Let's talk ADHD. If you're thinking this is another cutesy, "oops-I-forgot-my-keys" kind of post, buckle up because you're in for a wild ride. As a business owner living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), I can tell you it's hell of a lot more than just misplacing things or daydreaming.
Imagine having 102 browser tabs open, all screaming for your attention, occasionally slapping you in the face because each one feels urgent. That's what ADHD feels like — a chaotic orchestra of thoughts, emotions, and distractions playing in your mind, all at once. The mental fatigue that accompanies this never-ending symphony is relentless, leaving you always tired, always exhausted, and never fully rested.
But wait, there's more! When you're a woman with ADHD, the struggle can be even more real, thanks to society's tendency to downplay or misdiagnose our symptoms. And don't even get me started on people who dismissively say, "Everyone's a little ADHD, aren't they?" No, Chad, they're not.
So, here's my unfiltered take on living with ADHD as a business owner: the highs, the lows, the quirks, and the life hacks that keep me (mostly) sane.
ADHD in Women
When it comes to ADHD, women have been dealt a losing hand, and not in a fun, Vegas kind of way. Thanks to the gender bias in diagnosis and treatment, women's symptoms are often swept under the rug, misunderstood, or downright ignored. We love some good ole misogyny in mental health, because it's not enough we deal with it in healthcare, amirite? Trust me, it's not "cute" when I've misplaced something and spent far too much time looking for it, and this can happen multiple times a day. It's maddening, and I've been reduced to tears wondering what was wrong with me or my brain.
Women with ADHD don't always fit the classic hyperactive mold. Instead, our hyperactivity often manifests internally, with our minds buzzing like a hive of bees on espresso. We're the queens of chaos, disorganization, and emotional rollercoasters — all of which get chalked up to "being hormonal" or "just having a bad day." 😒 So instead many women are told we're just anxious, or depressed, or bipolar, or basically anything else the doc thinks ticks the boxes.
ADHD + Entrepreneur Life
Running a business with ADHD is like playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole, with a sprinkle of emotional whirlwinds and a dash of executive dysfunction. As an entrepreneur, I'm constantly juggling multiple responsibilities and distractions, which can be a nightmare for someone with ADHD. Ask my boyfriend and the number of times we've FaceTimed during one of my breakdowns.
Executive dysfunction, in particular, has me feeling like I'm wading through quicksand, trying to accomplish tasks that seem effortless for others. It's super frustrating and exhausting. The self-shame of not being able to do simple tasks is debilitating some days. It can be perceived as laziness but task paralysis hits and hurts deep. I want to "be better."
Fighting against my ADHD isn't the answer. Instead I've found ways to work with it, like outsourcing tasks that overwhelm me, or finding tools and strategies that help me stay organized and focused, or asking my boyfriend if he wouldn't mind helping me label trays and trays of soap.😬 It's all about giving myself the support I need to thrive in a world designed for neurotypical minds, while also not letting it be a crutch and blaming everything on my ADHD.
My brain does better with structure but the Catch 22 is that my brain can make it really hard to create that necessary structure sometimes. A monthly calendar is a must have, but my weekly calendar has become my trusty sidekick, gifted to me by a fellow ADHD friend (thanks, Kitty!). It helps me set realistic goals, stay on track, and experience the sweet, sweet rush of dopamine that comes with checking off tasks as I complete them. It's a total game-changer. (And if I did a couple extra things not already on the list, I add them in and then check 'em off! 😆) The best part of my weekly planner is the weeks aren't already dated, so there's no side dish of self-inflicted guilt if I didn't use it one week.
Executive dysfunction, in particular, has me feeling like I'm wading through quicksand, trying to accomplish tasks that seem effortless for others. It's super frustrating and exhausting. The self-shame of not being able to do simple tasks is debilitating some days. It can be perceived as laziness but task paralysis hits and hurts deep. I want to "be better."
Fighting against my ADHD isn't the answer. Instead I've found ways to work with it, like outsourcing tasks that overwhelm me, or finding tools and strategies that help me stay organized and focused, or asking my boyfriend if he wouldn't mind helping me label trays and trays of soap.😬 It's all about giving myself the support I need to thrive in a world designed for neurotypical minds, while also not letting it be a crutch and blaming everything on my ADHD.
My brain does better with structure but the Catch 22 is that my brain can make it really hard to create that necessary structure sometimes. A monthly calendar is a must have, but my weekly calendar has become my trusty sidekick, gifted to me by a fellow ADHD friend (thanks, Kitty!). It helps me set realistic goals, stay on track, and experience the sweet, sweet rush of dopamine that comes with checking off tasks as I complete them. It's a total game-changer. (And if I did a couple extra things not already on the list, I add them in and then check 'em off! 😆) The best part of my weekly planner is the weeks aren't already dated, so there's no side dish of self-inflicted guilt if I didn't use it one week.
Another life hack is paying the extra $4 so I can pick up my groceries and utilizing order pickup/drive-up services because this eases my mental load — not to mention the time efficiency. When you're running a business, the old adage is true: time is money. No more rushing to the store and then getting overwhelmed by all the choices. As I run out of things throughout the week, I just start adding items to my digital shopping cart until I'm ready to hit "checkout."Â
It's learning to say "when" before my cup is full. It's not overcommitting to projects, events, or social gatherings. It means I drop products from my line because I know just because I can make something doesn't mean I need to. There's only so many hours in a day, but I know my 24 hours looks different than a neurotypical's.
ADHDÂ is my superpower
While ADHD comes with its fair share of challenges, it's also a quirky superpower that, when embraced, can lead to some pretty amazing things. Hyperfocus? More like hyperdrive! Creativity? I've got it in spades, baby! And intense concentration? That's my secret weapon. When my ADHD kicks into high gear, I'm like a mental explorer, uncovering hidden gems (or crystals 😉) of knowledge and creativity.
That hyperfocus allows me to dive deep into the rabbit hole of sheer fascination, so get ready for me to knowledge dump any time I've found a new nugget of wisdom (sorry Matt 😅). With a relentless drive to hone my craft, I'm constantly learning and evolving. It's trying to achieve perfectionism in everything that I do. As a cosmetic formulator, my ADHD has been a surprising ally. It's helped me develop innovative products that stand out in a crowded market, proving that sometimes, the things that make us different can be our greatest strengths.
Navigating ADHD is no cakewalk, but it's also an adventure that's shaped me into the resilient and resourceful entrepreneur I am today. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.
