Navigating Entrepreneurship with ADHD: My Journey
Being an entrepreneur is both exhilarating and terrifying! I have worked for myself most of my adult life. I love the freedom and flexibility it affords me. There are constant peaks and valleys, breakthroughs, and setbacks. For me, this journey has been shaped by having ADHD. While it has fueled my creativity and drive, it has also presented unique challenges that often go unnoticed.
The Ups and Downs
Living with ADHD, my mind is a whirlwind of ideas. This constant flow of creativity is an amazing gift! It allows me to think outside the box, innovate, and approach problems with fresh perspectives. Many of my best ideas have come from those moments of hyperfocus, where I become so engrossed in a project that everything else fades away or when I am driving or walking.
However, with these amazing ideas there is also the draw to engage in every new idea – my mind wants me to make it happen and be perfect at it. Of course, there is not enough energy or time in a day to be good at everything. Before I got my ADHD diagnosis I would hyperfocus on an idea, pouring all my energy into a project for days at a time. But after expending that amount of energy for a few days I would often burn out and never want to touch the idea or project again.
The Emotional Toll
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria has played a huge role in my journey as an entrepreneur. It has often made me feel like a failure and an imposter. The self-critical thoughts can be incredibly debilitating, and it has prevented me from pursuing many big ideas in the past. I would also beat myself up for not being more consistent.
Finding My Way
Once I got my diagnosis of ADHD in 2020 a lot of things about my life made so much sense. I started looking at myself differently and have more understanding of the ups and downs associated with working for myself. I’ve learned to embrace my ADHD and actually appreciate it for what it brings to my entrepreneurial journey. Here are some strategies that have kept me focused on my path:
Practicing grace for myself: I’ve learned to be kinder to myself and accept that every day is different. Some days, I’ll be a whirlwind of productivity, and on others, I might struggle to get anything done at all. Embracing this ebb and flow has been crucial. My mantra is “do just one thing for my business today.” This simple but profound mantra has given me so much space to celebrate even the smallest of wins I make daily.
Creating structure: One of the most important skills I have been learning is to create structure, systems and rituals for myself when it
comes to my business. I have developed systems for how I do things from answering emails to developing new leads. Things like time
blocking and writing down ideas in my idea book has opened up bandwidth for me to focus on the things I really enjoy about my business.
Building a Support System: Surrounding myself with a supportive team and mentors who understand my challenges has been invaluable. They provide perspective, encouragement, and, when needed, a gentle nudge to stay on track.
Prioritizing Self-Care: Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and ensuring I get enough rest are essential. When I take care of my mental and physical health, I’m better equipped to handle the challenges that come my way.
Leveraging My Strengths: I focus on my strengths—creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. By leaning into these areas, I can create value and build a business that reflects my unique abilities.
Conclusion
Being an entrepreneur with ADHD is a challenging yet rewarding journey. It requires resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of oneself. While the road is often rocky, it’s also filled with triumph and discovery. Embracing my ADHD as part of who I am has allowed me to build a business that is not just successful but also authentically me.
If you’re an entrepreneur with ADHD, know that you’re not alone. Our minds work differently, but that difference is our strength. Together, we can create, innovate, and change the world—one idea at a time.