How to Cope with ADHD as a Business Owner – Passion and Potential Podcast
April 18, 2023
Today’s episode is all about my squirrel brain and how I cope with ADHD even while running a business! I talk through some of my methods that help with the brain chaos and give some tips on how you can be productive and still serve yourself some grace for the way your brain operates.
I’m 28 years old and was just recently diagnosed with ADHD, but I’ve always known I had it. I was terrible at school unless something really intrigued me. To this day, I’m either hyper-focused or extremely distracted. I lose things, I ramble, and I’m hypersensitive.
As a business owner who struggles with ADHD, I put a lot of pressure on myself and I have to work hard to not be too self-defeating on the days that I’m not as productive as I’d like to be.
Here are some of the things I do to keep myself as efficient as I can be: (hint #3 is my absolute top way that i cope with adhd)
1.I USE A WHITEBOARD.
Every morning, I write down very detailed steps of what I want my day to look like to help organize my thoughts before I start my day.
2. I UPDATE MY CALENDARS RELIGIOUSLY.
I have three calendars: one in my phone, one on my computer and one in my bedroom. I update each one the minute I make a new plan or book a client so that I can’t forget!
3. MY NUMBER ONE WAY TO COPE WITH ADHD – I KEEP LISTS EVERYWHERE.
I have a notebook stationed in every room of my apartment so that any time a new idea, steps I need to take to finish a project, or even how I’m feeling that day comes to mind, I can write it down. There’s always a lot going on in my brain and when I put it on paper, it helps me feel less scattered and more organized.
4. Managing clients can be tough as a squirrel brain. So I use Honeybook to tackle that for me
HoneyBook is a client management software that keeps everything in one place and keeps track of my calendar so that I can’t overbook myself. It also helps me organize all of my client communications as well as my pricing templates, brochures and contracts. It’s been such a lifesaver for me as a business owner (PS click that link and you’ll get 25% off your Honeybook subscription!)
5. Batching work according to how I feel has brought a lot of success
I’ve learned to focus on a task according to the way my brain is operating on any given day rather than trying to do several different tasks that I’m not up for. Some days I wake up feeling focused and analytical and I’ll work on my website SEO. Other days I wake up feeling really motivational and I’ll record multiple podcast episodes that day. I don’t have a routine, and that’s okay.
6. I PRIORITIZE WORKING OUT AND LIMIT MY CAFFEINE INTAKE.
For me, releasing physical energy helps me to focus my mental energy throughout the day.
I also try to limit myself to one or maybe two cups of coffee per day. If I have more than that, I get a little more squirrely than normal!
7. I GIVE MYSELF TIME LIMITS ON MY TO-DO LIST.
Assigning myself time limits for tasks on my to-do list helps me to stay on track. It also helps me set expectations and hold myself accountable.
8. I GIVE MYSELF CREATIVE BREAKS.
Sometimes during wedding season, I’ll be forced to spend all day editing in the same spot. Giving myself creative breaks throughout the day helps me to stay focused and productive. For me, this might include painting, doodling, listening to music or going for a bike ride.
9. I CLOSE OUT EXTRA TABS WHEN WORKING ON A SPECIFIC PROJECT.
This one is definitely a work in progress, but I’m trying to be more diligent about closing all tabs in my browser besides the one I’m working on at the present moment in order to limit distractions.
Ultimately, I’ve learned to accept myself as I am. Instead of trying to be the routine girl or putting an insane amount of pressure on myself, I’ve learned how to navigate and master my unique, creative brain.
If this helped you, please let me know on Instagram by tagging me in a story and sharing with our fellow squirrel brains!
Passion & Potential Podcast Episode – 8 Tips to Cope with Adhd as a Creative Business Owner
Listen below!
THANKS FOR READING & FOR LISTENING TO PASSION & POTENTIAL
Check out my Facebook group that goes hand in hand with the podcast – Passion & Potential Facebook Group.
PS – want to check out some other episodes? Click here
Sincerely, your artsy friend that is rooting for you,
Arastasia Rolain – Traveling Mural Artist, Art Educator, & Creative Entrepreneur
