The ADHD Entrepreneur
I’ve heard stats that individuals with ADHD are more likely to be entrepreneurs, but as I write this, I couldn’t find this info in my 2-second search as it’s not really relevant to this article, so you’ll just have to believe me. 😆 I feel that this is the case, but as an ADHD entrepreneur, I may be a little biased because I know my circle is not representative of the world as a whole.
As someone who tried being an employee last year and felt a little caged up, I can see how being self-employed pairs so well with ADHD with some strategies in place, especially for your money. It lets us lean into our creativity, set up a schedule that works for us, and switch things up as needed. But….it can also leave us feeling overwhelmed, unfocused, unproductive, and in task avoidance mode for the things we aren’t excited about (like bookkeeping 🤑)!
So what can we do to support ourselves and increase our odds of long-term success in a world where we wear all the hats, can create our own deadlines, and lack the accountability of a ‘boss’?
♥️ Don’t worry, I’ve got you! Here are some practical tips and strategies to support ourselves and increase our odds of long-term success:
1. Embrace ADHD as a unique strength. Our brains are wired differently, allowing us to think creatively, hyperfocus on tasks we're passionate about, and see connections others might miss. We can leverage its advantages to build our entrepreneurial visions if we lean into the positives and have systems to help us with the more challenging parts of entrepreneurship that ADHD creates.
2. Leverage Hyperfocus to help us get shit done. Hyperfocus is characterized by intense concentration on a task or project. While it can sometimes lead to procrastination on less stimulating tasks, it's a powerful asset when channelled effectively. Try to identify tasks that trigger your hyperfocus and schedule them during times when you're most alert and engaged and don’t have a full calendar. Work on strategies to partner with your hyperfocus so you don’t miss out on other important things that might be time-sensitive (like a meeting or appointment). I depend on my Google calendar and Apple Watch notifications to support an area that can be challenging for me.
3. Establishing structure and routine can be something we avoid at all costs. However, this can help mitigate the effects of ADHD-related challenges like time blindness and procrastination. Work to shift your perspective around structure and routines by working on routines that have some flexibility. As an employee, these give me a huge ick, but as an entrepreneur, I find it empowering to be able to decide what works best for me. I intentionally have Monday be a day where I ease into the week and work on personal errands, easy work tasks, or things I’m excited about. If you’re resisting creating some structure in your life, I encourage you to think about why. It could be possible that you’re thinking about this like an employee and need to flip the script to what this could look like for you.
4. We often feel the need to do everything ourselves. This can lead to burnout and overwhelm. Think about how you can delegate tasks that fall outside your expertise or drain your energy. This will look different for every season in your business, as in the early days, outsourcing may not be in the budget. But if this is where you are, start a list of the things you want to take off your plate when you are financially able to. And a quick mindset shift on this, if you get stuck in avoidance mode doing a specific task and end up avoiding working on your business, waiting to outsource could have a negative financial impact on your business. Sometimes you have to put the cart before the horse.
5. As entrepreneurs, it's easy to prioritize work over taking care of ourselves. Neglecting our physical and mental well-being ultimately hinders our productivity and success. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine, whether through exercise, meditation, adequate sleep, or spending time with people who recharge your batteries. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's essential for long-term sustainability.
6. ADHD can present challenges like impulsivity, distractibility, and difficulty with time management. Identify coping strategies for these challenges, such as using timers or alarms to structure your time, implementing systems to minimize distractions, and practicing mindfulness techniques to stay present and focused. It sounds cheesy, but daily journalling and meditation have been so good for my brain. 🧠
📱Recently, I have been able to significantly reduce my phone time using an app called Be Present (not sponsored 😆). It’s got lots of things that give me dopamine hits, like points for hitting my goals and a leaderboard that creates competition.
7. Build a support system of understanding and supportive individuals who remind you of your strengths and offer guidance when needed. Whether it's friends, family members, mentors, or fellow entrepreneurs with ADHD, having a supportive network can provide encouragement, accountability, and invaluable insight. Personally, I believe there is nothing like a fellow ADHD entrepreneur to have in your corner! ♥️ Online groups for ADHD Entrepreneurs can be a great place to start to build your circle.
8. Embrace flexibility in the face of setbacks or unexpected changes. Try to view them as learning experiences rather than failures. Chances are you’re not going to find all the best products and services offerings in your business or strategies that work for your amazingly unique brain on the first try. Try to be as patient with yourself as you would be with someone you care about!
An important point to remember in what I feel is the height of hustle culture is that you are human. I want you to take time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements before you head down to the next project!
💰And PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE take a few key steps with your business finances so you don’t end up having to ditch being your own boss because of the money! Start by checking out this article on managing your biz finances with ADHD.
And, if it is time to get support with all things personal finance in your life, I’d love to connect with you to learn if we are a good fit to work together. Let’s chat on a free consultation.
