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Explorer Powers No. 13 of 28

They call it: Acts without thinking We call it

Yes Mode

Also known as spontaneity.

The short version You say yes to the moment. Plans change, something fun appears, and you’re already in.

Sounds like you?

  • You turn a boring afternoon into an adventure with no plan.
  • You change the plan halfway through and it turns out better.
  • You say yes first and work out the details on the way.

Why it’s a power

Some people need a plan before they can enjoy anything. You don’t. When something good turns up, you’re in, and you bring other people along. Life with you has more stories in it.

It’s one of the strengths adults with ADHD claim most clearly. In a study of 400 adults, those with ADHD rated themselves higher than others on both “spontaneous” and “up for anything”.Source 1 In a Dutch survey of 206 adults with ADHD, 25 named spontaneity as a good side and 16 said they were up for anything.Source 2

The same quick yes has a bill. Across 37 studies, people with ADHD made more risky choices in lab tasks than people without.Source 3 Researchers have mostly counted the scrapes. Nobody has counted the adventures.

Studied

Adults with ADHD rated themselves more spontaneous and more up for anything in a 400-person study. Self-rated, and the gaps were small.

Where it shines

  • Trips, parties, improv, play
  • Jobs where plans change hourly
  • Making new friends fast

The flip side

Yes to everything means some scrapes. In lab studies people with ADHD make more risky choices, and money, promises and safety can take the hit.

Power-up: try this today

Take one breath and ask one question before a big yes: what’s the worst that could happen?

Say it to a kid

You’re great at saying “let’s go!” That turns ordinary days into adventures. For big things, count to three first.

Someone who has this one

Paris Hilton

Entrepreneur, DJ and media personality

I wouldn’t be the entrepreneur that I am today without it. So I really see it as my superpower and my sparkle.

Said in: Hilton on ABC News, 2026

Paris Hilton was diagnosed with ADHD in her twenties. She has described being called lazy and dumb as a kid, and says the diagnosis was a relief.

Trailblazer Yes Mode

Where this comes from

  1. Hargitai, L. D., Laan, E. L. M., Schippers, L. M., Livingston, L. A., Fairchild, G., Shah, P., & Hoogman, M. (2025). The role of psychological strengths in positive life outcomes in adults with ADHD. Psychological Medicine, 55, e278. Read it
  2. Schippers, L. M., Horstman, L. I., van de Velde, H., Rodrigues Pereira, R., Zinkstok, J., Mostert, J. C., Greven, C. U., & Hoogman, M. (2022). A qualitative and quantitative study of self-reported positive characteristics of individuals with ADHD. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 922788. Read it
  3. Dekkers, T. J., Popma, A., Agelink van Rentergem, J. A., Bexkens, A., & Huizenga, H. M. (2016). Risky decision making in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a meta-regression analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 45, 1-16. Read it

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No. 14: Always Learning

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