5 Steps to ADHD Entrepreneur Success: My Journey from Unemployment to PhD and Empowering Remote Entrepreneurs

From Schlemiel to Mensch:  My Secret to ADHD Entrepreneur Success

My secret to ADHD Entrepreneur Success must start with the definition of two Yiddish terms, a schlemiel and a mensch.  Picture yourself at a dinner party where chaos and kindness collide: one clumsy guest sends a glass of wine crashing to the floor, while another swoops in to save the day. Meet the schlemiel and the mensch – two contrasting Yiddish terms. The lovable schlemiel brings humor and mishaps to any situation, while the reliable mensch acts as a human security blanket, making everything feel better just by being around.

There was a time in my life when I found myself unemployed, despite being a skilled software engineer. I was repeatedly overlooked for jobs due to my lack of a formal degree. This led me on an incredible journey to further my education and overcome the challenges of ADHD. Little did I know that my research would become immensely relevant in the age of remote work and lead to ADHD Entrepreneur Success. Along the way, I discovered techniques to manage my ADHD and have since dedicated myself to coaching other entrepreneurs and remote workers. Here is my story and the lessons I've learned that can help others.

The Journey Back to School

Determined to overcome the barriers that stood in my way, I decided to go back to school. I knew that earning my degrees would not only open new doors for my career but also provide me with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of my field. I pursued and earned a BA, MA, and PhD. My passion for research led me to write a dissertation on working from home in May 2019, just before the world would realize the full potential of remote work.

The Challenge of Achieving ADHD Entrepreneur Success

Earning my degrees was not an easy feat. I had to confront my ADHD and find strategies to manage my lack of focus. Throughout my academic journey, I discovered several techniques that allowed me to cope with my ADHD and excel in my studies. These strategies included:

1) Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces: I learned that tackling large tasks all at once could be overwhelming, especially for someone with ADHD. By breaking tasks into smaller pieces, I could maintain my focus and work more effectively.

2) Using timers and productivity tools to maintain focus: I incorporated the Pomodoro Technique into my routine, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. This helped me stay focused and motivated during my study sessions.

3) Creating a designated workspace to minimize distractions: I realized the importance of having a separate workspace to reduce distractions and maintain a productive environment. I set up a home office, which allowed me to establish boundaries between work and leisure.

4) Prioritizing self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance: To manage stress and prevent burnout, I incorporated regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep into my routine. Additionally, I made time for hobbies and social activities to maintain a well-rounded life.

5) Forgiving myself and others for my perceived failures.  I wasn't a schlemiel!  I have a neurological condition that makes it challenging to focus!    I had to learn to forgive myself for doing stuff like forgetting to turn off my car or wearing two different shoes, and forgive the laughter and criticism from the people in my life when I did that

Empowering Others as a Coach

As I learned to manage for increased ADHD Entrepreneur Success, I realized that my newfound techniques could be invaluable to other entrepreneurs and remote workers. This realization inspired me to become a coach, guiding individuals in their journey to overcome their ADHD and achieve success in both their personal and professional lives.

In my coaching practice, I share the lessons I've learned and offer guidance on how to:

1) Leverage ADHD strengths to enhance creativity and problem-solving skills: I help my clients recognize and harness their unique qualities, such as adaptability and innovative thinking, to drive their success as entrepreneurs and remote workers.

2) Implement routines and structures to manage ADHD symptoms effectively: I work with clients to establish daily routines, set clear goals, and create organized workspaces, which can significantly improve focus and productivity.

3) Utilize technology and tools to boost productivity and maintain focus: I introduce clients to various productivity apps, tools, and techniques, like the Pomodoro Technique, which can help them stay on track and minimize distractions.

4) Foster strong communication and collaboration skills in remote work environments: I teach clients the importance of effective communication and provide strategies for building strong relationships with team members, even when working remotely. This includes using collaboration tools and understanding the nuances of virtual communication.