I was due to get interviewed by BBC Good Morning show this morning with regards to the beef between Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter's Elon Musk. In an alternate universe it's Batman vs Ironman.
After doing a bit of research on both tech giants and doing my morning meditation routine they had to cancel last minute... My hyperfocus has kicked in and now I am super intrigued by both of the tech giants.
Both billionaires have publicly announced they are neurodiverse and I believe the traits behind their success are to be found in people who are on the neurodivergence spectrum.
A lot of the challenges people can face from neurodiversity are triggered by their surrounding environment. In another environment, they can flourish.
With the right combination of attributes people who are neurodiverse can thrive in MMA. Here's a list of why I think this is the case.
Mixed martial arts is a combat sport that requires a complex set of physical, mental, and emotional skills to succeed. Traditional thinking may favor a specific set of attributes in an MMA fighter, such as physical strength, stamina, and agility, but in reality, neurodivergence can provide a unique advantage in this sport.
1. Attention to Detail: Individuals with ADHD may struggle with focus in certain situations but may also possess an amazing ability to focus intently when deeply engaged in something they’re passionate about. This intense focus can be of great benefit in MMA, particularly concerning tactical awareness, learning new techniques, honing skills, and understanding the intricacies of an opponent’s moves.
2. Enhanced Perception: Those on the autism spectrum may possess an increased ability to perceive minute details or subtle changes in their environment. This could be an advantage in MMA, as fighters may need to read the body language of their opponent, focus intently on their surroundings, and take note of even the smallest shifts in their opponent's behavior.
3. Creative Problem-Solving: Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with dyslexia, may possess unique problem-solving abilities or approaches to thinking. Such creative problem-solving can be of immense benefit in sport, and especially MMA, where the ability to think quickly on one's feet, anticipate an opponent’s moves, and come up with unorthodox maneuvers can provide a significant competitive edge.
4. Unconventional Training Methods: Neurodivergent individuals may display a higher level of determination and focus when engaging in activities that interest or excite them. Thus, they may be more willing to engage in unconventional training methods or techniques that others might overlook, such as visualization techniques or hyper-focus drills.
5. Emotional Resilience: Neurodivergent individuals have often had to face adversity and social stigma throughout their lives, and as a result, they may have developed a high level of resilience and emotional fortitude. This can be a significant advantage in MMA, where setbacks and defeats are an inevitable part of the sport. The ability to pick oneself up, move on, and focus on the next challenge is key to a successful career in MMA.
In conclusion, neurodivergence can provide unique advantages to fighters in MMA, highlighting the importance of embracing and celebrating individual differences in athleticism and other fields. As fighters continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport, we may see an increasing appreciation for diverse ways of thinking and performing - and a greater recognition of the strengths that we all bring to the table.
Like anything the nature of the spectrum is diverse and regardless of whether it's MMA or Tech, I believe everyone has uncapped potential. It comes down to perception. If we are taught that we have something wrong with us and we believe it then that becomes our reality. If we believe we are capable of great things then we will find ways to achieve that even if the methods are unconventional.

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