Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Power of ADHD: Transforming Symptoms into Superpowers

If you have ADHD, whether it was discovered in childhood or many years later, you have spent a lot of time trying to manage your symptoms so that they don’t interfere with your success. But, it’s not just about structure, systems, strategies and supports, your mindset also matters. Instead of focusing on your ADHD symptoms, you can try thinking of them as traits and even assets. Let me tell you what I mean by using examples of people close to me.

The Unique Gifts of ADHD

ADHD is often seen through the lens of challenges and difficulties, but I believe it’s time to shift that perspective. Our journey with ADHD is filled with untapped potential and unique abilities. For instance, our knack for juggling diverse tasks and responsibilities isn’t something to be self conscious about — it’s an asset that many wish they had.

Take my daughter, Marissa, for example. As an event planner, she thrives in the fast-paced world of managing diverse assignments. Yes, her distractibility might seem like a hindrance, but it’s this very trait that makes her fantastic at what she does. She can quickly adapt and respond to various situations, making her a rockstar in event management.

Strategies for Success

Marissa’s success doesn’t stop at just being a brilliant event planner. She has developed a planning and follow-up system so effective that her employer has asked her to teach it to others. Her ADHD traits of distractibility and forgetfulness meant she needed a system, but her creativity lead her to design her own, and it’s bulletproof and ideally suited to her industry. Sounds like a strength to me!

Embrace Your Passion

One of the common characteristics many with ADHD share is a profound sense of curiosity and passion. This drive to explore new and unconventional things keeps our entrepreneurial spirit alive. My graphic designer and client Jess, follows her intuition rather than traditional processes, producing art that’s not only original but totally captivating. Her work is a testament to trusting our instincts and doing things our way, instead of looking to others.

Redefining Forgetfulness and Distractibility

Let’s talk about something that often plagues those of us with ADHD-forgetfulness. It’s easy to see it as a character defect, but can’t we also perceive it as the ability to live fully in the present moment? This shift in perspective can lead to more mindfulness and, ultimately, more honest and open relationships.

Personally, I attribute my “childlike” nature and idealism to my inability to dwell on past or future events, due to the forgetfulness that is a big part of my ADHD. This state enables me to bring freshness and authenticity to my endeavors. Forgetfulness does have negative consequences, so I also have strategies for capturing things I’m prone to forget.

Similarly, distractibility can be reframed as spontaneity and adaptability. This trait allows us to pivot quickly and embrace opportunities as they come. The ability to switch gears quickly and easily is an valuable asset for entrepreneurs who need to be alert and make decisions quickly.

Harnessing Boundless Energy and Enthusiasm

Hyperactivity is often misunderstood. It’s more than just being physically restless; it’s about having boundless energy and enthusiasm. Our ability to channel this into our businesses can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Take my client Kevin, a serial entrepreneur -his impulsive decision-making and risk-taking have led to both significant successes and valuable learning experiences. His spontaneity is an asset that fuels innovation and growth, and many wish they could keep up with him.

Communicating with Purpose

Another trait commonly seen with women with ADHD is excessive talking. While in personal relationships it can lead to friction, in the entrepreneurial world, it can be a gift. Our charisma and story telling skills are incredible assets in the entrepreneurial world and are a great example of a symptom (excessive talking) turned into a strength (sales ability). It’s about harnessing this trait to connect with prospects authentically.

Looking Forward

As we continue to explore the strengths of ADHD, it’s essential to adopt a strength-based mindset. By doing so, we don’t just accept our ADHD traits-we celebrate them. I invite you to share this post with anyone who might benefit from it. Let’s spread the message that ADHD isn’t a limitation but a different way of experiencing the world-one that’s filled with possibilities.

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! LIke many of our posts, this one was adapted from an episode of the podcast. 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 20, 2024.