Like many people I speak to, you may only know that I’ve been in business since the age of 16. Not many though, know about the experiences I’ve been through in that time.
The businesses I’ve run, the lessons I’ve learned along the way, and what they mean to me as an entrepreneur that’s only recently been diagnosed with ADHD.
ADHD is the diagnosis- but it’s about being an easily distracted entrepreneur
While I might have been diagnosed with ADHD myself, it is a broad spectrum, and in reality, it’s just a label.
Some use the label negatively and hide behind it. Others, like me, see it as their superpower. I truly believe that if channelled correctly, the ability to hyperfocus on things really can transform your business and help you achieve your dreams.
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD or not, many entrepreneurs I speak to identify with at least some of the traits. Like me, they’re easily distracted and will often prioritise interest over importance.
What does the phrase ‘easily distracted entrepreneur’ actually mean?
Even before I was told I have ADHD, I recognised that I’d always been looking for additional stimulation.
I’d always felt that business was a juggling act between the different tasks I had to focus on, and I’d always had anxiety over specific tasks in certain situations.
As I wrote about back in December, it’s something I’ve clearly been dealing with for a number of years, but my diagnosis, coupled with my period of reflection, have enabled me to tap into what I believe are the superpowers that I- and most other easily distracted entrepreneurs- have.
So, what does this mean for you?
When I started reflecting on my 20 years in business, I realised that I’ve actually run businesses in seven separate industries.
Thinking about each of these, there are so many stories and experiences that stick out.
Almost all of them scream out to me as examples of my ‘easily distracted self’, and I feel that if I’d had someone as an accountability partner- someone ‘in my corner’- during those early years, it’s likely that I’d have avoided some of the scars I’ve now got.
While I might not have felt stressed during that period of my life- in fact I think I just didn’t have the time to feel stressed- the stress that comes with being an easily distracted entrepreneur seems to have just built up, culminating in my breakdown at the age of 30.
Looking back, the route of the stress seems to have been because I was constantly seeking new forms of stimulation- whether that be new business ideas, or expanding on an existing business before the foundations were in place.
Looking past the label of ADHD then, many of the business owners I speak to have the same traits.
That’s why I’m on a mission to help them avoid some of the experiences I’ve been through. I know how much the stress can build up, and what it can eventually lead to- whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD or not.
I know from first-hand experience that you’re not yourself when you’re stressed, and that while it might initially affect your business, it’ll ultimately spread and impact other areas of your life.
Being an entrepreneur with the ability to hyperfocus is a real gift, but you need to channel that gift in the best way for you, so that you can avoid that stress, grow your business and realise your dreams.
If any of the above has resonated with you, or you have any questions about how you can channel that gift of hyperfocus and grow your business, please click here to book a free discovery call.
