ADHD, Anxiety, and Why I Created the little BRAG book™

When I first created the little BRAG book™, I thought I was just building a tool for ambitious women of faith to celebrate their wins. What I didn’t realize then is that I was also building it for myself — an undiagnosed ADHDer who was quietly drowning in perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and rejection sensitivity.

The truth?

I've learned that those aren’t separate struggles. They’re all branches of the same tree: social anxiety.

• Imposter syndrome whispers that my wins don’t count.

• Perfectionism convinces me that “good” is never good enough.

• Rejection sensitive dysphoria turns even the smallest critique into a dagger to the chest.

And ADHD? ADHD makes sure I forget every single win I’ve ever had — unless I write it down.

Why Wins Matter More than Losses (especially with ADHD)

Here’s what’s wild: I never forget a failure. Ever.

Every awkward moment, every stumble, every time I felt “too much” or “not enough” — my brain plays those memories in high definition, like they happened yesterday. ADHD + RSD means my mind is basically a highlight reel of mistakes on loop.

So no, I don’t need another “lesson learned” journal.

What I need is a proof-of-God’s-goodness journal.

A record of impact. A reminder that, despite the noise, God has equipped me to do meaningful, beautiful work in the world.

That’s why the little BRAG book™ exists. It’s not about ego. It’s about balance. About countering the endless mental reruns of my shortcomings with tangible reminders of who I am in Christ and the good works He has prepared for me to do.

Reclaiming Identity Through Documentation

For me, documenting wins isn’t just self-care. It’s survival.

When I write them down, I anchor myself in truth:

• I am capable.

• I am equipped.

• I am making impact.

• I am not my failures.

And when I forget (because I will forget), I can flip back a few pages and see a breadcrumb trail of God’s faithfulness.

A Tool, Not a Trophy

The little BRAG book™ isn’t just pretty stationery. It’s a weapon against self-doubt. A tool to help ADHD brains like mine remember what’s real.

Because the world doesn’t need us shrinking under anxiety or burying our gifts under fear of rejection. It needs us showing up, fully — armed with proof of the difference we’re already making.

If you’re wired like me — high-achieving but hard on yourself, ambitious but anxious, brilliant but forgetful — this is your reminder: You don’t need to track your failures. Your brain already has those covered.

Track your wins. Your future self will thank you.

Author Bio

Akeiva Ellis is a multi-award-winning money coach for young professionals in their 20s and 30s and the creator of the little BRAG book™, a luxurious journal designed to help high-achieving, celebration-averse Christian women document, honor, and own their professional wins so they can confidently navigate their career journey, embrace their worth, and step boldly into their divine purpose.