Habits, ADHD, and Business

In the fast-paced world of business, the ability to establish and maintain effective habits is crucial for success. It's even been estimated that people with ADHD are 500% more likely to become Entrepreneurs. That being said, mainstream advice for small business owners are not tailored to the neurodiverse individuals.

The Power of Habits

Habits play a crucial role in our lives, shaping our daily routines and behaviors. For individuals with ADHD, developing habits is as natural as a seahorse in space. Especially when you get into the current neuroscience studies surrounding habits. We get into the details of Habits and ADHD, particularly in business, in our Patreon this month.

These are some of the key differences we identified about habits:

• Neurodivergent individuals have a different beginning step of the habit process than Neurotypical individuals...which is why all the mainstream "5 tips to new habits this January" don't work for us.
• Intention and Action are not connected in Neurodiverse Minds...while Neurotypical brains have the natural internal command prompt that takes them from intent to action.... our computer code needs written. This is due to different wiring of our brains, not due to a lack of understanding.
• While our Neurotypical Friends should avoid external motivation when developing habits, we should do the EXACT opposite. Neurodivergent Individuals do not have internalized self supporting, or automotive processing, therefore we don't ever get to the same "nearly or completely involuntary" stage of traditionally defined habits.

Understanding ADHD in the Business Realm

While ADHD can present challenges in traditional work environments, it can also be a powerful asset in entrepreneurship. Some characteristics commonly associated with ADHD, such as creativity, risk-taking, and out-of-the-box thinking, can be advantageous in starting and running a business.

Here are some reasons why individuals with ADHD may thrive as entrepreneurs:

• Creativity: People with ADHD often possess a high level of creativity, allowing them to generate innovative ideas and solutions.
• Hyperfocus: While individuals with ADHD may struggle with maintaining focus, they can also experience hyperfocus, a state of intense concentration. This ability to hyperfocus can be beneficial when working on passion projects or entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Adaptability: ADHD individuals are often highly adaptable and can think quickly on their feet, which is crucial in the ever-changing landscape of business.

Embracing ADHD in Business

While ADHD can provide certain advantages in the business world, it is important for individuals to embrace their own divergencies to help achieve success. The world is not created with us in mind, therefore we should stop forcing our minds to attempt to conform. Here are some strategies for embracing ADHD while forming habits in your business:

• Our brains are motivated differently. We do not experience automatic positive reinforcement and satisfaction that comes with completing a task. Our brains also can process some things in a different order, more quickly, or differently than the popular TikTok trend may expect. It's okay to deviate it means you are more consistent. Find what works for you.
• Try “dueling projects” or priorities. Switch between projects to chase novelty, remember to pick items that may fill your “executive function” bank. Incorporating regulatory rhythmic movement to help complete the stress cycle can help move you out of fight/flight responses, which helps reduce the feeling of anxiety. Plan for time to transition between your projects to help build the healthy habit.
• Some will crave specific set schedules, others will crave flexibility, and it may change for you over time. Don’t assume that each process or habit will need the same from you, you may need set schedules for one....

In the intersection of Habits, ADHD, and Business, there lies a powerful potential for success. By understanding the unique challenges posed by ADHD and strategically cultivating habits that align with individual strengths, entrepreneurs and professionals can build thriving careers. The journey may be challenging, but with determination, adaptability, and a commitment to positive habits, individuals with ADHD can navigate the business landscape with resilience and innovation.

If you want to hear more about our ADHD Tax Topic, head over to Into the Chaos with Advancing Aiden on Patreon to hear the whole 45 minute chat on Habits, ADHD and Business. 

Thanks for reading!
Beka