The Power of Neurodivergence: Unlocking True Potential with Wesley Wade
Welcome to the Militant Grind Show Welcome to the Militant Grind Show, where we dive into the journeys of individuals who’ve mastered the art of being their best selves. Every episode is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This show embodies our tagline, “the most honorables,” and here, you’ll find inspiration, insights, and strategies to elevate every aspect of your life. For more empowering content and to join our community of achievers, visit us at militantgrind.com. Let’s embark on this journey together because the grind never stops. Are you ready for a radical transformation? Join the ranks of the most honorable. Our proven methods forge resilience, sharpen strategic thinking, and unlock your true potential. We will challenge you mentally, physically, and spiritually, preparing you to overcome any obstacle. Visit militantgrindacademy.com to begin your evolution. Greatness awaits. Forge your path. Ignite your future. Most of all, join the movement.
A Special Guest: Wesley Wade Today, we have an extraordinary guest on the Militant Grind Podcast—Wesley Wade, a licensed clinical mental health counselor. Wesley is a powerhouse on TikTok, sharing invaluable insights about mental health. When I saw one of his videos, I knew I had to bring him on to discuss neurodivergence and how to navigate life with it. I’ve noticed striking similarities in our stories. Both of us are neurodivergent, and growing up, school was a challenging environment. Despite being smart, I had behavioral issues, and I always wanted to do something different. While school pushed conformity, I resisted.
Discovering Neurodivergence: Wesley’s Journey At 41, Wesley shares his experiences growing up as a smart kid who didn’t fit into a traditional mold. Like many, he found himself surrounded by friends with ADHD but was never diagnosed himself. His first realization came in middle school. While his friends were getting tested for ADHD and dyslexia, Wesley was navigating through life unnoticed. In a vulnerable moment, Wesley shares, “When I was in middle school, I started smoking Snoop Dogg volumes of weed.” For him, this behavior was an indicator that something wasn’t right, but it wasn’t until he was much older that he discovered the full spectrum of his neurodivergence.
Embracing Neurodivergence and Resilience Wesley and I discuss how neurodivergence manifests differently in everyone. He highlighted the concept of a “spiky profile,” where strengths and weaknesses vary drastically. He notes, “My perceptual reasoning is at a very high level, but my processing speed is low.” In class, this disparity meant that while Wesley was deep in thought, he often had to make jokes to cope with the pressure of not being able to respond quickly. This behavior labeled him as the class clown, a role he played excellently. However, Wesley’s neurodivergence wasn’t just a burden; it also allowed him to see the world uniquely. As an adult, he leveraged his divergent thinking in ways that benefitted his career and personal growth. This resilience led him to pursue multiple master’s degrees and a Ph.D., despite struggling with traditional learning environments.
Changing the Narrative: From Survival to Thriving Wesley emphasizes that everyone has a unique brilliance, often stifled by societal expectations and trauma. “Our survival as Black individuals, especially those descended from enslaved Africans, required us to tap into our genius,” Wesley claims. He believes that if we can learn to tap into our inherent brilliance, we can change our lives and communities. Wesley’s story of his Aunt Viv, who had a master’s degree in chemistry in the 1930s, is a testament to this potential.
Rethinking Success: Authenticity Over Conformity Wesley advocates for redefining success beyond societal norms. For him, success isn’t about material wealth but owning his time and being present for his children. He highlights the toxic nature of America’s “pick me” culture, where individuals constantly seek validation from external sources. By focusing on self-acceptance and authenticity, Wesley has cultivated a life that aligns with his values and allows him to thrive. This shift in perspective enabled him to manage his grandiosity and impulsivity effectively.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your True Potential As we navigate our own journeys, Wesley’s insights remind us of the importance of embracing our uniqueness and leveraging our strengths. By understanding and managing our emotions, we can unlock our true potential and create a life that aligns with our deepest values.
Join the Movement Join us at militantgrind.com for more empowering content. Let’s keep the grind going together, and remember, greatness is a choice. Follow Wesley Wade on his journey, and stay inspired to forge your path and ignite your future.
