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Why Self-Knowledge is the First ADHD Hack : Step Zero

Before anything, you need this

Author

Ali Hayder
May 16, 2025

Hi Friend,

At first, let me start with a friendly reminder. In the last issue, I shared some links to test your ADHD online for free.

I thought it is worth mentioning again if in case you missed it.

Here are 5 reasons why I think it’s super important: (Skip these if you already believe testing online is not harmful 😛 )

1. Quick and Easy, Big Help

It only takes a few minutes—no need to book anything or talk to anyone.

Just take a test on your phone or laptop — and boom, you might have that “aha!” moment like I did.

2. Shows You the Way

Lots of people have ADHD but don’t know it.

If you’re always distracted, forget stuff, or feel overwhelmed, a test can help you figure out what’s going on. Should you talk to a doctor? Or maybe it’s something else?

At least you won’t be guessing anymore.

3. No Risk At All

Most of these tests are free and private. No one will know.

And they’re based on science (some even use questions from the official ADHD guide doctors use — it’s called the DSM-5, the gold standard of diagnosis).

4. Learn About Yourself

Even if the test says you might not have ADHD, it still helps.

It makes you think about your habits, your struggles, and how your brain works.

That’s always a good thing.

5. Not a Final Answer — Just a Filter

These tests don’t give you a real diagnosis.

But they can help clear up the confusion.

If your results say “very likely ADHD,” then maybe it’s time to learn more or see a doctor.

Issue Starts Here:

This is the third issue. The first two were important but mostly warm-ups.

Now it’s time for the real stuff.

I kept asking myself:
“What was the first thing I actually hacked?!”

And honestly… it wasn’t easy to answer.

Could’ve been sleep.
Or health.
Or sticking to a routine.
Even my AI Coach (we’ll get to that soon 😜)

All of these were crucial.
But none of them would’ve worked—if I didn’t do this one thing first.

Step Zero: Know Thyself 🧠

Yeah, I know. Sounds cliché.

But hear me out.

If you don’t know yourself:

  • You’ll set the wrong goals

  • Chase the wrong things

  • Build habits that don’t suit you

  • Keep lying to yourself

And worst of all—
You’ll end up thinking you’re the problem.

So… how did I start knowing myself?

I’ll share the prompts I used at the end of this email.
But before you scroll down—this part matters too. ⏳

I began with a bit of self-reflection.

Here’s what I did:

  • Wrote down my 5–10 year vision.
    It brought a lot of clarity. I still revisit and tweak it now and then.

  • Stopped lying to myself.
    Like the classic lie: “I’ll start tomorrow.”
    (Spoiler: I never did.) So I built a habit of being brutally honest.

  • Started asking “why” all the time.
    Why am I procrastinating right now?
    Why am I avoiding this task?
    These little questions helped me spot my patterns — and once I saw them, I could start fixing them.

If you ask me for one key takeaway from this issue, it’s this:
Be honest with yourself. Stop lying to yourself.
Because if you don’t, no MAGIC will ever work. F**k tips n tricks.

That’s how important it is!

Start questioning yourself more and more — especially asking “why?”
“Why?” has led me to some of the biggest insights in my life.
Honestly, I’m even thinking of writing a whole issue just on “Why?”. 🎯

It’s an art. Trust me.
So yeah… see you in the “Why” issue soon 😉

What You Get From Step Zero?

Even if you don’t have ADHD, this is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

It’s free.
But it will cost you time.

And that’s okay. 👌

It took me days, weeks, even just thinking about my behavior, unpacking the root causes.

The good news?

You don’t need to finish this in 5 minutes, or even in a week.

Take your time.
Just don’t stop.

This kind of self-reflection pays off immediately.
And trust me, it’s not just for ADHDers like me.

That’s all for this one — a bit longer than usual.

But if you only take one thing from it: be real with yourself.

✌️
Ali

👇 Hit reply and tell me one lie or pattern you recently caught in yourself. I read every message.
💪 Send this to someone who’s always “figuring themselves out.” They’ll thank you later.

🧠 Self-Discovery Prompts (aka Know Thyself Starter Pack)

How to use these prompts:
Don’t just think the answers — write them down.
Use your favorite notes app, or go classic with pen and paper.
And if you want more? Google is your friend. Or ask ChatGPT 😉

Start with these:

  • What does my ideal day look like in my dream life?

  • If I had zero limitations, what would I go after?

  • What legacy do I want to leave behind?

  • What activities make me lose track of time?

  • What are my greatest strengths?

  • What are my biggest weaknesses — and do I accept them?

  • What areas can I realistically improve if I try?

  • What things are probably out of my control?

  • What’s my unfair advantage — something I’m naturally good at?

Feeling extra? Try a few more:

  • What kind of work gives me energy (instead of draining it)?

  • Who do I secretly envy — and why?

  • What part of my day do I look forward to the most?

  • If I had to teach one thing to the world, what would it be?

  • What patterns do I keep repeating?

Try answering just 2–3 today.
That’s enough to start. 🚀