ADHD in Business: How to Herd Cats (and Ideas) Turning Chaos into Ka-ching!
I don’t want to bore you with all the details of my own neurodivergent journey and FINALLY being diagnosed in my 30s, after having children. But I will tell you I get it. That To-do list, becoming more and more intimidating the longer it gets. Especially if you don’t REALLY know what you are doing. Hello imposter syndrome with a side of ADHD, might as well throw in the towel before you even begin, right?
Wrong.
Yes, entrepreneurship can be harder for us, but in the same breath, it’s sometimes necessary. I always felt like I jumped around from job to job simply because the excitement wore off and the boredom kicked in. Staying on task got increasingly harder. Reporting to someone else, for someone else's success also felt gross. But, how to do it for yourself seemed like a task too large.
And for some it is. I can only speak for my own experience as someone who suffers from Inattentive ADHD. If you look up distracted and procrastination in a dictionary, there you will see my mug shot. If there is something else I can do that gives a bigger/better dopamine hit, then I will do it. So often so that I had unfinished projects all over my home. I had businesses and ideas half-started with no drive to see anything finished. I need momentum to drive me forward. I need those small wins and successes to motivate me to move forward.
I think, from my personal experience, anything new I started, if family or friends didn’t show the same enthusiasm, I took that personally. To me, that equaled immediate failure. If my friend didn’t share my business post, then I must not be good at said business. If no one congratulated me or built me up, then I was in denial, and better wake up and see the writing on the wall rather than waste any more time.
What was a harder pill to swallow was actually quite the opposite. Consistency and time were the only things that were going to propel me forward. Give me experience and authority to scale that business dream to a place where I can make 5 figures a month. I often dreamed of the end goal (don’t we all), big family trips, renovating our home, that new haircut I want, because let’s be honest, 4 kids in and I haven’t seen the inside of a salon in over 3 years. YouTube and Brad Mondo have been my DIY teachers. IYKYK…
All of this long intro to simply say that you are not alone, you are not a failure and you CAN do this and be successful. You simply have to get out of your own way.
In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, where each day brings new challenges and triumphs, neurodivergent women, particularly those with ADHD, are carving their paths to success. The journey may be unique, and filled with twists and turns, but it's a testament to resilience, creativity, and a distinctive perspective on the business landscape.
Understanding ADHD and Its Impact:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often perceived as a hindrance, but neurodivergent women are rewriting the narrative. ADHD comes with its set of strengths – creativity, hyperfocus (think of that new craft or project you take on, it’s the main character in your life until suddenly, it isn’t) , and out-of-the-box thinking. However, it also brings challenges, such as difficulty in organization, time management, and a penchant for distraction. Hello, rabbit holes on the internet and Squrriel!
Starting a Business: The Challenges and Triumphs:
Overcoming Procrastination and Distractions:
Navigating a business requires focus, a precious commodity for someone with ADHD. Entrepreneurs often find themselves battling procrastination and distractions.I think finding a room/spot where distractions are minimal is crucial. Also, recognizing these challenges is the first step toward conquering them.
Tip: Implement time-blocking techniques, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Set specific times for focused work and short breaks to keep productivity high. Find childcare, even for just one day a week to help you knock out some of those items, stay on task, and give you that dopamine rush. That feel-good hormone is your drug of success, I kid you not. Find a way to harness and keep it.Managing Time Effectively:
Time management can be a perpetual struggle for those with ADHD. The demands of running a business necessitate efficient time allocation, and finding the right balance is crucial.
Tip: Utilize productivity tools, apps, and planners to schedule tasks, deadlines, and appointments. Establishing routines can also provide a structured framework for each day.I honestly recommend building a daily list and weekly list for larger projects. There are a ton of apps and platforms to help you with this. I personally love Notion and use it in all of my businesses. Trello is also great for collaborating with other creators!
Harnessing Hyperfocus:
While ADHD may bring challenges in maintaining focus, it also gifts entrepreneurs with bursts of hyperfocus – an intense concentration on a specific task.
Tip: Identify the tasks that trigger hyperfocus and leverage those moments for crucial aspects of your business. Capitalize on these periods for maximum productivity.Dealing with Rejection and Criticism:
Entrepreneurs often face rejection and criticism, and for someone with ADHD, navigating these setbacks can be emotionally taxing.
Tip: Cultivate a strong support system, engage in mindfulness practices, and focus on learning from setbacks. A positive mindset is a powerful tool in overcoming challenges.Don’t let the haters get you down, which is classic advice, but easier said than done. Try to surround yourself with others who are similarly like-minded to help you with your confidence and keep your self-esteem up. Think of networking with others in the same field as you, or other business owners who suffer from ADHD. That level of comradery will be a huge circle of support.
Building a Team and Delegating Tasks:
Neurodivergent entrepreneurs may find it challenging to delegate tasks, fearing that others may not fully understand or execute the vision. Its like when you ask your kid to load the dishwasher, but then you tell them how they did it wrong and just undo all their work to do it your way. It’s a hard one to learn and letting go takes time and trust. Deep breath and trust the process.
Tip: Foster effective communication within your team, emphasizing your strengths and seeking assistance in areas that may need extra support. Trust your team and appreciate the diverse skills they bring to the table.
Making Life Easier: Strategies for Success
Embracing Neurodiversity:
Instead of viewing ADHD as a limitation, neurodivergent entrepreneurs are reframing it as a unique perspective that adds value to their ventures. Embracing neurodiversity fosters an inclusive and innovative business culture.Creating a Supportive Work Environment:
Designing a workspace that caters to the needs of neurodivergent individuals is vital. This includes minimizing sensory distractions, incorporating flexible work hours, and providing quiet spaces for focused work.Implementing Mindfulness Practices:
Mindfulness can be a powerful ally for individuals with ADHD. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga help cultivate a sense of calm and enhance overall well-being.Seeking Professional Support:
Neurodivergent entrepreneurs may benefit from seeking the expertise of professionals specializing in ADHD. Therapists, coaches, and support groups provide invaluable resources and guidance.This is where it gets more personal. We can talk about medication and how everyone differs in the way they treat their symptoms. Medicating is TOTALLY ok. Diet and exercise are also amazing and have been proven to reduce and reverse ADHD symptoms.
Other new treatments coming to light are neurofeedback sessions where you are literally retraining the pathways in your brain to help with executive function. More studies are needed on that one, but my point is you have a TON of resources and it truly is finding what works for you.
Celebrating Achievements:
Acknowledging and celebrating successes, no matter how small, contributes to a positive mindset. Neurodivergent entrepreneurs should take pride in their achievements and use them as fuel for continued growth. When I say celebrate, I mean, you got 3 new followers? Celebrate that shit and share it on social media.Got a peak in traffic on your website, screenshot and share it. You get what you put out into the world. Keep celebrating and you will manifest those wins time and time again.
Conclusion:
Neurodivergent women with ADHD are not just navigating the entrepreneurial landscape; they are leaving an indelible mark on it. ADHD has been misdiagnosed for decades and we are just coming to a new level of understanding of ADHD in women, especially in Mothers where symptoms and ADHD really come out.
In the journey of entrepreneurship, diversity of thought is a powerful asset. Neurodivergent women with ADHD are not only succeeding; they are thriving, bringing a fresh perspective and innovative solutions to the forefront. As the business landscape continues to evolve, it's evident that neurodiversity is a catalyst for change, and these entrepreneurs are leading the way. Having ADHD isn’t shameful nor should it be hidden. Embrace the quirks and work them to your advantage.
I would love to hear how you manage your business and any tips or tricks to help you succeed!
Are you ready to build that awesome
business but also don’t want to waste time diying your website.
