Do you have ADHD? Are you an entrepreneur? If so, you’re in good company! A recent study found that 60% of entrepreneurs have ADHD. That’s because people with ADHD tend to be creative and innovative, which are two qualities that are essential for success in business. In this blog post, I will discuss the five habits of successful entrepreneurs with ADHD. If you’re looking to start or grow your business, read on!
Tip #1: Stay Organized
One of the most important habits of successful entrepreneurs with ADHD is to stay organized. This may be especially challenging for you, but it’s essential if you want to be productive and efficient. One way to stay organized is to create a daily routine and stick to it as much as possible. You may also want to try using a planner or calendar or digital reminders to help you stay on track. The key is to think about how your brain works and responds then implement the proper organizational tool that you’ll actually use!
Tip #2: Proactive, NOT Reactive
Another habit of successful entrepreneurs with ADHD is to be proactive, not reactive. This means that you should always have a plan and be working on several things at once. When something unexpected comes up, you’ll be able to handle it without feeling overwhelmed because you already have a plan in place. This also means that you need to learn how to implement business systems that can support you in your creative AND hyperfocus times.
Tip #3: ADHD Strengths
Successful entrepreneurs with ADHD know how to take advantage of their strengths. They use their creativity and impulsiveness to come up with new ideas, and they use their energy and focus to see those ideas through. If you have ADHD, it’s important to understand your own strengths and weaknesses so that you can play to your strengths and find ways to support both. Also, realizing your weakness and finding help in those areas of your business will boost your long-term success.
Tip #4: Batch Tasks OR Timer
Many entrepreneurs with ADHD are “multi-taskers.” They can juggle multiple tasks at once and often have a lot of energy to burn. However, this type of multitasking can actually be counterproductive because it leads to poor focus and decreased productivity. Instead of trying to do everything at once, successful entrepreneurs with ADHD learn how to focus on one task and even implement a timer so ‘hyperfocus’ and/or perfectionism doesn’t take over. This way you’re focused and on your way to completing the task, BUT know when to stop and switch to something else. Two ways you can try and do this are:
- Batch tasking: pick one type of task you’re going to do for a specific amount of time or the whole day and work on that for all of your clients. If you schedule out email broadcasts for several clients, pick a day and to that task only. The next day, you choose a different task and so on.
- Timer: plan out all of your tasks for the day and set an allotted amount of time. Once that timer goes off, save your work and move on. This is so helpful with the crazy hyper focus we can get into. The timer wakes us up from the intensity of the task we’re accomplishing and allows us to move on to the next item on our list. If you’re looking for a great timer head to my Shop & Resources page here where I give you a recommendation that I use and love myself!
Tip #5: Emotional Awareness
Last but not least, successful entrepreneurs with ADHD know how to manage their emotions. They understand that having ADHD can lead to a lot of emotional volatility (e.g., impulsiveness, irritability, etc.), so they develop strategies for dealing with these emotions. Some strategies include exercise, meditation, journaling, reading, and even video games. By managing their emotions, they are left with a clearer mind and the confidence to move forward and scale their businesses.
If you have ADHD and are an entrepreneur, congratulations! You have some of the qualities that are essential for success in business. But don’t forget that it takes hard work and dedication to achieve success. Use the tips I’ve shared in this blog post to help you begin to thrive with ADHD as a business owner.
Try to stay focused on your goal and keep moving forward!
Remember:
- 60% of entrepreneurs have ADHD
- People with ADHD are creative and innovative
- Managing emotions is essential for success in business
- Use the tips I’ve shared to help you thrive with ADHD.
Now that you know some of the habits of successful entrepreneurs with ADHD, it’s time to put them into practice!