Joanna is a pioneering advocate for mental well-being & the founder of Brown Girl Coaching. She has cultivated BGC into a safe space, where Women of Color & Black women living in predominantly white societies can explore their identities, confront societal pressures & embark on a transformative journey towards self-love & fulfillment.
We often celebrate the idea of uniqueness, but how often do we truly create environments that embrace it? The world talks about authenticity and staying true to yourself, yet, ironically, when you do just that, you’re often met with resistance or judgment for not conforming to the standard model of "success."
I’ve seen this firsthand. My CV is anything but linear. I’ve changed jobs, ideas, opinions, and directions more times than I can count–not out of indecision or lack of commitment, but because I had an unshakable knowing when it was time to move on. For a long time, I wondered if something was wrong with me, if my path of constant shifts and pivots was a flaw to be corrected. But over time, I came to realize two key factors at play:
1. ADHD and the dopamine deficit
First, there’s ADHD–a condition that isn’t about an inability to focus, but more about the need for stimulation to maintain it. People with ADHD often struggle with motivation due to a chronic shortage of dopamine, the brain's "feel-good" chemical. This dopamine deficiency makes it difficult to stay engaged in tasks that are repetitive or don’t offer immediate rewards.
A scientific study published by the National Institute of Mental Health found that individuals with ADHD have lower dopamine activity in areas of the brain responsible for motivation and reward. This creates a restless drive for novelty and challenge, which can manifest as a need for frequent change–whether it’s jobs, hobbies, or even ways of thinking. The ADHD brain craves stimulation, not because it lacks interest, but because it physically needs newness to stay engaged.
This was my reality. I wasn’t running away from my responsibilities or being inconsistent by choice–I was responding to the way my brain works. Without enough "success moments" or the dopamine hits that come from completing new challenges, I’d feel bored and stuck, no matter how much I wanted to persist.
2. Manifesting generator in human design
Second, there’s my Human Design–specifically, I’m a Manifesting Generator (Mani Gen). In Human Design, a system that merges astrology, the I Ching, Kabbalah, and the chakra system, Manifesting Generators are known for their multi-passionate nature. We’re designed to follow multiple passions, pivot quickly, and explore various paths all at once. It’s who we are.
In traditional environments, this is often labeled as being "jumpy," "inconsistent," or "indecisive." Society, with its one-size-fits-all mentality, struggles to accommodate those of us who don’t fit neatly into a single box. We’re often asked, "Why can’t you just pick one thing and stick to it?"
But for Mani Gens, that’s simply not how we’re wired. Sticking to one thing stifles our creativity and prevents us from thriving.
The struggle between authenticity and judgment
Here’s the paradox: we live in a world that claims to value authenticity, but when you genuinely show up as your true self, you’re often judged for not fitting into society’s expectations. We’re told to "be authentic" and "stay true to ourselves," but when our authentic selves don’t align with what others deem acceptable, we’re labeled as inconsistent or unreliable.
As a Mani Gen with ADHD, I need the freedom to pivot, to shift direction when I feel called to do so. That’s where my power lies. However, the world at large often can’t handle that level of flexibility. When we embark on a new project or idea, we may eventually reach a point where we need to stop, shift, or move on. In a society obsessed with consistency, we’re left questioning ourselves, wondering why we can’t just stay the course like everyone else.
The answer is simple: the world has conditioned us to believe that success comes from sticking to one thing and seeing it through. But this model isn’t built for people like us–people who are wired for variety, for innovation, and for constantly exploring new possibilities. And when we don’t conform, we’re quickly judged for it.
The impact of misunderstanding: Burnout and mental health
The danger in this misunderstanding is real. None of us want to feel trapped, nor do we want to make others uncomfortable with our need for change. But in a society that demands conformity, those of us with ADHD or who identify as multi-potentialites can feel suffocated. This leads to frustration, self-doubt, and, in many cases, burnout or even depression.
When people are forced to suppress their natural instincts–to pivot, to explore, and to embrace the full spectrum of their capabilities–they are, quite simply, crushed. This is especially true for Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC) who already face additional societal pressures to conform and "prove" themselves in spaces where they are often underrepresented and misunderstood.
The power of understanding: A call for inclusivity
So, what’s the solution? It starts with understanding. If we are to truly create environments that embrace uniqueness, we must start by getting to know the people around us–their needs, their motivators, and their unique ways of thinking and being. Understanding that someone’s path may not look like yours is the first step toward creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.
And remember: growth happens when you surround yourself with people who challenge you to think differently, not when you expect everyone to be a version of yourself.
Conclusion: Embracing your own path
If you resonate with any of this–whether you’re a BIWOC, neurodivergent, multi-passionate, or all of the above–know that there’s nothing wrong with you. You don’t have to fit into society’s narrow definition of success. Embrace the fact that your path is unique, that your ability to pivot is a strength, not a flaw. You have the power to redefine what success looks like for you.
So, let’s continue to advocate for environments that truly celebrate diversity–not just in appearance or background, but in thought, in ambition, and in the way we navigate our lives. It’s time to create spaces where ADHDers, Manifesting Generators, and multi-potentialites can thrive.
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Read more from Joanna Lawrencia Gähwiler
Joanna Lawrencia Gähwiler, Mental Well-Being & Systemic Coach
Joanna is a pioneering advocate for mental well-being & the founder of Brown Girl Coaching. She has cultivated BGC into a safe space, where Women of Color & Black women living in predominantly white societies can explore their identities, confront societal pressures & embark on a transformative journey towards self-love & fulfillment. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in encouraging individuals to reclaim agency over their narratives. Through 1:1 sessions & community events, she has created a vibrant network of support that fosters empowerment. She continues to inspire & catalyze positive change in the lives of individuals, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape of mental well-being & personal transformation.
