When I was in third grade at Garrison Forest School, I received a diagnosis of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) ADHD. It didn’t even include the “H” for hyperactivity back then. I didn’t fully understand what it meant at the time—I just knew that focusing was more challenging for me than for my classmates, and sometimes my energy felt more significant than the room could hold. At that same time, I was also diagnosed with a learning disability and dyslexia.
Later that same year, something remarkable happened. God gave me the words that would guide me forever. I wrote this poem in Mrs. Schek’s class, and those words became a mantra that shaped my life:
“Use everything you have,
Today, to everything you do.
Because everything you do,
Is a chip off of you.”
As a child, I did not have some magical pull towards my purpose, creativity, and excellence. My journey was quite the opposite. Initially, I did not understand the significance of those words. Initially, I thought that I was stupid. Many people around me, including family members, did not even push me academically because I was “special.”
These words have guided me over the years. I joke that God also had me remember the poem I wrote that day to see the stark contrast between his words and mine.
“April showers help flowers,
But they make people wet.”
Chip, as I call my God-given poem, taught me two things: that I was meant to leave a piece of myself in everything I touched and that I could find joy in even the simplest things. Little did I know that this early diagnosis and the creativity and energy God placed in me would become my superpower as an entrepreneur.
Disclaimer… Please remember that I am not a clinician, nor do I claim to profess that my journey is comparable to anyone else’s. I also do not intend to make light of the challenges that go along with ADHD. This is simply my interpretation of how I believe that ADHD has manifested in my life.
Understanding ADHD as a Superpower
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects about 4.4% of adults in the United States (Kessler et al., 2006). It’s often characterized by three primary components: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. On the surface, these traits might seem like obstacles, especially in a world that values structure and focus. But when you learn to harness them, they can become incredible strengths—especially as an entrepreneur.
Let’s break down the key components of ADHD and how they can be turned into entrepreneurial superpowers:
1. Creativity and Big Ideas
One hallmark of ADHD is a brain that’s always on the move. This constant stream of thoughts and ideas can feel overwhelming but also fuel unparalleled creativity.
Example: My mind often jumps from one idea to the next, but instead of fighting it, I’ve learned to capture those ideas as they come. My best business concepts have emerged from moments of inspiration when I allowed myself to think outside the box.
Research supports this: People with ADHD are more likely to engage in “divergent thinking,” which is the ability to generate creative solutions to problems (White & Shah, 2006). This means I can see possibilities where others see obstacles—a skill that has been invaluable in building my business.
How to Harness It: Keep a notebook, a phone app, or a voice recorder to jot down ideas as they come. The key is to choose one and stick with it; otherwise, your ideas will be scattered, which can make your creativity disjointed and unproductive.
Create dedicated “brainstorming sessions” where you let your mind run free before narrowing your focus.
2. Hyperfocus
While ADHD is often associated with an inability to concentrate, many people with ADHD experience periods of “hyperfocus,” where they become intensely absorbed in tasks they find enjoyable or rewarding.
Example: When I’m working on a project I’m passionate about, hours can fly by without me noticing. Whether crafting a business proposal or planning a new initiative, hyperfocus allows me to dive deep and deliver my best work.
How to Harness It: Structure your day to prioritize tasks that align with your passions. The middle of the night and early morning are my most creative times, so I always use that time for onboarding or mundane tasks. I hold that time for creativity and do the boring stuff when feeling less creative. This keeps it from feeling like the boring stuff is getting in the way of my creativity.
Use tools like timers to help you balance hyperfocus with other responsibilities. I set alarms for myself, not just block time in my calendar. I need an auditory stimulant to pull me out and make me shift gears. I also committed to snoozing the alarm until I shifted gears because if I had dismissed it, it might never have been set.
3. High Energy
The hyperactivity aspect of ADHD often gets a bad rap, but for entrepreneurs, it can be a game-changer. That boundless energy fuels the stamina needed to juggle multiple roles and tackle challenges head-on.
Example: I’ve often been told, “I don’t know how you do it all.” The truth is, my energy is my secret weapon. From working midnight when an idea strikes to intense brainstorming sessions, I’ve learned to channel my natural drive into productivity. Also, my energy is not present in a typical manner. To interact with me, you most likely would not characterize me as a high-energy person. My energy is not how I show up in a room, and my energy is based on the pace at which my brain is constantly moving.
How to Harness It: Incorporate physical activity into your routine to manage and sustain energy. In the past year, I have started playing pickleball and taking better care of myself, and it has helped me focus and gain clarity.
Break tasks into smaller chunks to maintain momentum without burnout. I get bored quickly, which can lead to not finishing a task when it feels insurmountable. Breaking things down allows me to finish even the things I don’t want to do.
4. Risk-Taking and Impulsivity
Entrepreneurs must be willing to take risks, and ADHD’s impulsivity often means we’re unafraid to leap. While impulsivity can sometimes lead to hasty decisions, it also enables bold moves that others might shy away from.
Example: When an opportunity to expand my business arose, I jumped in headfirst, trusting my instincts. It wasn’t a perfect journey, but it taught me to embrace calculated risks and adapt quickly.
Research shows that entrepreneurs are more likely to have ADHD than the general population, with impulsivity often cited as a driver of innovation and risk-taking (Verheul et al., 2015).
How to Harness It: Pair your boldness with trusted advisors who can help you evaluate risks. These must also be people who understand you and embrace your creativity. The worst is an adviser who sees you as “all over the place” or tells you things like “choose one thing and just focus on that”. You need advisors willing to jump into the ocean with you and help you simultaneously put on your life jacket.
Slow decision-making processes when needed by implementing a “pause and review” rule. This is paramount. As you grow in business, you must stop throwing stuff at the wall to see if it sticks. You must have processes to evaluate ideas to avoid being blindsided.
5. Resilience and Adaptability
Living with ADHD means constantly learning to adapt to new situations and challenges. This resilience translates beautifully into entrepreneurship, where the ability to pivot and persevere is crucial.
Example: When I face setbacks in my business, I don’t see them as failures but as opportunities to grow. ADHD has taught me to bounce back quickly and find creative solutions.
How to Harness It: Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth.
Build a support system of mentors and peers who can offer guidance and encouragement.
Surround yourself with other entrepreneurs who understand the challenges of this life we choose and who are willing to give you the space to vent and express yourself (with no judgment). This will keep you out of the “woulda, coulda, shoulda” rabbit hole.
Owning My Superpower
ADHD has taught me to lean into my strengths and create systems to support my weaknesses. For instance, I use tools like project management apps to stay organized and rely on my team to balance my big-picture thinking with day-to-day details.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to embrace my uniqueness. The same traits that once made me feel “different” are the very traits that have made me a successful entrepreneur. As my 8-year-old self wrote in Mrs. Schek’s class:
“Use everything you have,
Today, to everything you do.
Because everything you do,
Is a chip off of you.”
Those words remind me to show up fully—ADHD and all.
ADHD isn’t a limitation; it’s a gift. Learning to manage its challenges and embrace its strengths can fuel your creativity, energy, and resilience as an entrepreneur.
If you have ADHD, I encourage you to see it not as a hurdle but as a superpower waiting to be unlocked. Your brain works differently—and that difference is your edge.
Conclusion
- Kessler, R. C., Adler, L., Barkley, R., Biederman, J., Conners, C. K., Demler, O., … & Walters, E. E. (2006). The prevalence and correlates of adult ADHD in the United States: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(4), 716-723.
- Verheul, I., Block, J., & Burmeister-Lamp, K. (2015). ADHD-like behavior and entrepreneurial intentions. Small Business Economics, 45(1), 85-99.
- White, H. A., & Shah, P. (2006). Uninhibited imaginations: Creativity in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Personality and Individual Differences, 40(6), 1121-1131.
- ADHD isn’t a limitation—it’s a different way of thinking. And sometimes, that’s exactly what the entrepreneurial world needs.
