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As we learned from chatting with Ophelia last week, an entrepreneur with ADHD or autism (or both), running a business can feel like navigating a magical forest filled with both enchanting opportunities and hidden traps. The key to success lies in harnessing your unique strengths and employing strategies tailored to your neurodivergent brain. Here are nine life-changing hacks to help you thrive in your entrepreneurial journey.
1. Identify the Root Cause
Understanding why you’re procrastinating or avoiding certain tasks is crucial. Ask yourself:
Is the task boring, overwhelming, or uninteresting?
Why am I feeling resistance toward this task?
By digging deeper, you can uncover the root cause and address it effectively.
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2. Break Big Tasks into Small Chunks
Large tasks can be intimidating. Make them more manageable by:
Dividing tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Scheduling short, focused work periods (e.g., 1 hour per day).
This approach helps to reduce overwhelm and makes progress more tangible.
3. Create Urgency: Set Deadlines
Deadlines can help engage your ADHD brain by creating a sense of urgency. Try:
Setting deadlines to increase engagement and focus.
Using external accountability, like a business coach, to stay on track.
External pressure can provide the motivation needed to tackle even the most daunting tasks.
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4. Make Boring Tasks Interesting
Transform mundane tasks into something engaging by:
Turning them into a game or challenge.
Finding ways to make the process fun and engaging.
Using a body double — working side-by-side with someone, even via Zoom, can make a big difference.
Adding an element of fun can significantly increase your motivation.
5. Balance Work and Fun
Maintaining a balance between work and play is essential. Ensure you:
Alternate between less interesting tasks and those you find exciting.
Mix activities to keep your interest levels high.
Schedule enjoyable activities after work sessions as a reward (the “carrot” approach).
This balance helps sustain your energy and enthusiasm throughout the day.
6. Seek Accountability
Accountability can keep you on track. Consider:
Working with a business coach or accountability partner.
Setting goals and regularly reviewing your progress.
Having someone to report to can boost your commitment and productivity.
7. Create a Supportive Environment
Your environment plays a significant role in your productivity. Optimize it by:
Eliminating distractions and creating a focus-friendly workspace.
Using tools and strategies tailored to your unique needs as an auDHDer.
A supportive environment can enhance your focus and efficiency.
8. Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself. Remember:
Struggling with certain tasks is common and okay.
Celebrate small wins and progress.
Self-compassion fosters a positive mindset and resilience.
9. Join a Community
Connecting with others who understand your challenges can provide invaluable support. Try:
Joining a community of auDHDer entrepreneurs for shared experiences and support.
Participating in specialized coaching programs and support groups, like those offered by the Business Witch Academy.
Community support can offer encouragement, advice, and camaraderie.
Implementing these hacks can transform your business journey, turning potential challenges into opportunities for growth. Embrace your unique neurodivergent strengths, and watch your entrepreneurial dreams flourish.
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Stay Magical,
Cheryl
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Many of the people and businesses I feature are ones that I've met in the course living my life and running my businesses. I feature them when I feel they have something my readers may be interested in hearing about.
Some outbound links may financially benefit me through affiliate programs or sponsorships, but frequently they don't. Any affiliate relationship doesn’t influence my opinion, and I would never endorse people, programs, products, or services I didn’t use, approve of or feel familiar with. So If you use it, I may get compensated — but there’s no additional cost to you.
I am someone with ADHD and Autism and these are great tips. Gamification is a huge key for me!