Shutting the Tasmanian Devil out of the mousetrap factory

The Journey to ADHD Medication

At the end of this month, I’ll be starting ADHD medication. It feels like the next step in a journey that really began last year, when I hit a huge burnout.

Since then, I’ve quit drinking entirely – which has been life-changing. Without alcohol pouring petrol on the fire, my overwhelming anxiety has calmed, and some of the autism traits I used to wrestle with feel more manageable. I’ve also become more conscious about sleep, diet and exercise, which has made me steadier day to day. (And not to worry, I’ve not gone full Temperance Movement. Each to their own. Live and let live and all that. If you enjoy a drink for the right reasons – have one for me.)

When ADHD Gets Louder

But here’s the interesting thing: my ADHD feels louder. Without alcohol masking or muting it, it’s like a Tasmanian Devil has been let loose, carrying a box of distractions into a mousetrap factory. Meanwhile, the autism side of things feels much more under control, which makes the contrast even sharper.

It’s weird when I think back, though: my teenage self found all the meds it wanted and needed … they were just the illegal kind.

Taking the Next Step

I’ve had the opportunity to take ADHD medication “for a spin” in the past, and I know how transformative they can be for the ADHD part of my brain. It’s weird when I think back, though: my teenage self found all the meds it wanted and needed … they were just the illegal kind. And the perfectly legal drug – booze – ended up derailing my brain for far too long.

I know starting medication won’t be perfect straight away. It rarely is. But I also know that small adjustments can lead to big improvements. Everyone’s brain is different, and what works for me might not work for someone else. Different strategies, different meds, different outcomes.

What I am excited about is the chance to shut that Tasmanian Devil out of the mousetrap factory – and get back to making things that matter. Whether that’s mousetraps, brand strategies, or podcasts.

From Brains to Brands

The funny thing is, the way my AuDHD brain operates isn’t too far removed from how many businesses try to run their brand. Too many ideas flying around, too many distractions, too many “urgent” opportunities — and before you know it, the mousetrap factory is in chaos.

A good brand strategy is a bit like the medication, or the sleep, or the no-alcohol lifestyle that I’ve built into my own life. It doesn’t kill the Tasmanian Devil energy — it channels it. It sets boundaries, clarifies what matters, and stops the shiny distractions from running the show.

When you strip things back to why you exist and what you stand for, the rest becomes easier. Messaging, design, campaigns, even partnerships — they all flow from that clarity. That’s when a brand can thrive: still creative, still full of life, but less chaos, more impact.

Hi! I'm James Kindred. I wrote this!

With over 25 years in design, branding and startups, I help businesses craft compelling identities, develop engaging assets, and build results-focused growth plans. I am AuDHD and bring my unique thought process to every project, ensuring that your brand is more than a logo. It's a reason to believe.