ADHD and Entrepreneurship during the Pandemic

Just a few things these last few years…

As someone who generally has an abundance of energy, I have found these past couple of years a lot to breathe through. Finding the zip to face the constantly changing landscape has required me to think differently about how I show up and with whom.

And as someone who does coaching for adults and parents in their mental health journeys, I hear many similar stories of struggles to continuously adapt. 

As so many of us juggle parenting, caring for family members and teammates, work responsibilities, all in the context of ever-changing social restrictions, it is no surprise that there has been a cumulative effect on so many of us. 

Here are two key lessons I have learned so lately:

1. You (actually) need to learn how to slow down your mind and body.

Pausing has never been my forte. I am not alone; this is the case for most people with ADHD-style brains. Slowing down and listening to my own wants and needs has always been hard for me. But, these days, I have come to realize that it is literally the only way to stay present and access the wisest parts of myself. If I am not able to check in with myself in this journey, I end up on a hamster wheel. During the pandemic, I have even committed to meditation – something that has become a powerful tool for me, and one that I had been hesitant to consider in the past. I am amazed at the impact of taking quiet time within my day to gather my thoughts by trusting my intuition.

2. Do not try to do it all (from home), alone.

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely experience, especially amid a pandemic. Distanced from teammates, and navigating a wild rollercoaster of change, it has been a lot to wade through for so many, me included. This era requires us all to keep stepping up to face the next thing coming our way.

This reality has helped me learn to build a more collective team-centered approach. I have figured out more about my own limitations and I’m asking for (way more) help. ADHD is often a barrier to seeking help. You may even be asking yourself “what help can I benefit from?” It can be hard to even know what help you would benefit from. But, it is well worth the effort to figure it out. By actively working to let others in on the journey, real teamwork is possible. This is the only way forward.

Laura MacNiven is the co-founder of Springboard Clinic. She leads Springboard’s May We Have Your Attention Please online adult ADHD course, as well as our online parenting course. Both courses are still accepting participants for the current cohort.