How To Actually Be Productive As An ADHD Entrepreneur
The 'system’ is not designed for ADHD brains - you'll hear me say it again and again.
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I use 'system' as an umbrella term to cover the core structures.
School, work, and society - all that clash with how your ADHD brain operates.
At the heart of that system is capitalism.
In many ways, Capitalism is hostile to neurodivergent individuals.
This means that having ADHD creates a complicated relationship with capitalism.
This frustrates me. It holds ADHDers back from starting a business.
When in truth it's actually the reason you should start one.
The Problem: A Common Misunderstanding...
Most people think commerce and capitalism are the same thing - they aren’t.
Commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services.
It dates back as far as bartering in ancient civilizations.
Commerce is neutral - it is straightforward.
Global Capitalism, on the other hand, was born in the late 18th century - about 250 years ago.
Capitalism is not commerce.
It is an economic system - a way of organizing commerce.
It often fosters inequality, environmental degradation, and mass consumerism.
It takes more value from workers' labour than it pays them - It allows business owners to keep the extra profit...
By design, it promotes inequality.
For this reason, it often triggers an inbuilt sense of justice in the ADHD mind.
Add that to the fact that the structures of Capitalism make ADHD a disadvantage.
It's easy to see why you might want nothing to do with it.
Commerce exploded during the capitalist era, which intertwined the two concepts in people's minds.
Yes - individuals can misuse commerce - especially within a capitalist framework.
But, on its own, it's neutral.
You can build a business that works for you, reduce reliance on capitalism, and thrive in commerce.
I'm sharing this because it’s important for how you feel about building your business - but it's also vital to understand your productivity as an ADHD entrepreneur...
Capitalism high-jacked the definition of Commerce - it did the same to productivity.
Capitalism defined productivity as being busy - rebranding it under a hustle culture narrative.
To thrive as an ADHD entrepreneur, you must unlearn capitalism's definitions...
Commerce is not capitalism.
Productivity is not being busy.
The ADHD Productivity Formula
Productivity is getting the maximum result with the minimum input of time and energy.
It is the opposite of being busy.
To be productive, you must change your view of productivity.
Then, build systems from scratch that work with your ADHD brain.
Because the simple truth is this...
Traditional Productivity Systems Don’t Work For ADHD Entrepreneurs.
They leave you in a damaging loop.
Bursts of creativity and focus, followed by overwhelm, procrastination, and guilt.
This happens because most "productivity hacks" are hustle-focused.
So, if you have ADHD, they rely on something you don't have - a Neurotypical brain.
They depend on sustained focus, delayed gratification, and rigid routines.
They are anti-ADHD - so they leave you feeling that success is always out of reach.
This isn't your fault.
Sustained Focus ➜ ADHD brains thrive on interest-driven engagement, not monotony.
Delayed Gratification ➜ ADHD brains are wired for instant feedback and quick wins,
Rigid Routines ➜ Flexibility fuels ADHD creativity, but traditional structures stifle it.
A perfect example is The Eisenhower Matrix.
Productivity gurus love it...
But it's a nightmare for people with ADHD.
The Eisenhower Matrix is 4 boxes - urgent, not urgent, important, and not important.
It requires strong executive functioning and the ability to easily prioritise information based on importance...
ADHD brains have neither.
That triggers the cycle...
Try the hack - fail at the hack - internalise that failure.
None of which is your fault...
Reject Traditional Productivity Models - Escape The Cycle They Create
Instead of forcing yourself into ill-fitting systems, you need to create adaptive ones.
Align your actions with your strengths.
Redefine productivity as doing meaningful, effective work.
Lean into your creativity and divergent thinking.
Build systems that prioritise effectiveness and efficiency - not being busy.
Your ADHD brain excels at creativity, divergent thinking, and finding unique solutions.
This is your ADHD advantage - a creative rebellion.
Productivity as an ADHD entrepreneur requires you to lean into your creative strengths.
Non-traditional productivity systems that work with your brain.
Productivity systems that are designed for you.
The Core 4 Productivity Systems For ADHD Entrepreneurs
I've spent years creating ADHD-aligned systems to boost productivity in my business.
Over time, I've found 4 key areas of productivity for ADHD entrepreneurs.
I built my multi-6-figure business in less than two years by systemizing each.
Knowledge Acquisition & Skill-Building
Recently, I've received a bunch of compliments on the quality of my Instagram videos.
This pretty much started after I [finally] invested in a good camera.
Full disclosure - I have a deep appreciation for Cinematography - but I know very little about cameras...
Despite this, within a week of buying that camera, I'd shot and posted my first video.
The feedback was exceptional - but behind the scenes, I'd only spent 25 minutes learning how to use it.
Given the quality of my video content, this may be surprising.
I don't share this story to brag - I tell it to make a point.
Remember our productivity formula?
The best result from the least time and effort.
My camera story is that formula in action.
To build a business, you need the knowledge and skills to do so.
In school, you're taught that learning knowledge and skills requires rote memorisation.
You learn that gaining knowledge and skills requires routine, focus, and delayed reward.
You're instructed to absorb large amounts of information.
Success is measured by how well you can recall and regurgitate this information.
This is another faction of 'the system' that works against your ADHD brain.
This way of learning conflicts with your need for novelty and engagement.
[one of many reasons you may have found school challenging - or, like me, expelled]
This is the traditional learning style - I call it Passive Learning.
Passive Learning doesn't work for ADHD brains.
It may sound counterintuitive...
But the best approach for skill building with an ADHD entrepreneur is to not study.
ADHD brains thrive when they are active.
You need Project Learning.
Project Learning is hands-on - it leverages your hyperfocus. It aligns with your need for novelty.
You replace binge-watching tutorials with a framework built to be efficient and effective.
The Project Learning Framework
As we know - productivity isn’t doing more.
It’s achieving the best possible results with minimal time and energy.
Like with my camera - you ditch the endless studying.
You focus on doing.
I could have lost days - weeks even - learning shutter speed, aperture, ISO settings, frame rates, and more.
I would have quickly become overwhelmed, bored, and lost interest.
Instead, I watched one video. I didn't even watch the whole thing.
The video was on how to use my new camera to shoot cinematic, talking-head-style videos for short-form content.
I capitalised on my hyperfocus.
I rode the motivational novelty driver.
I dove in and learned hands-on.
This is the essence of project-based learning.
Master Project Learning in 5 Steps
Mute the 17 YouTube videos, shut the e-books, and close the 39 Chrome tabs.
Put an end to throwing intentionless information into your brain abyss.
Define & Outline Your Skill Project
Think of it like this…
To learn how to cook you don’t sit and read 10 recipe books.
You get your hands dirty in the kitchen.
Apply that same logic to your knowledge and skill acquisition.
Whatever skill you’re trying to learn, turn it into a project.
With my content, I wanted to make a cinematic short-form video.
That was my skill project.
Define the skills and knowledge you desire in the simplest possible form.
Learn The Foundations - Only The Foundations
Research and consume only what you need to start.
This will be uncomfortable - this is a good thing.
Growth is defined by finding comfort in the uncomfortable.
Start doing your project as soon as you can.
Learning content creation? Make a video - learn only what you need to start recording.
Learning copywriting? Write a sales page - a first draft for something you plan to sell.
Learning Branding? Create a Colour Palette - research the fundamentals of colour and start creating.
Tackle Your Gaps.
Learning by doing will reveal your knowledge and skill gaps.
When you identify a gap - research what you need to close it and move forward.
Then, keep going.
Come back to your project until you uncover another gap - repeat the above.
When I built my first website, I researched the simplest possible website builder - I landed on Wix.
I watched one video called "How to build a website on Wix" and jumped in.
Was it good?
Absolutely not.
As you can see, it was pretty darn bad ⬇️
But that doesn't matter - it's where I learned.
The first steps to the skills and knowledge I needed to make it good - then, to make it great.
Again, this is our productivity formula in action - it is effective and efficient.
I wasted no time learning anything I didn't need - as a result I fast-tracked my ability to be able to build websites that look like this...
[hit play ⬇️]
Zoom-out → Then Repeat
Imagine once more you are learning to cook - steak is on the menu.
Once you learn to cook the steak, you apply the skills you learned to make that recipe to another.
New recipe = new obstacles = new skills.
The same applies to acquiring knowledge and skills as an entrepreneur.
After you complete one project using the skill, start another to build it.
Then repeat the steps above - this is the fastest way to master any skill.
Teach The Skill.
The best test of any skill is to explain it to someone else.
Grab your partner, a friend, or your pet cat - teach them what you’ve learned.
If you can’t - start a new project for that skill... then try again.
If you can - start a new project entirely and learn a new skill.
Energy Management
I'm not a fan of the idea of time management.
Not just because my ADHD brain measures time by 'now or not-now'...
But also because I see time as another construct that holds back ADHD brains.
The idea of getting 'more done in less time' builds the concept of time management.
Again, being busy - not productive.
Managing time won't serve you - managing energy will.
Energy Management is the peak of the productivity formula.
Managing your energy means only using energy that's necessary.
This creates a two-bird-one-stone scenario.
It increases productivity and removes procrastination.
Here's the fail-safe framework to master it...
Energy Management: The 5 || U || D Framework
The Magic 5 To-Do List [5]
Write out your to-do list.
Write “5” next to anything that takes 5 minutes or less - start with those.
This removes 6 tasks in 30 minutes.
Each gives you a dopamine kick - jumpstarting your motivation.
Time Block For Urgent Tasks [U]
Write a “U” next to urgent tasks.
Schedule a time block in the Calendar to do those tasks 2-3 days from now.
In the calendar event, add a link to a podcast episode you’re excited to listen to.
[my current favourite is How To Take Over The World]
Only listen to it when doing urgent tasks.
Urgency is a motivator for your ADHD brain - when a task is due our brains flood with the dopamine to get them done.
Yes this works - but it is a stress motivator - it's best avoided.
Instead, we're harnessing a reward motivator.
An anticipation which attaches excitement and instant gratification connected to your tasks.
Find Your Domino [D]
This is your 'needle mover' task.
That which, when knocked down, creates the most progress towards your biggest goal.
You spend all your remaining energy on that.
For example - your current big goal is a launch.
Review your to-do list.
Which task on your list would get you the closest to that launch if knocked down?
That is your Domino task.
Once you complete that task, review your list and find the next domino.
Procrastination Elimination
Repeat this weekly - review list and add new tasks in a different colour.
Complete 5, U, Domino on your updated list.
Most of what remains is likely procrastination.
Leave it there; over time, you will amaze yourself with how many things on your list don't matter.
Sensory Hacking
Despite running my business from home, I wear a suit every day.
I get up, get dressed, and grab my weird, productivity secret weapon - a fragrance...
This started around 6 months ago...
I hyperfocused on Sensory Marketing - it led me to Scent Branding.
I could go on and on about this because it fascinates me - but I'll keep it short.
Sensory Marketing uses all five senses to enhance customer experience and shape perception.
Scent Branding for identity and consistency.
This concept sparked an idea...
If brands use signature scents to reinforce identity and consistency - would that work for me?
Can I use a personal fragrance to trigger my subconscious into a work-mode identity?
A signature scent I use only when I am working on my business?
Spoiler alert... It worked like a charm.
This is harnessing ADHD sensory sensitivity as an advantage.
Simple practices that turned sensory cues into productivity tools.
I experimented with all 5 senses - sight, sound, touch, taste, smell.
These are things I found worked for each...
The Sensory Hacking System
Sight
Visual Clarity: Take the minimalist approach.
Avoid clutter where possible in your direct environment - usually your desk.
A computer, laptop, pens, notebook, and water are all necessary.
[and look, I get it, ADHD and all - but try your best to take the cups to the sink once or twice a week! - mouldy cups aren't the vibe].
Focus Anchors: Add intentional visual stimuli
Lighting is everything. Aim to work in natural light with blue lighting as it stimulates focus.
Never - I repeat - NEVER, the big light.
Minimize Distractions: Do Not Disturb is your new best friend.
If you have an iPhone [I assume Androids can too, but I don't have one], you can set tailored settings for Do Not Disturb.
I have one called hyperfocus - only my family has access to me in case of emergencies.
Set some up that work for you and use them - bonus points if you automate them.
Sound
Tailored Soundscapes: Create playlists for different work moods.
Use high-energy beats for motivation [for me, it's Dubstep].
Use lo-fi for calm focus.
These are suggestions - find what works for you.
Noise Control: If you can—invest in noise-canceling headphones.
Block out the world. Curate a listening environment you control.
This minimises distractions.
[full disclosure: this might annoy your partner if they are trying to get your attention]
Auditory Cues: Use work-specific sounds as triggers.
For example - a specific song to start your workday creates a productivity ritual.
[embarrassing nostalgic bangers encouraged. Work B*tch by Brittney Spears is a personal fave]
Touch
Comfort-First furniture: Don't take comfort sitting down
Use comfy, ergonomic chairs and desks that feel good to your body.
Clothing Cues: Wear clothes that feel great
Yes, I wear suits for a productive mindset - but damn, are they as soft as they are stylish.
They make me feel great inside and out - this projects into my work.
Taste
The Snack-Hack Drawer: Plan for the hyperfocus
Stock up on crunchy, protein-rich snacks to boost your energy. Keep a drawer
near your desk for easy access when hyperfocus won't let you leave.
The Sensory Straw: The Hydration Hack
Get a water bottle with a straw for easy access to hydration.
Smell
Sensory Cues: Fragrance stimulus
A signature work fragrance is only the start. Add essential oil diffusers, incense, or non-toxic candles.
Use them in your workspace - but only during work.
Open Window: Lose the hyperfocus stank
Trade that 12-hour hyperfocus odour for fresh air in your nose.
Even if it is cold - get 5 minutes of fresh air in the room.
Digital Leverage
I've spoken about Digital Leverage in a previous post in detail - but here are the key points.
Digital leverage is a non-negotiable for productivity for ADHD entrepreneurs.
It's using systems, tools, and automation to manage executive dysfunction and minimize overwhelm.
It is the pinnacle of our productivity formula:
Productivity = efficiency + effectiveness.
Here's how to master Digital Leverage in 4 steps:
List tasks you perform regularly.
Break Tasks into Steps: Write out each step involved in completing these tasks.
Document the Process: Create a checklist for each task so it’s easy to repeat.
Choose Tools or Automation: Use platforms and automation software to remove yourself from repetitive parts of that process.
Reclaiming Productivity ➜ Redefining Success
Productivity isn’t about doing more - it’s about doing what matters.
It's getting results effectively and efficiently.
Capitalism may have stained Commerce and redefined productivity as busyness for most...
But don't let it do the same for you.
Commerce - the exchange of value - offers your ADHD brain a chance at freedom.
Understand this distinction - reclaim your autonomy.
Stop trying to fit into a world that was never designed for your brilliance.
Instead, create systems that work with your brain - not against it.
Build a life and business that aligns with your values - not the values imposed by hustle culture.
You have the power to redefine success - not only for yourself - but for others watching as you rewrite the rules.
You can harness your ADHD brain as an advantage - as long as you work with it and not against it.
If you found value in these frameworks, first, I encourage you to try them out.
Secondly, if you’d like to give the dopamine trap a miss
If you're an ADHD brain who has a business or wants to start one, I strongly recommend checking out the ADHD entrepreneurs StarterKit below - along with some free stuff you can grab and some other really cool resources, too.
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