Adult ADHD

1. ADHD is a Hunter's mindset in a Farmer's world

For success in the field, forest, or jungle, a hunter must be easily distractible, constantly scanning his environment.

Evolutionary perspective. ADHD traits were once valuable survival skills for hunters in primitive societies. These include high energy, impulsiveness, risk-taking, and the ability to hyperfocus. In modern society, these traits can be both assets and liabilities.

Farmer vs. Hunter mindset. Our current society is structured around "Farmer" traits like patience, routine, and long-term planning. This can make it challenging for those with ADHD to thrive in traditional settings. However, understanding this dichotomy can help individuals with ADHD reframe their experiences and leverage their unique strengths.

Hunter traits:

• Easily distractible
• Risk-taking
• Impulsive
• Creative problem-solving
• High energy

Farmer traits:

• Patient
• Routine-oriented
• Detail-focused
• Long-term planners
• Steady and consistent

2. Embrace your Hunter traits for entrepreneurial success

Hunters seem drawn to owning their own businesses. Adults with ADHD are 300 percent more likely to start or own their own companies than are people without ADHD.

Entrepreneurial advantage. The very traits that can make traditional employment challenging for those with ADHD often translate well to entrepreneurship. The ability to think creatively, take risks, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances are valuable assets in the business world.

Leveraging ADHD strengths. Rather than trying to conform to a "Farmer" mindset, successful ADHD entrepreneurs learn to work with their natural tendencies. This might mean:

• Creating a stimulating work environment
• Breaking large projects into smaller, manageable tasks
• Delegating detail-oriented work to others
• Focusing on big-picture strategy and innovation
• Embracing flexibility in work schedules and methods

3. Organize your business like a franchise from day one

By setting it up this way from the very beginning, you avoid both the early-on entrepreneurial traps of poor focus and poor planning, and the later-years traps of Hunters trying to do Farmer management jobs.

Franchise model benefits. Structuring your business as if you were planning to franchise it forces you to create clear systems, processes, and documentation from the start. This approach helps ADHD entrepreneurs overcome common challenges like disorganization and lack of follow-through.

Key components:

• Clearly defined roles and responsibilities
• Detailed operating procedures
• Standardized training materials
• Scalable business model
• Clear performance metrics

By implementing these structures early, ADHD entrepreneurs can create a more sustainable and potentially sellable business. This approach also allows for easier delegation as the company grows, freeing the founder to focus on areas where their Hunter traits are most valuable.

4. Develop effective strategies to manage ADHD in the workplace

For many people, as Dr. Stein points out, just the diagnosis is enough to turn their lives around. For others, exercise, therapy, medication, meditation, or other techniques to work with ADHD may be useful.

Self-awareness is key. Understanding your ADHD diagnosis and how it affects your work is the first step to developing effective coping strategies. This self-knowledge allows you to anticipate challenges and proactively address them.

Tailored solutions. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to managing ADHD in the workplace. Effective strategies might include:

• Creating a distraction-free workspace
• Using time-management tools and techniques
• Implementing a system for organizing tasks and information
• Regular exercise and mindfulness practices
• Medication (if prescribed by a healthcare professional)
• Seeking support from coaches or therapists specializing in ADHD

Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you, and be willing to adapt your strategies as your needs change over time.

5. Harness the power of visualization and goal-setting

Write it on the back of a business card, and put it in your wallet in a place where whenever you open your wallet, you'll glance at it. Put one on the mirror in your bathroom. Stick a small one near the speedometer on the dash of your car, where you can see it but others in the car can't.

Constant reminders. The ADHD mind can easily lose focus on long-term goals. By creating visual reminders and placing them in frequently seen locations, you reinforce your objectives and keep them at the forefront of your thoughts.

Visualization techniques:

• Write your goals in concise, powerful statements
• Create vision boards with images representing your goals
• Use smartphone apps for regular goal reminders
• Practice daily visualization meditation

SMART goals. When setting goals, use the SMART framework to make them more achievable:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

By combining vivid visualization with well-structured goals, you can harness the ADHD mind's creativity and energy to drive towards success.

6. Build a support network and delegate wisely

Andrew Carnegie, who founded U. S. Steel and died one of the richest people in America, was fond of noting that he knew nothing about the manufacture or marketing of steel. But he'd hired the best minds in the business, and he respected their opinions.

Complementary strengths. Recognize that your ADHD traits may make certain tasks challenging. Instead of forcing yourself to excel in these areas, focus on building a team with complementary skills. Look for "Farmer" types who excel at organization, detail management, and follow-through.

Effective delegation:

• Clearly define roles and responsibilities
• Match tasks to individual strengths
• Provide clear instructions and expectations
• Establish regular check-ins and feedback loops
• Trust your team to handle their assigned tasks

By surrounding yourself with capable people and delegating effectively, you can focus on the big-picture thinking and creative problem-solving where your ADHD mind thrives.

7. Balance personal growth with business success

Overlaid on all of this is the issue of ADHD. For many Hunter adults in the business world, just keeping a job or relationship intact has been such an exhausting task that they haven't had time to consider such issues as purpose and goals. Now is the time.

Holistic approach. Success in business should not come at the expense of personal well-being. ADHD entrepreneurs must actively work to balance their professional ambitions with personal growth and relationships.

Key areas for balance:

• Physical health: Regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep
• Mental health: Stress management, mindfulness practices, therapy if needed
• Relationships: Quality time with family and friends, open communication
• Personal development: Continued learning, hobbies, spiritual practices
• Financial stability: Responsible money management, planning for the future

By prioritizing personal growth alongside business success, ADHD entrepreneurs can build more sustainable, fulfilling careers and lives. This balance also helps prevent burnout and maintains the enthusiasm and creativity that are often hallmarks of the ADHD mind.

Last updated: October 10, 2024