Building a Thriving Business with ADHD

Running a business is tough, but running a business with ADHD? That’s a whole different challenge. If you’re an entrepreneur with ADHD, you’ve likely faced unique obstacles that make managing your time, energy, and tasks more difficult. But here's the truth: building a successful business with ADHD is absolutely possible - you just need the right strategies and mindset.

In this post, we'll explore how to reframe common struggles into strengths, helping you thrive as a business owner with ADHD.

Key Takeaways:

1. Prioritize tasks based on your "north star" goal—focus on what truly matters without over-planning.
2. Manage time effectively by using day blocking and recognizing your “time blindness” without overpacking your schedule.
3. Protect your energy by working when you're most alert and taking care of your basic needs.

ADHD Is Not a Weakness

First things first: ADHD isn’t a bad thing. It’s just a different way of thinking, and the challenges you face as a business owner don’t stem from who you are - they’re more about how you’ve been taught to approach work. Many people with ADHD have incredible strengths, like creativity, hyperfocus, and out-of-the-box thinking, but these strengths often go untapped when the typical business advice doesn’t work for your brain.

If you’ve been taught that you’re “doing it wrong,” or that you just need to work harder, you might be missing out on ways to make your ADHD work for you.

Step 1: Prioritize Tasks with Your “North Star” in Mind

Prioritizing tasks when you have ADHD can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in a sea of urgent things, only to forget what’s truly important. The trick? Always keep your “north star” goal in mind—the big, meaningful goal that drives you. Everything on your to-do list should either contribute to achieving that goal or be left behind.

Rather than obsess over time-blocking or planning every minute, focus on clarity. Break tasks into steps and trust yourself to get things done, as long as you know what needs to happen next. You already have the motivation to succeed—you just need a clear map to follow.

Step 2: Manage Time Without Time Blindness

Time management is tricky for everyone, but with ADHD, it’s a whole different ball game. Time blindness—difficulty sensing the passage of time—makes it hard to estimate how long tasks take. The result? Overpacked schedules and missed deadlines, which chip away at your self-esteem.

One strategy that’s helped me is day blocking. Instead of cramming your calendar with various types of tasks, dedicate full days to similar activities. For example, I block entire days for meetings, which have external time structures, making them easier to manage. Then, I’ll block other days for creative work, like shooting videos or brainstorming ideas for the BetterCEO app. This helps me maintain focus and reduces the pressure of constant task-switching.

The key here? Progress over perfection. ADHD doesn’t require you to be meticulous with your time—just intentional.

Step 3: Protect Your Energy

As an entrepreneur with ADHD, protecting your energy is critical. You have the same 24 hours as everyone else, but how you use that time depends on your energy levels. Find out when you’re most focused and alert, and reserve those peak hours for your most important work.

Also, don’t push yourself beyond your limits. Breaks are your friend. Taking time to recharge will improve your productivity and keep you from burning out. Remember, your ADHD brain needs more frequent recharging - honor that.

And please, avoid making unhealthy deals with yourself like, “I’ll eat after I finish this project.” Take care of your basic needs first, and the focus will follow.

ADHD Is Your Secret Weapon

The bottom line is that while you have to deal with the same challenges every business owner faces, you approach them differently - and that’s okay! In fact, it’s more than okay - it’s your secret weapon. By reframing your strategies to work with your ADHD instead of against it, you can build a thriving business that plays to your strengths.

Reframe. Redefine. Thrive.

If you want more resources to help your business succeed with ADHD, be sure to download the BetterCEO app, designed specifically for small business owners who need support with productivity and time management. It’s available on iOS and Android, and it’s packed with tools to help you navigate the unique challenges of entrepreneurship with ADHD.

You’ve got this! And remember, no matter where you are on your ADHD journey, I’m rooting for you.