ADHD and the Founder's Struggle: Why 'I Need To' Fails

Sitting at my desk in Munich, I often find myself staring blankly at a pile of unfinished tasks. The ADHD mind operates on its own terms, and sometimes those terms don’t align with what needs to get done. Today, another Monday morning, I’m contemplating how to approach the day when an email lands from a fellow founder who’s also struggling to manage their workload amid the whirlwind of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It's a reminder that this isn't just my struggle; it's shared by many.

The Paradoxical Problem with 'I Need To'

In the ADHD world, saying "I need to" often leads us down a rabbit hole. It’s like opening a door and finding another one behind it, then another, until you’re lost in a maze of intentions that never quite materialise into action. This phrase is counterproductive because it sets up an expectation without any concrete plan or deadline. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking about what needs to be done rather than doing it.

Phil Drinkwater, who coaches ADHD founders, suggests setting clear and actionable goals ("https://phildrinkwater.coach/how-adhd-founders-can-improve-productivity-the-adhd-shame-story-and-why-i-need-to-is-a-failure/"). For instance, instead of saying "I need to write a blog post," it’s more effective to say "I will spend the next 30 minutes writing an outline." This shift from vague intention to specific action helps in overcoming task paralysis. The key is to break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks that can be tackled one at a time.

Setting these kinds of goals has helped me immensely by providing clear direction and reducing the overwhelming feeling of having too much on my plate. Instead of being stuck in a cycle of planning and re planning, I’m able to make tangible progress. It’s about creating momentum that can carry you through even when motivation is low.

Managing ADHD Tasks: The 2-Minute Challenge

One strategy that has helped me is the 2-minute challenge from the ADHD for Founders productivity system ("https://adhdforfounders.com/"). When stuck or overwhelmed by a big task, commit to just two minutes of work. Start with something small and manageable. Often, once you begin, momentum builds, and you find yourself continuing beyond the initial commitment.

This method works because it bypasses the mental barrier that often accompanies daunting tasks. It’s about getting started rather than thinking about how much needs to be done. I’ve used this technique numerous times when facing a complex project or an overwhelming list of emails. After those two minutes, you’re usually well into your work and less likely to procrastinate.

For example, if I’m faced with writing a blog post, instead of staring at the blank page, I’ll start by just opening my notes and jotting down a few ideas for 2 minutes. Once that’s done, it’s easier to keep going because the barrier has been crossed. The same applies to emails; I might commit to replying to one email in two minutes, which often leads me to clear out several more.

The Impact on Founders and Teams

The ADHD founder’s mind can influence the company in profound ways. For example, novelty seeking is a common trait among individuals with ADHD, which means that founders often have many new ideas or are constantly looking for the next big thing ("https://unconventionalorganization.substack.com/p/the-founders-adhd-is-becoming-the"). However, this can lead to instability if not managed well. The company’s direction and focus can become scattered as a result of the founder's ADHD.

Moreover, hiring people with similar traits can exacerbate these issues. Founders often hire individuals who think like them or share their work style, which can lead to high costs due to overlapping inefficiencies ("https://phildrinkwater.coach/how-adhd-founders-can-improve-productivity-the-adhd-shame-story-and-why-i-need-to-is-a-failure/"). It’s important for founders with ADHD to surround themselves with diverse talent that complements their strengths and weaknesses.

For instance, if I’m prone to jumping from one idea to another, it helps to have a team member who is detail oriented and can focus on executing the current plan. This balance ensures that while I’m exploring new opportunities, someone else is ensuring that the day to-day operations run smoothly. It’s about leveraging each person's unique strengths rather than duplicating them.

Guidance Over Tips

While productivity tips can be useful, they often fall short when it comes to addressing the underlying issues of ADHD. The key is guidance rather than just tips ("https://phildrinkwater.com/why-self-advocacy-fails-for-adhd-and-audhd-leaders-and-how-to-fix-it/"). Founders with ADHD need a mentor who can provide personalised advice and support, helping them navigate the unique challenges they face.

The gap between a founder's new idea and the company’s operational execution must be deliberately maintained ("https://unconventionalorganization.substack.com/p/the-founders-adhd-is-becoming-the/"). This means having processes in place that allow for innovation while ensuring that the day to-day operations run smoothly. A mentor can help establish these boundaries, providing a structure within which creativity and productivity coexist.

For example, I’ve found it helpful to have regular check ins with a coach who understands ADHD. These sessions provide not only accountability but also strategies tailored specifically to my needs. It’s about creating a support system that helps me stay on track while still allowing for the flexibility needed to explore new ideas.

What You Can Try

If you’re an entrepreneur dealing with ADHD, consider setting specific, actionable goals instead of vague intentions. Break down tasks into manageable steps and use techniques like the 2-minute challenge to get started. Surround yourself with diverse talent that complements your strengths rather than mirrors them. And finally, seek out guidance from a mentor who understands the unique challenges of running a business with ADHD.

ADHD can present significant hurdles in entrepreneurship, but it also offers unique opportunities for innovation and creativity. By acknowledging these challenges and finding strategies to overcome them, we can turn our differences into advantages.