Let’s be real - running a business is a lot.
Running multiple businesses while also trying to keep up with life, family, and the constant whirlwind that is my ADHD brain? Absolute chaos.
Some days, I feel like I’m on top of everything. Other days? I’ll open my laptop, get distracted by 17 different things, and suddenly find myself deep in a research hole about something wildly unrelated to what I actually need to do. (Anyone else?)
But here’s the thing. I love being an entrepreneur.
And I love that ADHD gives me the ability to come up with big ideas, dive headfirst into things I’m passionate about, and bring creative solutions to the table. The challenge? Finding ways to keep everything moving without completely burning out or forgetting to eat lunch (again).
So, if you’re also juggling ADHD and business (or just life in general), here are a few things that actually help me stay on track - well, mostly.
1The Magic of External Structure (Because My Brain Won’t Do It Alone)
I’ve accepted that my brain doesn’t naturally organize things in a neat and tidy way, so I have to build that structure in. For me, that means using tools like:
- A digital planner (because paper ones just gather dust)
- Calendar reminders for literally everything
- A simple to-do list that I actually check (sometimes) I use Luna Task for this!
The key? Making it as easy as possible to follow through. If it’s too complicated or requires too much effort, I will abandon it.
Body Doubling: The ADHD Hack That Actually Works
Have you ever noticed that you get more done when someone else is just there? Even if they’re not helping, just having another person around makes it easier to focus. That’s called body doubling, and it’s one of my favourite ADHD-friendly tricks.
Sometimes I’ll work alongside a friend, and we’ll both do our own thing. Other times, I’ll jump on a virtual coworking session just to keep myself accountable. It’s weirdly effective; like having someone else’s presence reminds my brain that I’m supposed to be working.
Breaking Things Down (Because Big Tasks Feel Overwhelming)
If something feels too big or vague, my brain just... refuses to engage. So instead of “Write blog post,” I have to trick myself with smaller steps:
✔ Open laptop
✔ Write three bullet points
✔ Turn those into sentences
✔ Add a funny GIF (optional but encouraged)
By the time I’ve checked off a few steps, I’m already in motion, and momentum is everything.
Automating the Boring Stuff
Repetitive tasks? No thanks. That’s why I automate anything I can. Whether it’s using subscriptions to make sure I don’t forget to reorder essentials (hi, Subscribe & Save! 🙌), setting up auto-pay for bills, or even just creating email templates so I’m not typing the same thing 10 times a week.
Less mental effort = more brainpower for the stuff that actually matters.
Leaning Into What ADHD Does Best
Here’s the thing—ADHD isn’t just about the struggles. It also comes with some serious strengths:
Creativity & big ideas: Thinking outside the box? A daily occurrence.
Hyperfocus: If I’m interested in something, I can get so much done.
Problem-solving: My brain loves finding new (and sometimes unconventional) ways to do things.
So instead of constantly fighting against how my brain works, I try to work with it. Some days, that means riding the hyperfocus wave when it hits. Other days, it means giving myself grace when my brain just won’t cooperate.
Final Thoughts (Because I Should Probably Wrap This Up)
Running a business with ADHD is never going to be easy—but I genuinely believe it’s possible to thrive when you find what works for you. The key is leaning into your strengths, building external systems to support your weaknesses, and being kind to yourself on the hard days.
And if you’re also navigating the chaos of ADHD + business, just know you’re not alone. We’re all out here figuring it out as we go.