Ever found yourself lost in a sea of internet tabs, with the digital equivalent of crumpled paper balls surrounding you? Trust me, you’re not alone. We all kick-start our days with a steaming cup of ambition, but before we know it, we’re exploring the Bermuda triangle of productivity. But here’s the twist – as creative entrepreneurs, our ADHD traits, like impulsivity, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking, are actually secret ingredients to our success recipe. The challenge? Balancing these superpowers with the potential pitfalls of our unique wiring. Buckle up, because by the end of this post, you’ll have an insider’s look into my personal toolbox – a treasure trove of strategies designed to amplify the positives and dial down the negatives of ADHD in the entrepreneurial world. Prepare for a serious boost of energy and motivation!

Journaling

Low-key, journaling changed my business and life. Beyond aesthetic reels of wellness girlies espousing the benefits of journaling, this has opened up a whole new productivity world for me, IRL. Who knew a trend would be life-altering? There is a caveat, though, your journaling practice needs structure. Despite what your creative ADHD mind tells you, you can’t open a journal and begin. I use the journals from Better Self and follow their goal-setting system quarterly. My ability to meet my goals and be more productive has skyrocketed, so I started a second business within a quarter of starting my journaling practice. Journaling tames your lack of executive function by forcing you to break down your big goals into manageable action steps that can be completed within a quarter(essentially SMART goals).

Focus Mode

Look and listen, stop whatever you’re doing, and set up personalized focus modes on your iPhone. Focus mode allows you to filter notifications and apps based on your current work. Only the notifications and apps you’ve allowed will show up on your device during this mode.

You can customize different Focus modes for various activities and switch between them. This can reduce distractions and help you focus on the task. For example, I have a focus mode for work, sleep, fitness, driving, and personal. I also have my focus modes automatically turn and off at certain times of the day, so my ADHD brain is unaware that I am missing a thing. Yes, I have to trick my brain into being unaware of or reading emails past 5:30p.

Focus Mode Routine Examples:

Work: 9:00a – 5:30p( Monday – Friday )
Personal: 5:30 – 10:30p ( Monday – Friday ), 9:30a – 11:30p ( Saturday – Sunday )
Sleep: 10:30p – 9:00a (Monday – Friday), 11:30P – 9:30a ( Saturday – Sunday )

In addition to controlling notifications, Focus mode can change other settings on your device, like who can contact you or which Home Screen appears(goodbye random clickbait articles from mom at 3:00p), to further help you concentrate on your current activity.

Focus mode is genius because it tricks our ADHD mind into focusing on the task instead of superfluous notifications and conversations.

If you have an Android, firstly, why? Secondly, you’re SOL because I don’t know the equivalent for Android, but Google can be your friend in this situation.

Lo-Fi Music

Who’s guilty of singing lyrics while simultaneously trying to focus, Googling Taylor Swift’s dating history, then the day is lost?

Stop listening to music with lyrics while working if you have ADHD. Instead, let me turn you onto your new best work playlist: Lo-fi.

Lo-fi (low fidelity) music, with its steady beats and repetitive melodies, is an excellent choice for background noise while studying, working, or focusing on a task. This is due to its unintrusive nature, which doesn’t demand active attention from the listener.

For people with ADHD, finding strategies to maintain focus can be crucial, and lo-fi music might be helpful. Here’s why:

1. Reduced Distractions: Lo-fi music often lacks lyrics or complex melodies that might distract an ADHD mind. It can help create a calm environment conducive to focus.

2. Predictable Rhythms: The repetitive and predictable nature of lo-fi beats can provide stability and consistency, which may help people with ADHD maintain a steady work pace.

3. Engagement of the Brain: Listening to background music can engage the parts of the brain that might otherwise become distracted, occupying them so the rest can focus on the task.

4. Mood Regulation: Music, in general, can profoundly affect mood, and the calming nature of lo-fi music can help alleviate feelings of anxiety or restlessness that individuals with ADHD often experience.

Lo-fi music doesn’t work for everyone with an ADHD brain out there. You might also want to try white noise, sounds of nature, or noise-canceling headphones for complete silence.

Standing Desk and Treadmill

It’s to the point that I can’t work without walking. Like a baby that can’t sleep without their precious blanket, my ADHD brain cannot focus without my standing desk and treadmill(gettin’ real elementary over here). Surprisingly, there are science-backed reasons why a standing desk and treadmill are so crucial for business owners with ADHD(it’s not because I am just following a trend, ya’ll!):

1. Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is often recommended to manage ADHD symptoms. Exercise can help improve concentration, reduce impulsivity, and enhance mood by boosting the production of brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, often in short supply in people with ADHD. For example, a treadmill desk allows for movement while working, which can help manage ADHD symptoms.

2. Increased Focus: Walking, even slowly, can help stimulate the brain and improve focus and attention. This could be particularly beneficial during tasks that require sustained attention.
3. Stress Relief: Physical activity, like walking, can help reduce stress and improve mood. This can be beneficial for individuals with ADHD, who often experience higher stress and anxiety levels.

4. Breaks up Monotony: Using a treadmill desk can break up the monotony of sitting and working, providing a change of pace that might benefit people with ADHD, who may get restless with too much time in one place or position.

I am obsessed with killing two birds with one stone. I walk 5 – 10 miles daily on my treadmill while working. Not only am I getting my steps in, but I am improving my ability to focus. There is something about the repetitive nature that soothes my ADHD brain.

Wow, what a journey we’ve been on together! We’ve unlocked the potential of journaling, discovered the magic of Focus Mode, dipped our toes into the soothing stream of Lo-Fi music, and even taken a stroll with the help of a standing desk and treadmill. Remember, everyone’s ADHD is unique, and what works wonders for one person might not for another. So, keep exploring, experimenting, and, most importantly, embracing your neurodivergence. It’s not a hurdle; it’s a superpower! Harness it; you can’t achieve anything in your business and beyond. After all, every step forward, however small, is still a step. So, here’s to your success in your entrepreneurial journey with ADHD. Your story is just beginning, and it’s sure to be brilliant!