Will.i.am has built an empire that spans music, technology, and even fashion. The Black Eyed Peas frontman has won seven Grammys, and been nominated for 26. He has produced music for the world’s biggest artists including Michael Jackson and Justin Bieber. But it doesn’t end there. He has also founded his own tech company, i.am+.

But what you may not know about the entrepreneur-come-music producer is that he has ADHD. And he credits his neurodiverse mind for much of his success. He previously told The Times about his neurodiversity and how it has fueled his creativity over the years.

The ADHD Advantage in Music

"I have ADHD. I'll admit it," he explained. “I’ve got all these thoughts running around in my head at the same time as I’m doing other things. I can’t seem to stop or slow down. But the good news is, I know how to control it. For every obstacle there’s some type of solution. So if you have ADHD, it becomes your passion-point to find ways to deal with it.”

Since gaining a mass following in 2003 as part of The Black Eyed Peas, Will.i.Am has gone from strength to strength. From new music projects and producing for global names to becoming a panelist on The Voice, he is a force in the industry. While others might find this exhausting, he thrives on variety and loves taking on new creative projects.

Will.i.am’s talents extend far further than the world of music. Over the years, he has been involved in a whole selection of fields including tech innovation and fashion design without losing momentum. This ability to juggle creative pursuits may stem from how his brain works.

“When I write music, I make order out of disorder. If you think about it, the songs I write are very ADHD-ish. They have five hooks in one, and it all happens in three minutes,” he explained.

Hyperfocus and the Creative Process

Many people with ADHD experience hyperfocus. It’s an intense concentration on tasks they find engaging. Will.i.am has harnessed this trait throughout his career. When he locks onto a project, he can work for hours without interruption, producing multiple tracks in a single session.

It may be thanks to this focus that Will.i.am has been able to reach such heights. The ability to stop and put all of your attention on one project is extremely valuable. When you harness this trait, it can fuel the creative process, making things move quickly.

Add that to a need for stimulation, and something miraculous happens. For Will.i.am, this means constantly seeking new challenges, such as launching an innovative business. His company i.am+ has developed wearable technology and AI products.

This restlessness, which might well derail others, has become his trademark personality. He is someone who is always full of energy, and looking for new projects. He doesn't stay comfortable in one space long enough to become stagnant. Each new venture feeds his need

What ADHDers Can Learn from Will.i.am

Here are some lessons we can take away from Will.i.am:

Try something new (whenever you want)

The ADHD brain wants variety. Give yourself permission to explore different interests simultaneously. It’s fine to try out multiple things. This approach may actually increase your productivity rather than decrease it.

Find out what makes you hyperfocus

What is it that makes you hyperfocus, if you do. When you find tasks that fully engage your brain, lean into them. These moments of intense concentration can produce your best work.

Reframe restlessness as creativity

When you feel restless, you may be hard on yourself. However, that constant need for something new is also what makes you creative. If you have passions you’d like to look into, now is the time to do so.

Takeaway

Will.i.am works with his ADHD, rather than against it. His story is interesting as it shows the positive side of neurodiversity. While he is not without his struggles, he has found a way to channel his attention and has become a huge success. Having an ADHD assessment and getting a diagnosis can be neuroaffirmative, allowing you to better navigate your brain.