As an entrepreneur with ADHD, and a parent of 2 ADHD daughters, I know firsthand the struggles that come with this condition. The constant need for stimulation, the inability to focus for long periods of time, and the tendency to leave projects unfinished can all make running a business seem like an impossible task.
But I’m here to tell you that ADHD is not a weakness. It is a superpower that can set you apart from the competition and help you achieve great things.
“If someone told me I could be normal or continue to have ADD, I would take the ADD.”
In fact, I credit ADHD with some of my biggest accomplishments. Things like going from teen mom to college graduate, with honors, to thriving business owner. Having 2 adult children who are successful, thriving, and known in their professional and academic circles for getting more done than any of their peers.
And today I thought I’d share a little of the mindset that got me there.
ADHD diagnoses among adults are growing four times faster than are ADHD diagnoses among children in the US (26.4% increase among children compared to 123.3% among adults)
One of the biggest advantages that comes with ADHD is the ability to get more done in a day than the average entrepreneur. Our minds are wired to move quickly, which means we can juggle multiple tasks at once and handle a high volume of work.
This is especially useful in the fast-paced, high-pressure environments that entrepreneurs often find themselves in.
In fact, many successful entrepreneurs have been diagnosed with ADHD. Some people you may have heard of who have found a way to kick a$$ with their ADHD are:
- Michael Phelps
- Simone Biles
- Adam Levine
- Michael Jordan
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Walt Disney
- Thomas Edison
- Danny Glover
- Scott Kelly
- Richard Branson
Clearly, ADHD does not mean you can’t achieve more than most!
Another advantage of having ADHD as an entrepreneur is the ability to come up with lots of great and exciting ideas.
Our brains are constantly buzzing with new concepts and creative solutions to problems. We see the world in a unique way that allows us to identify opportunities that others might miss.
This is why many entrepreneurs with ADHD thrive in industries that require out-of-the-box thinking, such as technology, marketing, and creative arts.
Our ability to generate innovative ideas can set us apart from the competition and help us create products and services that truly stand out.
But perhaps the greatest advantage of having ADHD as an entrepreneur is our energy levels. While we might not be able to sustain that energy for long periods of time, when we’re in the zone, we’re unstoppable. Our short bursts of intense focus can help us knock out tasks quickly and efficiently.
This is why many entrepreneurs with ADHD excel in roles that require quick decision-making, such as sales and business development.
Our ability to think on our feet and make decisions quickly can help us close deals and secure new partnerships.
“I didn’t let ADHD prevent me from achieving my goals, and neither should you.”
Of course, there are challenges that come with ADHD as well. Our tendency to leave projects unfinished and get easily distracted can make it difficult to stay on track and meet deadlines.
And our constant need for stimulation can sometimes overwhelm our team members and leave them feeling left behind or like they are floating in a boat without a paddle.
But these challenges are not unique to ADHD. Every entrepreneur has their own set of challenges and obstacles to overcome. The difference is that we, as ADHD entrepreneurs, have unique strengths that we can leverage to overcome these challenges and succeed.
Many believe ADHD is underdiagnosed in adults because the official diagnostic criteria was developed for children. Some estimates suggest that less than 20% of adults with ADHD are currently diagnosed.
One of the key ways to succeed as an ADHD entrepreneur is to learn how to manage your time effectively. This means setting clear priorities, breaking down big projects into smaller tasks, and using tools like time blocking and project management software to stay on track.
It’s also important to find ways to minimize distractions, whether that means turning off your phone notifications, closing your office door, or using noise-canceling headphones to block out external noise.
I prefer headphones with music because I find silence seems to make other noises louder than ever! I swear I can hear the squirrels outside eating and I must go and check on them! The key here is to find what works for you and don’t give up if the first thing or two don’t work. There is always something else to try, and you’ll find your key.
“The diagnosis made me want to prove everyone wrong. I knew that, if I collaborated with Michael, he could achieve anything he set his mind to.”
In addition, it can be helpful to develop techniques for staying focused and motivated, such as using the Pomodoro technique or setting up a rewards system for completing tasks.
Finally, it’s important to build a support system around you. This includes a network of supportive friends and family members who can offer encouragement and understanding, as well as mentors and coaches who can offer guidance and advice.
It’s also important to communicate openly and honestly with your team members about your challenges and strengths, and to work together to find solutions that work for everyone.
Keep these things in mind when hiring. Be transparent in your hiring process and let candidates know where you struggle and ask them if they can be helpful in that area. Don’t worry about turning people off. The right people will be attracted to your candidness. And the wrong ones will self select out.
“Remember that you are not alone. There are others going through the same thing.”
While ADHD can present challenges for entrepreneurs, it can also be a powerful superpower that sets us apart from the competition. By harnessing our unique abilities and developing strategies to overcome our challenges, we can achieve great things and make a real impact in the world.
