5 Unhinged Tips for ADHD Entrepreneurs
1. Toss out the planner—build systems, not routines
ADHD brains thrive on adaptability, not rigidity, AND we don’t do routines the way that neurotypical do! Instead of trying to cram your life into a cookie-cutter planner, think about creating systems that work for you. This might mean setting up a morning checklist on your fridge, automating bill payments, or creating a “launch pad” near your front door with everything you need before heading out. Forget sticking to rigid time blocks; instead, structure your day around categories or themes, like “creative tasks” in the morning and “admin tasks” in the afternoon.
Why it matters:
Routines fail when life happens (and it will). systems, on the other hand, are designed to absorb chaos. They give you a framework to operate within, so you can focus on progress, not perfection.
2. Go full “body doubling” mode
Body doubling is as simple as having someone present while you work—this could be a co-working buddy, a virtual accountability partner on Zoom, or even a Twitch stream of someone else working. You don’t need to interact much (or at all); just the presence of another person is enough to keep you on track. Try setting up a 2-hour focus sprint session with a friend and check in every 30 minutes to share your progress.
Why it matters:
ADHD brains are motivated by external stimuli. The mere presence of another person (even virtually) provides a sense of accountability that can nudge you to stay on task.
3. Reward the fuck out of yourself
No motivation? Bribe yourself like a five-year-old. For every milestone you hit, no matter how small, give yourself a reward. Finished an email to that scary client? Treat yourself to a snack. Knocked out an hour of bookkeeping? Take a 10 min TikTok break. For bigger wins, plan more substantial rewards, like a lunch out or a new gadget. Keep the reward proportional to the task—it’s all about making the effort feel worth it.
Why it matters:
ADHD brains are dopamine-driven. Rewards create a feedback loop that helps you associate effort with positive outcomes, making it easier to tackle tasks in the future.
4. Use novelty to reframe boring tasks
If a task feels dull, switch up your approach to make it more engaging. Hate writing invoices? Play a favourite playlist or turn it into a game, like how fast can you get it done? Overwhelmed by decluttering? Time yourself for 10 minutes, then stop. You could even switch up the environment—work from a café or stand instead of sitting at your desk. ADHD brains crave newness, so inject novelty wherever you can.
Why it matters:
Repetition is kryptonite for ADHD brains, but novelty activates interest and focus. By reframing boring tasks as fresh or fun, you’re more likely to follow through and finish.
5. Use ChatGPT as your ADHD co-pilot
Let’s be real, sometimes your brain just can’t even. That’s where AI comes in. Need to write a client email? Ask ChatGPT to draft it. Struggling to plan your week? Use it to generate a to-do list based on your goals. It’s like having a personal assistant who doesn’t get annoyed when you forget things. For best results, be specific in your prompts (e.g., “Write a friendly email template to schedule a meeting with a client”).
Why it matters:
Externalizing tasks reduces decision fatigue and overwhelm. ChatGPT can help you brainstorm, organize, and even break down big projects into manageable steps—all without draining your energy.
Ready to embrace your unhinged genius?
ADHD isn’t a roadblock; it’s a different path, but often finding that path can be challenging. These tips aren’t about forcing yourself to be someone you’re not—they’re about working with your unique brain to build a business and life you love. Which one will you try first?
