Reducing Your Burnout Risk as a Female Entrepreneur with ADHD

As a female entrepreneur with ADHD, burnout isn’t an unlikely occurance-it’s a clear and present danger that can derail both the personal and professional. I recently had an insightful conversation with David Greenwood, author, podcaster and ADHD coach, who shares his lived experience and expert advice on effectively reducing the risk of burnout for brains like ours.

Understanding Clarity and Control

Both David and I agree that clarity and control are crucial, especially for those of us juggling the dual dynamic of entrepreneurship and ADHD. To thrive, we need to zero in on what truly matters and unapologetically let go of everything else. I’ve learned the hard way that overcommitting leads to being over-extended and overwhelmed, all-too-common preludes to burnout.

In our discussion, David emphasized the importance of systematically examining our calendars and to-do lists, advocating for systemic changes that make room for tasks that genuinely matter. By aligning commitments with our core values and bandwidth, we create space for growth and avoid the slippery slope towards burnout.

The Importance of Radical Self-Acceptance

One of the pivotal moments in our discussion was when we explored the realm of radical self-acceptance. For entrepreneurs with ADHD traits, self-acceptance is the cornerstone that anchors our journey. Understanding and embracing our unique wiring isn’t a sign of defeat; it’s a powerful step towards sustainable success.

I shared some strategies that have worked for me, like “installing a pause button” before jumping into new commitments. This simple yet effective tactic ensures that I have the resources-emotional, mental, and physical-to meet my obligations without spreading myself thin.

Distinguishing Between Stress and Burnout

David’s insights on the difference between stress and burnout were eye-opening. While stress is temporary, burnout is chronic and leads to a complete shutdown of our mental and physical systems. This debilitating state doesn’t just lower our productivity; it hampers our ability to function and fuels resentment towards our work and relationships.

We discussed how identifying burnout can be particularly challenging for those who are naturally inclined to help others. The tendency to keep going, often at the expense of our well-being, can mask the early signs of burnout until it’s too late.

Self-Care: The Foundational Practice

A recurring theme in our conversation was commitment to self-care. For entrepreneurs like us, basic self-care practices-such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, creative outlets, and effective stress management-are vital lifelines. These practices aren’t just good habits; they are essential to our ability to lead and innovate.

David and I stressed the importance of taking control and having clarity to avoid burnout. The systemic nature of burnout in organizations often requires us to step back and re-evaluate our routines and commitments.

Structured, Yet Flexible Routines

In maintaining control and clarity in our daily lives, a balance between structure and flexibility is crucial. I shared my technique of using a 90-day planner to allocate time for commitments, exercise, and personal life. This method ensures that self-care isn’t an afterthought but a priority.

David also mentioned his approach of categorizing activities into distinct lanes, which helps him prioritize important commitments. This categorization allows him to be selective about how he allocates his time and energy, especially when wearing multiple hats as a self-employed individual and caregiver.

Recognizing and Addressing Resentment

Entrepreneurs often juggle multiple roles, including caregiving responsibilities, which can lead to resentment. Whether it’s caring for aging parents or supporting children with disabilities, the prolonged nature of these responsibilities can lead to role strain and burnout, regardless of our privileges or successes in other areas.

Burnout manifests in different ways, from resentment towards clients who delay payments to people-pleasing behaviors that blur boundaries. We discussed the importance of assertiveness and having control over our financial security, underscoring how clarity and control intersect in preventing burnout.

As a female entrepreneur with ADHD, my journey to avoiding burnout is continuous and requires a proactive approach. By embracing radical self-acceptance, committing to self-care, and maintaining clarity and control over my commitments, I can navigate the complex interplay of entrepreneurship and ADHD more effectively.

The insights shared by David Greenwood have reinforced my belief in the importance of these practices. Our discussion serves as a reminder that while burnout is a formidable opponent, it’s not unbeatable. With the right strategies and a commitment to our well-being, we can thrive and inspire others to do the same.

Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or Instagram @coachdiannwingert or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you’d like to hear the full episode on The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast, you can do that here.

Originally published at https://www.diannwingertcoaching.com on June 27, 2024.