Adult ADHD

How to Succeed as a Hunter in a Farmer's World

by Thom Hartmann • 2016 • 144 pages

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Adhd Psychology Self Help

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Key Takeaways

1. ADHD is a Hunter's mindset in a Farmer's world

For success in the field, forest, or jungle, a hunter must be easily distractible, constantly scanning his environment.

Evolutionary perspective. ADHD traits were once valuable survival skills for hunters in primitive societies. These include high energy, impulsiveness, risk-taking, and the ability to hyperfocus. In modern society, these traits can be both assets and liabilities.

Farmer vs. Hunter mindset. Our current society is structured around "Farmer" traits like patience, routine, and long-term planning. This can make it challenging for those with ADHD to thrive in traditional settings. However, understanding this dichotomy can help individuals with ADHD reframe their experiences and leverage their unique strengths.

Hunter traits:

Easily distractible
Risk-taking
Impulsive
Creative problem-solving
High energy

Farmer traits:

Patient
Routine-oriented
Detail-focused
Long-term planners
Steady and consistent

2. Embrace your Hunter traits for entrepreneurial success

Hunters seem drawn to owning their own businesses. Adults with ADHD are 300 percent more likely to start or own their own companies than are people without ADHD.

Entrepreneurial advantage. The very traits that can make traditional employment challenging for those with ADHD often translate well to entrepreneurship. The ability to think creatively, take risks, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances are valuable assets in the business world.

Leveraging ADHD strengths. Rather than trying to conform to a "Farmer" mindset, successful ADHD entrepreneurs learn to work with their natural tendencies. This might mean:

Creating a stimulating work environment
Breaking large projects into smaller, manageable tasks
Delegating detail-oriented work to others
Focusing on big-picture strategy and innovation
Embracing flexibility in work schedules and methods

3. Organize your business like a franchise from day one

By setting it up this way from the very beginning, you avoid both the early-on entrepreneurial traps of poor focus and poor planning, and the later-years traps of Hunters trying to do Farmer management jobs.

Franchise model benefits. Structuring your business as if you were planning to franchise it forces you to create clear systems, processes, and documentation from the start. This approach helps ADHD entrepreneurs overcome common challenges like disorganization and lack of follow-through.

Key components:

Clearly defined roles and responsibilities
Detailed operating procedures
Standardized training materials
Scalable business model
Clear performance metrics

By implementing these structures early, ADHD entrepreneurs can create a more sustainable and potentially sellable business. This approach also allows for easier delegation as the company grows, freeing the founder to focus on areas where their Hunter traits are most valuable.

4. Develop effective strategies to manage ADHD in the workplace

For many people, as Dr. Stein points out, just the diagnosis is enough to turn their lives around. For others, exercise, therapy, medication, meditation, or other techniques to work with ADHD may be useful.

Self-awareness is key. Understanding your ADHD diagnosis and how it affects your work is the first step to developing effective coping strategies. This self-knowledge allows you to anticipate challenges and proactively address them.

Tailored solutions. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to managing ADHD in the workplace. Effective strategies might include:

Creating a distraction-free workspace
Using time-management tools and techniques
Implementing a system for organizing tasks and information
Regular exercise and mindfulness practices
Medication (if prescribed by a healthcare professional)
Seeking support from coaches or therapists specializing in ADHD

Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you, and be willing to adapt your strategies as your needs change over time.

5. Harness the power of visualization and goal-setting

Write it on the back of a business card, and put it in your wallet in a place where whenever you open your wallet, you'll glance at it. Put one on the mirror in your bathroom. Stick a small one near the speedometer on the dash of your car, where you can see it but others in the car can't.

Constant reminders. The ADHD mind can easily lose focus on long-term goals. By creating visual reminders and placing them in frequently seen locations, you reinforce your objectives and keep them at the forefront of your thoughts.

Visualization techniques:

Write your goals in concise, powerful statements
Create vision boards with images representing your goals
Use smartphone apps for regular goal reminders
Practice daily visualization meditation

SMART goals. When setting goals, use the SMART framework to make them more achievable:

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound

By combining vivid visualization with well-structured goals, you can harness the ADHD mind's creativity and energy to drive towards success.

6. Build a support network and delegate wisely

Andrew Carnegie, who founded U. S. Steel and died one of the richest people in America, was fond of noting that he knew nothing about the manufacture or marketing of steel. But he'd hired the best minds in the business, and he respected their opinions.

Complementary strengths. Recognize that your ADHD traits may make certain tasks challenging. Instead of forcing yourself to excel in these areas, focus on building a team with complementary skills. Look for "Farmer" types who excel at organization, detail management, and follow-through.

Effective delegation:

Clearly define roles and responsibilities
Match tasks to individual strengths
Provide clear instructions and expectations
Establish regular check-ins and feedback loops
Trust your team to handle their assigned tasks

By surrounding yourself with capable people and delegating effectively, you can focus on the big-picture thinking and creative problem-solving where your ADHD mind thrives.

7. Balance personal growth with business success

Overlaid on all of this is the issue of ADHD. For many Hunter adults in the business world, just keeping a job or relationship intact has been such an exhausting task that they haven't had time to consider such issues as purpose and goals. Now is the time.

Holistic approach. Success in business should not come at the expense of personal well-being. ADHD entrepreneurs must actively work to balance their professional ambitions with personal growth and relationships.

Key areas for balance:

Physical health: Regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep
Mental health: Stress management, mindfulness practices, therapy if needed
Relationships: Quality time with family and friends, open communication
Personal development: Continued learning, hobbies, spiritual practices
Financial stability: Responsible money management, planning for the future

By prioritizing personal growth alongside business success, ADHD entrepreneurs can build more sustainable, fulfilling careers and lives. This balance also helps prevent burnout and maintains the enthusiasm and creativity that are often hallmarks of the ADHD mind.

Last updated: May 1, 2025

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FAQ

1. What is "Adult ADHD: How to Succeed as a Hunter in a Farmer's World" by Thom Hartmann about?

Evolutionary Perspective on ADHD: The book reframes ADHD as an evolutionary adaptation, describing people with ADHD as "Hunters" in a modern "Farmer's" society.
Success Strategies for Adults: It provides practical advice and tools for adults with ADHD to succeed in business, entrepreneurship, and life.
Emphasis on Strengths: Hartmann highlights the unique strengths of ADHD individuals, such as creativity, risk-taking, and adaptability, rather than focusing solely on deficits.
Real-World Examples: The book includes stories and case studies of successful ADHD adults, illustrating how to turn challenges into assets.

2. Why should I read "Adult ADHD: How to Succeed as a Hunter in a Farmer's World" by Thom Hartmann?

Empowering Reframe: The book offers a positive, empowering perspective on ADHD, helping readers see their traits as strengths rather than flaws.
Practical Tools: It provides actionable strategies for managing ADHD in the workplace, entrepreneurship, and personal life.
Validation and Self-Acceptance: Readers gain validation and encouragement, reducing shame and increasing self-acceptance.
Broad Applicability: The advice is useful for ADHD adults, their families, managers, and anyone interested in neurodiversity and workplace success.

3. What are the key takeaways from "Adult ADHD: How to Succeed as a Hunter in a Farmer's World"?

ADHD as Adaptation: ADHD traits are reframed as survival skills from hunter-gatherer societies, not just medical deficits.
Find the Right Environment: Success comes from aligning work and life with ADHD strengths—seeking stimulation, novelty, and autonomy.
Teamwork is Crucial: Pairing "Hunters" (ADHD) with "Farmers" (detail-oriented people) creates effective teams in business and life.
Self-Knowledge is Power: Understanding and accepting one's ADHD is the foundation for building compensatory strategies and thriving.

4. How does Thom Hartmann define the "Hunter vs. Farmer" theory in relation to ADHD?

Hunters = ADHD Traits: "Hunters" are described as impulsive, distractible, risk-taking, and highly alert—traits that were advantageous in hunting societies.
Farmers = Non-ADHD Traits: "Farmers" are methodical, patient, and detail-oriented, fitting the needs of agricultural societies.
Evolutionary Mismatch: Modern society is structured for "Farmers," making it challenging for "Hunters" to fit in without adaptation.
Genetic and Cultural Roots: Hartmann suggests these differences are both genetic and reinforced by cultural evolution.

5. What are the main characteristics of adults with ADHD according to "Adult ADHD" by Thom Hartmann?

Distractibility and Impulsivity: Difficulty sustaining attention, frequent boredom, and impulsive decision-making are common.
Creativity and Hyperfocus: Many ADHD adults are highly creative and can hyperfocus on stimulating tasks.
Restlessness and Risk-Taking: A need for high stimulation, frequent job changes, and a tendency to seek novelty.
Organizational Challenges: Struggles with follow-through, forgetfulness, and disorganization, especially with routine or repetitive tasks.

6. What practical strategies does "Adult ADHD" by Thom Hartmann recommend for succeeding in the workplace?

Seek High-Stimulation Roles: Choose jobs in sales, creative fields, or fast-paced environments that match ADHD strengths.
Use Team Pairings: Work in Hunter-Farmer teams, where ADHD individuals focus on initiating and energizing, while others handle details and follow-through.
Structure Meetings and Tasks: Use clear agendas, written summaries, and time limits to make meetings productive and manageable.
Leverage Organizational Tools: Implement daily to-do lists, visual reminders, and prioritization systems (like the ABC method) to stay on track.

7. How does "Adult ADHD" by Thom Hartmann address entrepreneurship for people with ADHD?

Entrepreneurship as a Natural Fit: Many ADHD adults thrive as entrepreneurs due to their love of novelty, risk, and autonomy.
Build a Business, Not a Job: Hartmann warns against creating a business that depends solely on the founder; instead, design systems that can run independently.
Franchise Model Thinking: Organize businesses with clear manuals, job descriptions, and processes, making them scalable and sellable.
Plan for Transition: Recognize when to hand off management to detail-oriented "Farmers" as the business matures.

8. What advice does "Adult ADHD" by Thom Hartmann give for managing ADHD in personal and family life?

Accept and Leverage Differences: Recognize and accept ADHD traits in oneself and family members, reducing guilt and conflict.
Delegate and Outsource: Hire help for routine tasks (like housekeeping) and involve family members in shared responsibilities.
Set Clear Roles in Partnerships: In business or marriage, define responsibilities and authority to prevent resentment and burnout.
Teach and Model Coping Skills: Share ADHD insights and strategies with children, especially if they also have ADHD.

9. What does "Adult ADHD" by Thom Hartmann say about medication and alternative therapies for ADHD?

Medication as a Tool: Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can be effective, but should be considered carefully and individually.
Risks and Benefits: The book discusses potential side effects, long-term unknowns, and the importance of professional guidance.
Alternative Approaches: Exercise, meditation, mindfulness, and organizational strategies are also recommended for managing symptoms.
Self-Medication Risks: Hartmann warns against self-medicating with substances like caffeine, alcohol, or marijuana without medical supervision.

10. How does "Adult ADHD" by Thom Hartmann suggest overcoming common ADHD challenges like procrastination, forgetfulness, and negative self-talk?

Intentional Procrastination: Delay acting on new ideas for a few days to avoid impulsive decisions and focus on the best opportunities.
Visual Memory Techniques: Use absurd visualizations to remember lists and important information.
Original Awareness: Practice being fully present when placing items or receiving information to improve recall.
Reframe Self-Talk: Challenge negative stories about oneself and replace them with empowering, realistic narratives.

11. What are the most important organizational and time-management tips from "Adult ADHD" by Thom Hartmann?

ABC Prioritization: Sort tasks and papers into A (urgent), B (important but not urgent), and C (can wait) categories daily.
Break Big Tasks Down: Divide large projects into small, manageable pieces and tackle them incrementally.
Write Down Goals: Keep goals visible and concise to maintain focus and motivation.
Learn to Say No: Avoid overcommitting by realistically assessing time and energy before agreeing to new projects.

12. What are the best quotes from "Adult ADHD: How to Succeed as a Hunter in a Farmer's World" by Thom Hartmann and what do they mean?

“ADHD is not a disorder, but a different way of being—Hunters in a Farmer’s world.” (Reframes ADHD as a valuable difference, not a deficit.)
“Self-knowledge, then, is the first and most important step in turning a disorder into an asset.” (Emphasizes the power of understanding oneself.)
“Build a business, not a job.” (Warns entrepreneurs to create scalable, sustainable businesses rather than ones that depend solely on them.)
“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.” (Encourages readers to take action and commit fully to their goals, echoing Goethe’s wisdom.)
“For true Hunters in the business world, that voice is a constant validation, a perpetual reminder, and often a driving force.” (Affirms the importance of listening to one’s inner drive and intuition.)