NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of ADHD, creativity and the brain. Several claims in this talk lack sufficient scientific support. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...

James Fell—the “Sweary Historian”—learned he had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at the age of 53 and said, “Well, that explains a lot.” He’s come to consider it a kind of superpower for creative thinking, a powerful tool in his becoming a bestselling author. Alas, it also comes with a load of kryptonite in the form of childhood trauma and anxiety. James Fell, at the age of 42, left the business world to become a writer. Before long, he was one of the bestknown fitness authors in North America. A decade later, he made a sudden shift to writing “sweary history” stories. The column is read by millions each month and has been compiled into two bestselling books. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx