"It's risky and scary, but we love that, don’t we?"
Hey friends,
Last week we talked about that longing desire to do something more, and the strong connections between ADHD and entrepreneurship.
While not all people with ADHD feel this same call (I see you, non-entrepreneurial ADHDers! 💙), it is certainly common among us.
In last week’s poll, more than 2/3 of respondents either currently have their own business or want to start one!
Here are a few highlights of what some fellow ADHDers are doing in creating something new!
Caren shares why some of her previous attempts have fallen short, and figuring out the pieces needed to run a sustainable business.
I know that feeling of wanting to do something entrepreneurial very well. I've had 4 businesses before the one I have now, and none of them were successes. The key differences this time is that - it's something I'm interested in, I've got a clear problem I'm solving, and an audience who needs help enough to pay for it.
Sounds obvious, but I didn't really have a clear line on each of those in previous businesses. The key reason why I've been able to sustain my business for almost two years now is self-imposed structure and daily themes.
Rolando talks about stepping out into the unknown, and how the safe or traditional path doesn’t always make sense to that way we work.
I’m giving this entrepreneurship thing a try. I studied and worked in Finance, because “following your dreams won’t feed you”, and it was the “smart” thing to do according to everyone.
Turns out, I’m not everyone, and I don’t want to be.
It won’t be easy, I’m sure of that, but now that I understand myself a lot better, I know that I can manage and strategize my life too. It might be worth a shot.
It is risky and scary, but we love that, don’t we?
Barbara talks about finding a new passion to pursue in retirement.
Early in my retirement I submerged myself in politics, joining a debate club and a nonfiction book club. Then rather suddenly I began writing, and in seven months I was surprised to find that I had a first draft of a novel. When I started writing, I completely lost interest in my previous pursuits. Now, five years later, I've finished the book and I'm back to the debate club.
When you're free to choose what you want to do, surprising things happen!
Emma shares how one creative gift for her husband turned into something more, and also about the importance of having support. I’m a sucker for board games so I especially love this one!
I made a card game for my husband for Valentine's Day one year and now I'm a full time board game designer. My latest game, Starry Night Sky, just came out! I will say that it's essential to have a safety net when starting this sort of endeavor, whether that's saving up to support yourself, living with friends or family, dramatically reducing your cost of living, or having a partner who supports you. It will be a while before my business is profitable.
Alejandra has truly embraced the entrepreneurial life! I definitely relate with the idea of needing to add a lot of projects at the same time in order to motivate myself to get any of them done at all.
I only recently realized that my entrepreneurial spirit is partly tied to my ADHD. I have had at least 8 start up businesses, I’ve had countless ideas for so many more that never got off the ground, and I currently own three of my own businesses.
Many of these careers, businesses, and interests were simultaneously occurring because if I don’t have 5 irons in the fire I can’t get anything done.
It’s all just been interest hunting. I think I’m closer now to figuring it out than I was 10 years ago…but I’m still looking for it….whatever “it” is.
Cameron shares some perspective from the non-entrepreneurial ADHD perspective. It’s super import to be aware of what demotivates you and make changes as needed to keep that at bay!
I’m really good at being entrepreneurial for hobbies, but thought of trying to ‘monetize’ or ‘business-ize’ those things immediately sucks all the wind out of my sails. I think it’s that I don’t like having the expectation of follow through or I’m too afraid of losing something fun.
Even though I’m not entrepreneurial I appreciate people like you who are!
I always love hearing other ADHDers share their story and finding similarities in them.
For many with ADHD, myself included, we grew up feeling isolated and alone and different. So I will always appreciate being able to see myself in the stories in this community of fellow ADHDers.
You all rock. Thank you.
Stay focused,
Jesse J. Anderson
P.S. my friends
and Katie are hosting a couple of amazing-sounding ADHD Women’s Retreats! One in Montego Bay, Jamaica and another in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. All-inclusive resorts, workshops, yoga, friendship, etc.Sign up or get more info at getlostretreats.com!
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Shiny Objects
Things that grabbed my attention this week, including the original hairdo for Calvin (of Calvin & Hobbes) and a new study on whether social contact helps with loneliness.