As an entrepreneur with ADHD, I've faced my fair share of challenges.
In the early stages of my journey, I would often find myself completely stalled and overwhelmed because I didn't know which rules to follow.
One of the most frustrating experiences was signing up for online courses that provided only generic, one-size-fits-all instructions, with no ongoing support or space to ask questions and clarify.
And, let's be honest, not many people with ADHD want to admit they don't understand basic instructions.
In this article, I want to share my insights as a business coach who’s emerged on the other side of it all, and share my experiences with you, the fellow ADHD entrepreneur so that it might help you navigate the world of business by embracing your inner rule-breaker.
The Problem with "One Size Fits All" Instructions
When following cookie-cutter courses or generic business advice, I would often come across instructions that didn't quite make sense, or that weren't detailed enough for me to know exactly what actions to take.
This would trigger an intense fear of getting it wrong.
To others, this might seem like an irrational fear.
However, for someone with ADHD who has been made to feel wrong so many times in their life for not following instructions to the letter, this feels like breaking the law.
It's as if we'll get into serious trouble for not executing tasks perfectly, and this fear can stall our progress and prevent any kind of success.
Embrace Your ADHD Superpowers
As entrepreneurs with ADHD, we have unique strengths and superpowers that we can use to our advantage.
I’ve covered these in a previous episode of my podcast “The Weeniecast”.
Hyperfocus, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking are just a few of the abilities we possess.
By learning to harness and embrace these superpowers, we can overcome the fear of failure and forge our own path to success.
Adopt a Growth Mindset
Adopting a growth mindset means understanding that failure is not something to fear but rather an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.
As ADHD entrepreneurs, we must recognize that not everything will go perfectly and that it's okay to make mistakes.
Embrace the idea that each failure is a stepping stone on the path to success, and don't be afraid to pivot when necessary.
Develop Your Own Set of Rules
Every business is unique, and so are the people behind them.
As ADHD entrepreneurs, we need to create our own set of rules that work best for us and our businesses.
This may involve adapting existing advice or completely disregarding it altogether. Don't be afraid to trust your instincts and forge your own path to success.
I cover this extensively in my episode “Barry Bonds' knee and how it can help you in your business.”
Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Surrounding yourself with people who understand and support your entrepreneurial journey is crucial for ADHD entrepreneurs. Seek out mentors, coaches, or mastermind groups specifically geared towards individuals with ADHD. These networks can provide valuable insights, encouragement, and understanding, helping you to thrive in your business ventures.
In Conclusion: Forge Your Own Path to Success
As entrepreneurs, especially those of us with ADHD, we must be willing to challenge the status quo and create our own rules for success.
Embrace your ADHD superpowers, adopt a growth mindset, develop your own set of rules, and surround yourself with supportive people.
By doing so, we can not only overcome the fear that holds us back but also achieve the success we deserve.
So, fellow ADHD entrepreneurs, let's break the rules, overcome our fears, and reach our full potential in the world of business!
If you want to get more business insight with a bent towards ADHD entrepreneurship, be sure to check out (and follow) my podcast, The Weeniecast, in your favorite podcast app.