Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Snyder
Hi Michael, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was diagnosed with ADHD at 10. Outside of the classroom, it didn’t matter. I was a social kid with a big heart who was friends with everyone. That’s still true. It was a different story in school. I was impulsive, I couldn’t focus, and it seemed I couldn’t remember anything.
When I was 18, I graduated high school and entered college. The same struggles continued: impulsivity, lack of concentration, and lack of retention. I didn’t have any strategies for doing anything different. My self-esteem fell.
During winter break, my mom – who was my biggest supporter – passed away after a long battle with cancer. Without her guidance, I was lost. I took a leave of absence from college and started working.
I spent the next 20 years, living from one moment to the next, never thinking about any long-term plan or purpose for my life. Until I found myself in a job interview, being asked what my ten year plan was. I couldn’t even answer. I had no idea. I had never thought much beyond the next day.
As I would later learn, not seeing time is an ADHD trait.
I was determined to answer that question and find my purpose. I started reading all kinds of self- development book, which eventually led me to a book call Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults, A Different Way of Thinking by Lynn Weiss.
Twenty pages in and I was in tears. It was like a tidal wave of emotions built up over the past 30 years hit me all at once. Years of feeling inadequate, lost, and not even knowing it—alone.
I never realized that all of these feelings I have struggled with were direct results of my ADHD. As I continued to read, I started to get a better understanding of what ADHD actually is, and how it manifests itself in our lives. I finally started to feel like I wasn’t lazy, crazy or stupid!
ADHD manifests differently for everyone, and no one should have to go through life feeling the way I felt. We should all have the opportunity to know who our true self is, and to learn to focus on our strengths and gifts rather than our weaknesses.
This is why I decided to become an ADHD Coach. I want to empower people, like me, who have been struggling for so many years. You are not alone. I know what you have been going through, and I want to help make you the best and happiest version of yourself.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey to building a coaching practice hasn’t been without its challenges. The isolation and lack of immediate feedback can be daunting, leading to feelings of doubt and uncertainty about whether I’m on the right track. Coaching itself can feel intangible, as it requires shifting from a directive approach to one of discovery and supporting clients in finding their own solutions. Learning to make constant, incremental improvements and trying new things also presents a challenge, as it’s difficult to measure progress in a tangible way. Marketing my practice has required creativity and resourcefulness, and I’ve battled with imposter syndrome while striving to remain objective.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I specialize in helping individuals with ADHD develop effective strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their daily lives. My approach is highly personalized, focusing on each client’s unique strengths and challenges. I guide them in setting realistic goals, overcoming obstacles, and creating sustainable habits that lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
I understand that ADHD is an executive functioning impairment, and my coaching emphasizes strengthening these critical skills. We work together on time management, organization, planning, prioritization, and getting started, addressing the root cause of why someone might be struggling to execute or achieve their goals.
I often begin by providing education and cognitive training, as many people come to coaching with limited understanding of ADHD and feel overwhelmed by a sea of strategies. My goal is to help clients manage ADHD with intent, working with their strengths rather than against them. We challenge their beliefs and assumptions, opening their minds to new possibilities.
Coaching is future-focused, so we explore where they are now and where they want to go. If a client is unsure about their goals, that’s okay – we work together to gain clarity. My coaching style is very tactical and action-oriented. I typically focus more on the process than the outcome, as I’ve found that often a flaw in the process is the real barrier to achieving a goal. Each session aims to equip clients with actionable steps they can take that day to create a better tomorrow.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
My approach to risk is in knowing that it’s an inherent part of personal and professional growth – but that doesn’t mean it came easy for me. Leaving the Real Estate industry in my early 30s where I had established myself as a top producing agent was by far the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. It involved stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing uncertainty to pursue potential reward. I picked up and moved to a new city, started my coaching business entering a lesser-known profession, all while not knowing where clients would come from. Risk-taking requires courage and a willingness to face challenges. Although risks may come with uncertainties, careful planning, adaptability, and a strategic approach can increase the likelihood of success and result in significant personal and professional development.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michaelsnydercoaching.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelsnydercoaching/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelsnydercoaching/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelsnydercoaching
