Thriving as an ADHD Entrepreneur: Surprising Priorities for Success with ADHD Rising
ADHD Coach Katherine Sanders
Wondering why the classic 'business advice' you've been following just turns your brain off? Let's go into the unique challenges and opportunities that ADHD entrepreneurs face.
You'll learn the surprising priorities that can transform procrastination and overwhelm into productivity and success, all through the lens of the ADHD Rising program. Whether you're newly diagnosed or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights to help you thrive.
Key Takeaways:
- Katherine’s Journey: Learn about Katherine's diverse career path and how her ADHD and autism diagnosis in her early forties transformed her approach to business.
- Common Challenges: Understand the typical struggles ADHD entrepreneurs face, such as procrastination, overwhelm, and lack of routine.
- Real-Life Success Stories: Hear inspiring stories of clients like 'Monica' and 'Phoebe', who transformed their businesses by understanding and leveraging their ADHD.
- ADHD Rising Framework: Explore the three-part framework—Foundations, Stretch and Grow, and Flourish—that Katherine uses to help entrepreneurs succeed.
- Practical Tips: Gain actionable advice on developing personalized strategies, creating achievable goals, and incorporating fun and creativity into your routine.
- Building a Supportive Environment: Discover the importance of community, coaching, and surrounding yourself with supportive people.
Quotes:
- "Understanding your unique ADHD profile is crucial for building a business that truly works for you."
- "With the right strategies and support, you can turn your ADHD challenges into strengths and thrive as an entrepreneur."
Resources Mentioned:
- ADHD Rising Program: https://lightbulbadhd.com/group-coaching
- Katherine's Website: https://lightbulbadhd.com
- Book a Call with Katherine: Book Here
Action Steps:
- Identify Your Priorities: Reflect on the priorities that resonate with your unique ADHD profile.
- Join the Community: Consider joining a supportive community of ADHD entrepreneurs.
- Schedule a Call: Book a call with Katherine to discuss how the ADHD Rising program can help you.
- Connect with Katherine: @adhd_coach_katherine on Instagram, Facebook & Tiktok
- Subscribe: Don’t miss out on future episodes—subscribe to the podcast!
- Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with others.
- Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments or on social media using the hashtag #ADHDRising
rnRQbS0lDIH8nHw2pEvl
Connect with Katherine here:
Get the 'ADHD Entrepreneur's Procrastination Pivot' Ebook HERE.
Transcript
What's up my friend it's
ADHD, coach Katherine.
2
:And this week on ADHD,
powerful possibilities.
3
:We are going to talk about how
you can structure your life.
4
:And your business and all the
pieces that you need to do that.
5
:Stick with me.
6
:You are going to come
away from this episode.
7
:With a list of things that you
may have been missing so far.
8
:Can you imagine how it would feel to
wake up every morning with a clear plan?
9
:Feeling excited.
10
:In control of the day head.
11
:And knowing that whatever you do
today is going to take you a step
12
:closer to your big juicy vision.
13
:If you have ADHD, that might
sound impossible, right?
14
:And I know that for lots of people,
especially late diagnosed business owners.
15
:It can feel like you are on
one of those gerbil wheels.
16
:Or in one of those clear plastic hamster
balls, and you're just running around and
17
:bouncing off of things left and right.
18
:And you're still stuck inside
the clear plastic bowl.
19
:It might sound impossible
but honestly, it's not.
20
:You can make your ADHD challenges
shrivel up like the wicked witch
21
:of the west with a big old glass of
water with just the right information.
22
:The right.
23
:Self-compassion.
24
:And of course the right support.
25
:today, we're going to look at ADHD
entrepreneurs, business owners.
26
:Creative practitioners.
27
:And frankly really busy people
at home because I think running
28
:a house and a family is as
demanding is running a business.
29
:Can learn to defeat procrastination.
30
:Stay focused.
31
:And build a business that
fits your brain like a glove.
32
:You don't want to miss these strategies.
33
:So stick around And I will give
you a rundown of what you can do
34
:to build your own wonderful rising.
35
:Business.
36
:I want to give a warm
welcome to everybody.
37
:discovering the podcast
for the first time.
38
:But especially want to say thank you
to the people who have emailed me.
39
:I know who you are.
40
:I've read your emails.
41
:I have replied or am about to reply
and honestly, It makes doing the
42
:podcast so worthwhile, because I
know that it's helpful to people.
43
:If you have a particular
topic you want me to cover?
44
:And I haven't talked about
it for a while or not at all.
45
:Just drop me a note
through their show notes.
46
:There's a contact email there.
47
:Or on my website.
48
:And I also want to thank Menekse.
49
:Stuart of Hey Menekse who is
the most phenomenal brain.
50
:I've ever met.
51
:for giving me some really great
advice on reorganizing the website.
52
:So if it's looking a bit different,
That's thanks to Menekse.
53
:Let's get straight into it, First
of all, I want to say this is for
54
:people who are ready for growth.
55
:People who are ready to move forward.
56
:If you are a deep and
burnout and exhausted.
57
:This podcast may be.
58
:Another demand that you cannot
even imagine engaging with.
59
:I will do an episode for
people who are burnt.
60
:I also have one in the past, which I will
include a link to in the show notes and
61
:on my social media, because what I have
recognized is that a lot of you are.
62
:To burn out for this stage.
63
:Many of you are not though.
64
:And you are keen, eager, beavers,
ready to make progress and design a
65
:business that works for you instead
of grinding you into the dirt.
66
:Having tried to run a business books
ways I can tell you 100% that this
67
:is the way you need to be thinking
about your longterm business plan.
68
:Let's zip back 20, no 30 years
now when I was in my twenties,
69
:I have my first major burnout.
70
:And I decided I wanted to try
a different way of working.
71
:I have tried.
72
:At least four or five different
businesses, including making
73
:children's clothes, custom
Victorian corsets wedding dresses.
74
:stained glass design.
75
:Website design.
76
:admin support.
77
:You name it?
78
:I have tried it.
79
:Been there done that.
80
:The thing that makes coaching
and my other work of painting.
81
:Long lasting.
82
:Is that I have found a way
to work that suits my brain.
83
:And I'm going to explain
how you can do that.
84
:Starting.
85
:Now.
86
:Lots of you are going to be
in a position where you are
87
:trying to make a business work.
88
:And you are struggling each day.
89
:You are procrastinating.
90
:You are experiencing overwhelm.
91
:You are.
92
:Constantly attracted to shiny
objects, shiny platforms.
93
:And you are listening to
productivity advice from people
94
:who do not have your brain.
95
:And who do not have your wonderfully
complicated, busy, rich lives.
96
:You could be ending each day thinking.
97
:Or what happened there no
further forward to your business
98
:goals to your life vision.
99
:And you're thinking I
can't even do basic things.
100
:So why am I continuing to try?
101
:And if you continue to do that, you will
end up in burnout because it's like trying
102
:to get a supermarket trolley up from a.
103
:Flat road onto a pavement.
104
:And you're just bashing
it against the kerb.
105
:Stop bashing your shopping
trolley against the curb.
106
:Let's restructure.
107
:How you think about
creating your business?
108
:First of all, I want to tell you
briefly about two of my previous
109
:clients, I'm going to change their
names and some of the details.
110
:Let's think about Monica.
111
:Monica is a disabled business
owner who is working.
112
:Part-time raising neurodivergent family.
113
:And she was working part time
in an office, but she'd set up
114
:an amazing business strategy.
115
:Company.
116
:And instead of thinking, this is amazing.
117
:I feel so liberated.
118
:She actually ended up.
119
:Feeling exhausted.
120
:She thought this is terrible.
121
:This is meant to bring me more freedom.
122
:When we started working together, she
did not entirely believe that whatever
123
:suggesting to her was going to work.
124
:But after six months
she had managed to save.
125
:Five figures.
126
:And had clients on a waiting list.
127
:She is booked out a year ahead.
128
:And the difference is that she's no
working in a way that suits her brain.
129
:And then clients pick up on that.
130
:And recognize somebody who is for
want of a better word in alignment.
131
:And they want more of that.
132
:So that's Monica.
133
:She is doing amazingly.
134
:Then I'm going to tell you about Phoebe.
135
:CP is a take genius.
136
:There's literally nothing she cannot
learn to do, but when we began working
137
:together, She was pretty close to
burnout again, she wasn't there yet.
138
:So she still could make changes.
139
:But she didn't understand
what she was doing wrong.
140
:She had a color blocked diary.
141
:She was working in, short
blocks throughout the day,
142
:so she didn't get bored.
143
:And yet she was also trained to bring up
her family and really starting to buckle.
144
:No, that would be a disaster for her in
terms of her self belief, but also in her
145
:family, she needed to bring in some money.
146
:Most importantly, she has lost herself.
147
:She no longer really
knew what gave her joy.
148
:So the first thing that we had to
work on was what gives you joy?
149
:What lights your brain up.
150
:And then giving yourself permission
to work in a different way that
151
:doesn't involve color blocking.
152
:The first thing you need to do is
understand that your ADHD is unique.
153
:Yes, there are common traits that we
all have an everyone will experience
154
:them to agree to or lesser degree.
155
:And it can change as you go through life.
156
:As you go through a hormonal cycle,
whether you're having regular
157
:periods or you're in menopause.
158
:Your ADHD is unique
because you are unique.
159
:You're a human being who
has a different brain.
160
:And you need to understand
your character strengths.
161
:As well as your executive functions.
162
:Which ones are as the
most difficult for you.
163
:And then you need to put that together
with your processing preferred modalities.
164
:Everybody can use different ways to learn.
165
:Get very clear on what
your brain map is like.
166
:And then look at your plan.
167
:Look at your day.
168
:Are you using the those strengths?
169
:Are you demanding that you use,
Visual calendar when actually
170
:you prefer spreadsheets.
171
:But.
172
:be critical make a critical assessment
of how you're trying to do things.
173
:Is there a demand or a stress there
that is already causing a problem?
174
:especially think about how you're
emotionally regulating because executive
175
:functions include emotional regulation.
176
:If you are regularly stressed.
177
:That is going to impact how
much of the other executive
178
:functions you're able to access.
179
:If you're stressed about deadlines,
you're stressed about money.
180
:That's going to affect how
you can actually focus.
181
:So one of the important things
you need to access is an emotional
182
:regulation tool that works for you.
183
:I've talked about this
at length journaling.
184
:Self-compassion mindfulness exercise.
185
:Get sweaty.
186
:Get there, get in the garden,
whatever works for you.
187
:Emotional regulation comes
before everything else.
188
:The second thing you need to think
about is what strategies are you using?
189
:Are you using neuro-typical productivity
strategies such as time blocking and
190
:chunking things down into smaller steps,
but not in a way that works for you.
191
:Are you trying to spread things out?
192
:Assess what strategies and tools you're
using in light of the information, you
193
:now have about your executive functions
processing, and of course your strengths.
194
:Those have to come really high
up and how you work every day.
195
:I've mentioned it before I have an
ebook that explains how you can get
196
:stuff done and stop procrastinating.
197
:I'll include a link in the show notes.
198
:But it's really important that
you personalize these tools.
199
:There's no cookie cutter system that
is going to work perfectly for you.
200
:And once you've got your unique
brain understanding together.
201
:You're working that properly.
202
:You're accepting it.
203
:Giving yourself permission to meet
those executive function needs.
204
:Instead of feeling bad about it or
thinking I should be doing it this way.
205
:Once you're doing that.
206
:You step into the final stage,
which is what I call the flourish.
207
:Where you are adding
things like sparkling.
208
:Tools.
209
:Sparkling tools are things that allow
you to switch up your routine quickly.
210
:The LOE to revitalize a routine
or a habit that's got boring
211
:or that you're not working with
anymore because you don't see it.
212
:But you need to not just maintain the
changes you need to anticipate and accept
213
:that you want to refresh things regularly.
214
:And all of it has to be aligned with
your values and your longterm vision.
215
:What are your values?
216
:Well, we have personal values
and then we have business values.
217
:And if you're not clear on both of
them, It can get muddy very quickly and
218
:you could end up designing a business
that does not suit you in the long run.
219
:For example, here are my business values.
220
:Just three of them for no.
221
:I believe in simple data.
222
:Honesty.
223
:I do not believe in adding
disinformation about ADHD.
224
:I don't do woo.
225
:Unless there is good data
and research to support it.
226
:And there is for some things.
227
:I don't talk down to people because I
believe that the clients I work with are
228
:whole resourceful, creative, and capable.
229
:And your presentation of ADHD
is different to everybody.
230
:Else's.
231
:My second value is the
power of possibility.
232
:I believe that the thing that
holds us back are our beliefs.
233
:I believe in what is possible.
234
:What's impossible.
235
:And I want to make space for other
human beings to experience the power.
236
:Of standing and possibility.
237
:And I do that through
coaching communication.
238
:And love.
239
:Because what we need is to
challenge the social norms that
240
:focus on measurement scarcity.
241
:Competition.
242
:And rules that don't suit our brains.
243
:I also believe this is
my last value for NY.
244
:That variety flow and change.
245
:Are essential for us as human beings
and especially for people with ADHD.
246
:I believe that you will change quickly
and change slowly depending on your
247
:season, your stage and your needs.
248
:And when we push against
that, we end up in burnout.
249
:I believe that your business should
work and support you and your brain.
250
:Rather than us.
251
:Challenging our values and
compromising our wellbeing to
252
:fit an idea that isn't for us.
253
:And I believe that neurodivergence
is not a fixed thing, but it
254
:is a whole of life experience.
255
:It affects our energy.
256
:Oh work or love or play
all of these things.
257
:And we need to make
that the essential core.
258
:Of our business and our lives.
259
:Instead of making them
inconveniences that we work around.
260
:And ignore.
261
:So far are the practical tips
that you can take away today.
262
:And start to implement
whether you're in business.
263
:Not happy.
264
:Wanting to start a business, or
you're just thinking about it.
265
:Number one.
266
:Use what works for you?
267
:Quite often.
268
:I hear people thinking they're
a waste at the should work.
269
:Things they.
270
:should do or that the things
they need are not acceptable.
271
:Here's the thing.
272
:Everything is invented.
273
:Everything.
274
:Around you.
275
:All of our ideas are invented.
276
:There's nothing surely.
277
:Guaranteed.
278
:Apart from Texas death and money.
279
:If you don't want to meet
clients after six o'clock.
280
:You don't work with
clients after six o'clock.
281
:If you only want to
work three days a week.
282
:You set those three days a week.
283
:You don't have to do anything
284
:you don't want to do.
285
:And if you have ADHD, that's
exceptionally important.
286
:Because when you force yourself to
do things you don't want to do your
287
:habenula, the motivation to dopamine.
288
:Is going to disappear.
289
:So work in a way that works for you.
290
:And let go of the shoulds and
expectations of other people.
291
:Make up and enjoy making up.
292
:The second is to think
about what are your goals?
293
:If you're trying to replace
a full-time permanent income.
294
:Is that income actually essential.
295
:Would it be nice to have a bit more.
296
:And then dream about how
you're going to get there.
297
:What would it feel like
to reach your new goal?
298
:Is it to have a hundred.
299
:articles published.
300
:Think about what your goals are.
301
:And then add in some flexibility.
302
:And a bit of possibility.
303
:There are different ways to do that.
304
:But you need to have
that big vision first.
305
:Before you start to add in
things like productivity and anti
306
:procrastination and all of that stuff.
307
:Think about what you would
like to do and how you want to
308
:work and then everything else.
309
:You can fit around it.
310
:The third essential.
311
:Fun and creativity.
312
:Many people I've spoken to, are burnt
out because they stopped having fun or
313
:they haven't given themselves permission.
314
:To have fun.
315
:It's not just an optional, extra,
you need some fun or creativity.
316
:Every day.
317
:What you find fun.
318
:I will look different
from somebody else's and
319
:You'll know I'm pretty old fashioned.
320
:like knitting gardening dogs.
321
:Oh, so like trashy novels.
322
:That kind of thing.
323
:That is fun.
324
:And it's achievable for
me pretty much every day.
325
:And if I don't have enough of
it, I start to procrastinate.
326
:So that could be something
that is holding you back.
327
:And you need to give yourself permission.
328
:To have fun creativity every day.
329
:The next thing is to think about
routines in a different way.
330
:Quite often, we feel
like routines are boring.
331
:Routines are dull.
332
:Routines are hard.
333
:All of these words create
a value in your head.
334
:Routines are simply patterns of
behavior or actions are repeated.
335
:And they are convenient.
336
:They reduce the cognitive load.
337
:They reduced the task switching.
338
:And both of those things.
339
:I more energized, more competent,
and to have space, to do
340
:the fun and creative things.
341
:So think of routines as your friend.
342
:Adapt them to work for you.
343
:Build flexibility and it's, essential.
344
:You need to be able to adapt.
345
:Not just because life happens
and life's all over your routine
346
:when you're least expecting it.
347
:we need that flexibility
because we're humans.
348
:The great Jimmy Reed once said.
349
:The rat race isn't for us
because we're not rats.
350
:We're humans.
351
:And you are not a robot.
352
:You're not going to have the
same energy or focus every day.
353
:Because you're human.
354
:And quite often, I feel
like we have exceptional.
355
:Expectations.
356
:Because we feel like we're
somehow less to begin with.
357
:But you're not, you're a human.
358
:Not a machine.
359
:Things will vary.
360
:Make sure that there's
room for flexibility.
361
:Nothing is going to stay the same forever.
362
:And you want to freshen things up.
363
:So anticipate that.
364
:And accept it when it happens.
365
:Finally think about your environment.
366
:I look for people who are
on a similar path to you.
367
:They don't have to be
in the same type of job.
368
:Look for people with the same values.
369
:Are they inspired by growth.
370
:Do they enjoy the idea of possibility?
371
:Do they understand the value
of coaching flexibility?
372
:Whatever it is.
373
:Look for a community that lifts you up.
374
:And not one where it's
just a misery competition.
375
:Now,, that doesn't mean you don't
get to share the challenges as
376
:well as the wins and the fun.
377
:But generally I find people with ADHD are
more receptive to other people's pain.
378
:Because we're empathetic.
379
:Not everyone.
380
:That's a massive generalization.
381
:But the people that I've
met tend to pick up.
382
:And identify with other people's pain.
383
:And we feel it.
384
:We should be able to fix it.
385
:Often,.
386
:That's been our role is to
fix things for other people.
387
:And the hardest thing
about being a grownup.
388
:Is accepting.
389
:We can't fix everything.
390
:But we can do.
391
:Is offer space.
392
:We can hear people.
393
:We can let them know that they are loved.
394
:They are more as on the current
problem that they find themselves in.
395
:And that this will pass.
396
:That is the kind of community
and group that you want to be
397
:looking for, especially for
when you're building a business.
398
:That is going to look different.
399
:And you don't want people
who are going to nitpick.
400
:And criticize.
401
:Obviously, I'm an ADHD
coach, so I'm biased.
402
:And I think that coaching
is incredibly valuable.
403
:If you want to work with a coach.
404
:I might have one space.
405
:Left for a one-to-one client right.
406
:Now, but I'm focusing, on my new
group program over the summer, and
407
:I want to make space for my own fun.
408
:Because if I'm not looking
after myself, And looking after
409
:all of these essential things.
410
:I'm not going to do a good job as a coach.
411
:Look for coaches who are living the
life that they're talking to you about.
412
:Look for coaches, with a growth
mindset who focus on your strengths.
413
:And aren't just all about teaching
you hacks and tips and strategies.
414
:That's education.
415
:It's not coaching.
416
:But remember you're not alone.
417
:You're a human being.
418
:And a world full of human beings.
419
:And if you haven't found
your people yet, They are.
420
:There.
421
:And just holding that intention lately.
422
:could mean that you are closer
to them than you imagine.
423
:I'm going to wrap up
this super short episode.
424
:Because I am about to launch
the ADHD Rising group program.
425
:It is a 90 day program where I go through
all of these foundations in detail.
426
:I share all the information
that I know helps clients.
427
:You get to use what works for you.
428
:you get my support to adapt it.
429
:And over the course of 90 days.
430
:You get a coaching call
with me once a month.
431
:You get weekly office hours
where we do co-working together.
432
:Weekly group coaching.
433
:As well as access to all the information.
434
:in video, audio and text formats.
435
:If you would like to know more about
it, you can have a look at my website
436
:and you can book a call with me to
discuss and see if you are the right fit.
437
:I want this to be.
438
:The kind of place where people come in.
439
:Relax and then grow
because it's all about.
440
:Rising.
441
:And growing, moving forward.
442
:If you want to know more.
443
:Have a look at the show notes, check
my website, group coaching, and let's
444
:talk if it's the right fit for you.
445
:If not, don't worry.
446
:I'm going to be back next
week with another podcast.
447
:And I will be sharing useful
information as well as.
448
:Insights and strategies that
you can use every single day,
449
:whether we work together or not.
450
:Get in touch and let me know what
you are taken away from today.
451
:Is there a piece of the puzzle
that you haven't addressed before?
452
:Or is there something new that
you hadn't really thought about
453
:in connection with your ADHD?
454
:This is ADHD coach Katherine
of light bulb ADHD.
455
:And I can't wait to see you next week.
456
:Take care.