As an ADHD entrepreneur, you're probably no stranger to frustration. Maybe you've tried to follow the traditional "rules" of running a business, only to find that they don't fit how your brain works. You might wonder why others seem to be getting ahead while you're stuck spinning plates. Here's the truth: it's not you – it's the methods you've been taught. The world of work, with its rigid nine-to-five structure and one-size-fits-all approach to productivity, wasn't built for an ADHD brain. But the good news is, you don't need to force yourself into a system that doesn't work for you. Instead, you can use the unique superpower that comes with ADHD to your advantage to grow your business (and create a life you love).

Why traditional business methods don't work for ADHD

Conventional business strategies often require consistency, sustained focus, and impeccable time management – qualities ADHD brains tend to struggle with. Trying to slog through an eight-hour workday with a one-hour break can put your brain into a constant state of low-level stress, similar to fight-or-flight mode. Under this pressure, your brain shuts down non-essential functions like creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication – all crucial for running a business. This constant stress can lead to burnout, or worse, leave you feeling like you're falling short.

But the truth is, your brain wasn't built for long stretches of uninterrupted concentration. It thrives on bursts of energy, novelty, and creative stimulation. When you work with your ADHD brain, rather than against it, you'll find that not only can you avoid burnout, but you'll also unlock your full potential as an entrepreneur.

Four ways to channel your ADHD superpower:

1. Work smarter, not harder – in 90-minute bursts

Forget trying to stick to the traditional 9-to-5 schedule. One of the most effective ways for ADHD entrepreneurs to boost productivity is to align their workday with the brain's natural ultradian rhythms. These biological cycles run in 90-minute intervals, with a peak of energy followed by a 20–30-minute dip. During the peak, your focus and productivity are at their highest. But when the dip hits… it's time to take a break.

Many of us try to push through that dip, but doing so only drains our brain's energy even more. Instead, try scheduling your work in 90-minute blocks, followed by a 20-minute rest—put the laptop down and grab a coffee or water! By working in sync with your brain's natural rhythms, you can get more done in less time – and still have energy left over for what really matters.

2. Outsource and automate – lighten the load on executive function

One of the biggest hurdles for ADHD entrepreneurs is managing executive function – those mental processes that help you plan, organise, and get tasks over the line. If you find yourself avoiding small but essential tasks like answering emails or keeping up with paperwork, it's not laziness. Your brain just struggles with the level of organisation and sequencing those tasks require.

So, don't waste your valuable brainpower on jobs that drain you. Identify the areas where you struggle most – whether it's admin, scheduling, or even household chores – and either automate or outsource them. For example, platforms like Xero can take care of your accounts, while a virtual assistant can manage your inbox. Even everyday tasks like food shopping or cleaning can be outsourced, freeing up more mental space for you to focus on the bigger picture. You don't need to do everything yourself to be successful.

3. Make tasks fun – engage your interest-based nervous system

Traditional motivation just doesn't cut it for ADHDers. Simply knowing something is important isn't always enough to get it done. Your brain is wired for interest, novelty, urgency, or competition to trigger dopamine – the chemical that powers motivation. That's why a looming deadline for a big pitch might get you buzzing, but filing your tax returns can feel like an impossible task.

The trick is to make mundane tasks more engaging. Consider how you can tap into your interest-based nervous system. Do you need to add urgency by setting a deadline? Would working from a quirky café add interest or novelty?

4. Play to your strengths – embrace your "spiky profile"

ADHDers have what's known as a "spiky profile" – meaning they excel in some areas while struggling in others. While neurotypical people's strengths and weaknesses tend to align closely with their IQ, ADHD entrepreneurs often have particular talents – like big-picture thinking, creativity, or innovation – and weaknesses, such as time management, organisation, or attention to detail.

Rather than battling against your weaknesses, lean into your strengths. Identify your strengths and structure your business around them. For tasks that fall into your weaker areas, delegate, ditch or find a different way to do them. This isn't about "fixing" yourself – it's about building confidence in what you do best and setting yourself up for success.

Harness your ADHD superpowers (with the help of sticky notes!)

Here's a simple exercise to help you discover your ADHD strengths:

1. Write down your last three roles (e.g., entrepreneur, mentor, business owner)
2. For each role, list three things you enjoyed about it
3. Next, list three things that made you good at those roles
4. On a separate sheet, write down your skills, starting each one with "I am…" (e.g., "I am great with people")
5. Choose your top three strengths and write each on a sticky note
6. Stick these notes where you can see them daily (e.g., on your desk or mirror)
7. For the next two weeks, write down one thing you've done each day that demonstrates one of these strengths.

By the end of the two weeks, you'll have a clearer picture of what makes you brilliant – and a nice confidence boost to match.

You're not broken; you're just wired differently

Remember, the world wasn't designed with ADHD entrepreneurs in mind, but that doesn't mean you can't succeed. Once you start working with your ADHD brain instead of against it, you'll find that your unique traits can help you go further than you ever imagined.

After all, success doesn't have to look like everyone else's – it should look like yours.

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