADHD coaching service. In this blog post, I’ll share that story, my experience with Shimmer, and how ADHD coaching can benefit others in a similar situation.
The Power of ADHD Coaching
For those recently diagnosed with ADHD or struggling with symptoms, coaching can be incredibly beneficial. A coach can guide you through the vast amount of information available and help tailor strategies to your unique needs while providing immediate support for everyday challenges.
One of the most significant advantages of ADHD coaching is the personalized guidance it offers. Since ADHD manifests differently in each individual, having a coach to navigate the complexities of the condition can be invaluable. They can help you explore various aspects of ADHD, identify your specific challenges, and develop targeted strategies to overcome them.
Another advantage of ADHD coaching is the emotional support it provides. Living with ADHD can be isolating, especially for those diagnosed later in life. A coach can offer reassurance and validation, helping you understand that your feelings and limitations are normal. This support can be crucial in building self-esteem and confidence.
Additionally, coaching can help you develop immediate strategies to cope with common challenges like disorganization, forgetfulness, and time management. By addressing these immediate concerns, you can free up mental energy for deeper introspection and personal growth.
Discovering Shimmer
My path to Shimmer began when I stumbled upon a mention of the service in an ADHD support group. They were looking for beta testers, and I knew I was the right fit, given my background in web development and a generally high tolerance for frustrating UX. Shimmer offered a more accessible and affordable alternative to traditional coaching, which often requires time-consuming travel and finding a coach with availability.
Before diving into my Shimmer experience, though, let me take a step back and first tell you what Shimmer is and who founded it. Shimmer is a digital-first ADHD coaching service founded by Christal (Chris) Wang and Vikram (Vik) Sreedhar, both of whom are incredibly friendly, easygoing, and approachable. They have created a platform that offers accessible and affordable coaching to people with ADHD, providing them with personalized guidance and emotional support.
It's clear that Chris and Vik have been instrumental in Shimmer's rapid growth and success. The platform launched officially to the public on October 12, 2022, and at the time of this article's release, they have 1,156 followers on LinkedIn and a whopping 6.6K followers on Facebook! That's quick for a small team that's got their hands full building a business. I've had the pleasure of speaking to both of them on several occasions, and there's no doubt that they have a clear vision for Shimmer and are dedicated to creating a supportive and accessible environment for people with ADHD.
One of the remarkable things is how open they are to communicating with their users. They're always looking for ways to improve the platform and coaching experience, and they actually take user feedback seriously and use it to adapt to the needs of their users. This has been really cool to see and be part of. In past beta testing experiences I've had, the organization has distanced itself from the user making it often feel as though your observations and feedback don't provide much value. The feedback loop with Shimmer, on the other hand, has made it feel very encouraging to provide thoughts and opinions. I really applaud them for that.
Working with My ADHD Coach
My coaching journey with Shimmer began when I was paired with Alex, who has since become an indispensable mentor in my life. She’s thoughtful, approachable, and observant, with a super positive vibe. Our weekly sessions range from discussing specific strategies to simply talking through some of the issues I’m stuck on, which is a great way for me to gain some perspective and get some feedback on things I hadn’t considered.
With Alex’s guidance, I’ve figured out how to find and use the right accommodations, improve my daily routines, and set myself up for a multitude of positive life changes. One excellent strategy we talked about early on was this idea of “chunking”; taking tasks and breaking them down into smaller, more actionable goals so they don’t feel as daunting. Starting with more granular tasks dramatically reduced the amount of internal resistance I felt about getting started on some things. It also made a lot of the new habits I was trying to form stick more easily since I didn’t feel such a sense of overwhelm each time I would approach them.
Using this approach, I have been able to be better at keeping my office space neat. By splitting the cleaning and organization into smaller tasks and focusing on one part at a time, I don’t run into that overwhelming feeling that easily holds me back. Not only has this made it easier for me to stay organized, but it has also seriously cut down on my stress and frustration.
Alex has also provided validation and encouragement, helping me understand my limitations and overcome mental roadblocks. Her insight has given me the extra push I needed to embrace new tactics or overcome challenges.
Finally, I have to mention a pivotal moment in thinking about my business. I don't recall what exactly it was that I was struggling with at the time, but Alex mentioned that I could try reframing the way I'm looking at the situation and see what I would expect in terms of accommodations from my ideal boss. There have now been several occasions for me to use this strategy, and it's amazing how effective it can be. I have even used it to give myself an extra day off after travel, which was a huge win. Now I'm treating myself a little more kindly, and my boss is the best!
Shimmer's Evolution
As an early adopter and beta tester of Shimmer, I’ve had the unique opportunity to witness its growth as a company and community. When I first joined the platform, it was far less developed than its current iteration, with only a chat feature for communicating with your coach and the system. However, the team behind Shimmer has been hard at work implementing new features and enhancements to create a more robust coaching experience.
Out of the numerous beta testing initiatives I've been part of over the years, I have to commend Shimmer for having such a communicative and personable core team. It's clear that they value user feedback and take it into account when making changes to the platform.
One significant addition was the goal-tracking system, which allows users to create and track coaching-related goals over a specified time interval. This minimalist to-do list helps keep users accountable and focused on their objectives.
Shimmer has also introduced the Learning Hub, an ever-expanding collection of resources that provides an approachable and bite-sized format for learning about ADHD, coaching, and strategies for success. The Learning Hub has been a fantastic resource for expanding my knowledge of ADHD and discovering new positive strategies and helpful techniques.
In terms of community building, Shimmer has launched a newsletter and hosted several webinar events, including one that I had the honour of co-hosting. These efforts have fostered a sense of belonging and connection among users. I believe that building a community around ADHD is a powerful thing, as it can bring together like-minded people who have faced similar struggles, while helping to transform how people with ADHD view themselves and how others perceive them. I’m glad to see that Shimmer is embracing this approach. We need to spread awareness about the condition, and getting people talking is the easiest way forward.
The Impact of Shimmer on the ADHD Community
As someone who has also been trying to do my part in bringing together the ADHD community, I recognize the importance of fostering a supportive environment that provides validation, encouragement, and resources for personal growth. I believe that Shimmer’s commitment to enhancing the coaching experience and building a community can make a positive impact on the lives of many people with ADHD.
Living with ADHD can be isolating, and many people with the condition struggle to find a sense of community and belonging. This lack of support can lead to feelings of shame and inadequacy, and can make it difficult to seek out help. By providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment, Shimmer is helping to break down these barriers and create a space where people with ADHD can feel heard, understood, and supported.
In addition to providing emotional support, Shimmer’s coaching services can help people with ADHD develop strategies and tools to better manage their symptoms and thrive in their personal and professional lives. The combination of personalized guidance, emotional support, and community-building has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of people with ADHD.
Conclusion
My journey with Shimmer has been incredible, and I wholeheartedly believe that ADHD coaching can help others regain control of their lives and take steps toward living more positive and happy lives. If you’re considering ADHD coaching, I encourage you to explore the benefits it can offer you, whether it’s with Shimmer or another service.
Whether you’re recently diagnosed or have been living with ADHD for years, seeking support in the form of coaching can make a world of difference. It has empowered me to make meaningful changes in my life, and I am confident it can do the same for others. By sharing my story and experience with Shimmer, I hope to inspire others to take that first step in their own journey of personal growth and self-discovery.
Remember, finding the right coach is essential for a successful coaching experience, so take the time to research and find someone who is a good fit for you. Coaching can help you navigate the complexities of ADHD, build self-esteem and confidence, and develop strategies for success. Don’t hesitate to reach out and invest in your future.
If you do decide to give Shimmer a try, you can use my referral link to get 50% off your first month ($50-175 value). Also, for any Shimmer members interested in participating in one of my upcoming webinar workshops on Automation for ADHD, I’m offering a special discount 💚
In summary, ADHD coaching can be a powerful tool for those struggling with the condition, providing personalized guidance, emotional support, and strategies for success. Shimmer is a digital-first coaching service that has proven to be effective and accessible, with a supportive and communicative team. As a beta tester and early adopter of Shimmer, I have witnessed the platform's growth and evolution, and I believe that it has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of people with ADHD.
If you're considering ADHD coaching or looking for a supportive community, I encourage you to give Shimmer a try. By investing in yourself and seeking support, you can take meaningful steps towards personal growth and self-discovery.
Thanks for joining me! If you're interested in reading more about ADHD, technology, and self-improvement, be sure to sign up for The Orbit (my newsletter/blog). Until then, dream big!
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