To create. To imagine. To visualize. These are traits we associate with great minds -- people with an outstanding gift for divergent thinking. At their best, they are admired for their surplus of ideas, inventiveness, and imagination -- at worst, disregarded for their impulsiveness, inattentiveness and impatience.

They are the "daydreamers" amongst us, capable of envisioning wondrous possibilities, but often labeled, disparagingly, as "ADDers" (for their affliction with Attention Deficit Disorder), sharing a set of common diagnostic criteria including impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention -- potential stumbling blocks to career success.

Managing your career under the shadow of ADD presents a set of challenges, but they're not insurmountable. Ironically, this country was built by individuals who share many traits of attention deficit disorder.

Kathleen G. Nadeau, author of "ADD In The Workplace," writes; "they were high energy, impulsive, risk-taking, good in a crisis, jump-in-with-both-feet and figure-it-out-as-they-went-along people. These were the people who took a leap of faith to come to the new world, then risked it again to leave the security of the East Coast states to forge out into the American wilderness."

They were the inventors, the creators, the entrepreneurs -- the people who didn't think like everyone else -- individuals with strong ADD characteristics.

Andrew Brown, president of Boston-based Career Ventures, notes that the symptoms of ADD can vary widely, but common characteristics include distractibility, boredom, procrastination, fidgetiness, poor time management and inattention to details.

In his career work with ADDers, Brown helps his clients develop structure, focus and direction.

"Otherwise they tend to become bored and accomplish nothing," he says. “And if they are dealing with the stress of being laid off, they can easily become overwhelmed and paralyzed. Their minds continue to go a mile a minute, but their actions are often scattered, producing minimal results."

Recent studies show that ADD is primarily genetic, but because of the early association with brain injury, ADDers are unfairly saddled with negative perceptions. Experts contend that while ADD can be a disadvantage in some situations, proper diagnosis and support can bring numerous benefits to the workplace. Adders are often gifted with creativity, high intelligence, ability to do many things at once, high energy and a powerful intuitive sense.

We are fortunate, today, for there are numerous resources to help ADDers maximize their probability of success. The Hallowell Center is a highly respected organization offering successful diagnosis, treatment and coaching programs. If you've been diagnosed with ADD (or think you may show symptoms), the disorder can usually be controlled effectively through a combination of self-management practices and/or supportive coaching. In some cases, medications like Ritalin, Adderall or Dexedrine may help as well.

By gaining more understanding of what ADD is and isn't, you can minimize any negative impact on your career growth and development. The (ADDA), provides updated research information and resources, plus many books, articles and helpful links to sites relating to ADD and careers. And Theresa Gallagher's "Born To Explore!" is a virtual treasure chest of articles and resources espousing the positive side of ADD.

Two strengths that ADDers bring to the career planning process are "brainstorming" skills and "multi-tasking" capabilities.

"That's the way their minds work," observes Andrew Brown at Career Ventures.” If channeled appropriately, these strengths can help individuals clarify and achieve career goals but, first and foremost, they need to develop a career plan and stick to it."

This is where a coach or mentor can most be of help -- someone who can hold you accountable. Brown cautions, however, that ADDers often have difficulty with authority figures, so there needs to be a high level of mutual respect between the individual and his/her coach.

He recommends these additional strategies for gaining (or regaining) control over your career:

• You don't have to go it alone. Whether you find a professional coach or a personal friend, acknowledge that you need support. This is especially true if you are out of work. A "job search partner" can provide needed structure and assistance at a critical time.
  

• Integrate "chunking" of time into your daily schedule to prevent boredom. “You don't have to bulldoze the whole mountain," says Brown. “Start with a shovel and chip away at it.” For example, commit two hours to writing job search letters, then move to another job-search activity like research or phone calls. These small steps will help you move forward without overwhelming yourself.
  

• Keep a notebook or journal next to you to record random thoughts as they come to you. If you write them down, you can return to them later, but stick with the immediate task at hand.
  

• Use your brainstorming skills to your advantage. Set aside time to generate ideas on an easel pad -- or investigate "graphic organizer" processes, like "information mapping.” These techniques don't encumber you the way traditional outlines and lists can.
  

• Implement a time-management system. Set up a reminder system on your computer -- or get a pocket organizer (and use it). A watch with an alarm with start/end times can also help keep you on track. 
  

• Work at your own pace, allowing for flexibility and autonomy. YOU create YOUR schedule. Build in one or two hours during your day for "play" time. Honor the timeframe as you would the other task on your "to-do" list.
  

• Create a job search basket for those items you need to get at daily. Keep any correspondence, business cards, and meeting notes in it. Weave it all together in one place so you won't waste time looking for important information when you need it.
  

• Take time for yourself. Resist the tendency to get "hyper-focused.” Get exercise, nurture your personal interests, spend time with your family and friends -- don't let the other areas of your life wilt away because of your career woes.

Most important of all, focus on ADD solutions, not ADD problems. Accept it as it is, and make it work for you. There’s a wonderful song by contemporary folk artist, David Wilcox, called "The Kid" in which he sings:

"I'm the kid who has a habit of dreaming, that sometimes gets me in trouble too, but the truth is, I could no more stop dreaming, than I could make them all come true."

Throughout our history, we have witnessed outstanding contributions by individuals who displayed common characteristics of ADD -- talented people who, in spite of their hyperactivity, inattention and impulsiveness, achieved greatness.

Dr. Bonnie Cramond writes, in "The Coincidence of ADHD and Creativity," that Frank Lloyd Wright daydreamed so intensely that his uncle had to shout at him to get him back. And Thomas Edison was said to be "addled" (an interesting term) because of his excessive daydreaming in class. Robert Frost, too, was dropped from school for daydreaming, perhaps in poetic phrases. It was he who commented many years later “the brain is a wonderful organ. It starts the moment you get up and doesn't stop until you get into the office."

Clearly, these likely ADDers didn't stop dreaming, but instead allowed their strengths and talents to shine. You can too.