So, you’re a neurodivergent entrepreneur. That’s awesome! You’re bringing your unique perspective and strengths to the world of business, and you’re probably doing some amazing things. But let’s keep it real: entrepreneurship can be overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent people like us.
That’s why I’m here to share some tips on how to manage overwhelm with grace. These tips are based on my own experience as a neurodivergent business owner, as well as the experiences of other neurodivergent entrepreneurs I’ve been able to talk to.
Embrace Self-Awareness
The first step to managing overwhelm is to understand yourself and your neurodivergent traits. What are your strengths? What are your limitations? Once you have a good understanding of yourself, you can start to tailor your entrepreneurial journey to suit your needs.
For example, if you’re someone who gets easily overwhelmed by sensory input, you might want to consider working from home in a quiet space or utilizing noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. If you have trouble staying focused, try breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.
Set Realistic Goals
Another way to manage overwhelm is to set realistic goals. Don’t try to do everything at once or take on too much. This can be hard to do, especially for those of us with Adhd who tend to have a never-ending flow of ideas, and a never-ending to-do list to match. Start with small, achievable goals, and then build on your successes. This will help you stay motivated and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Develop Organizational Strategies
Neurodivergent people often thrive in structured environments. So, it’s important to develop organizational strategies that work for you. This might mean using planners, calendars, setting alarms, or task management apps. Or, it might mean creating a daily routine that helps you stay on track. If none of those things seem to help you, consider hiring highly organized people to help keep you and your business on track. Again… this is not something you have to do all by yourself. Having a team or at least one other person who is willing and able to help you in your business can be a game changer. It really should be a group effort.
Seek Support
Building a strong support network is also essential for managing overwhelm. Talk to other neurodivergent entrepreneurs, join online communities, or find a therapist who specializes in working with neurodivergent individuals. Having a supportive network of people who understand what you’re going through can make a big difference.
Prioritize Self-Care
Finally, it’s important to prioritize self-care. This means making time for relaxation, hobbies, and activities that bring you joy. I don’t know about you, but as a homeschooling mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend… this is probably the HARDEST thing for me to do. We are so great at taking good care of everyone else, but all too often we neglect ourselves. (Why are we like this???) Taking care of our physical and mental health will actually help us stay balanced and avoid burnout. That saying is definitely true. You can’t give someone something you don’t have. So if you want to be able to pour some of your time, attention, and energy into those we love, we MUST remember to take care of ourselves.
Conclusion
Navigating overwhelm is a challenge for everyone, but it can be especially difficult for neurodivergent business owners. By following these tips, you can learn to manage overwhelm with grace and achieve success in your business ventures.
Remember, you’re not alone. There are many other neurodivergent entrepreneurs out there who are succeeding. So, even if you find it challenging, don’t give up. With determination, a positive mindset, and maybe even a little help, you can build a successful business and find joy in running it.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks. If you find yourself struggling with something, don’t be afraid to delegate it to someone you trust to get the job done. This could be a virtual assistant, a freelancer, or even a friend or family member. Speaking from experience… even virtual and executive assistants need assistance at times.
- Consider co-working sessions. Co-working sessions may be especially helpful for neurodivergent business owners or anyone who may be an external or verbal processor. It’s a great way to bounce ideas off of someone, get constructive feedback, and stay productive and accountable. They can also provide you with a supportive environment where you can connect with other entrepreneurs.
- Take breaks. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Get up and move around, or take a few minutes to relax and clear your head. Also don’t forget to eat and stay hydrated. Let’s face it, when hyper-focus mode hits, it can be way too easy to forget the basic things like eating and drinking.
- Ask for help. If you find yourself struggling mentally or emotionally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes all we need is downtime with a close friend or family member. However, it’s perfectly fine to seek help from a licensed therapist, counselor, psychologist, or other mental health professional. No one can do everything on their own.