My journey as a Neurodivergent business owner

It‘s always been quite hard for me to stay focused

Growing up, I was the grumpy kid, the sad kids with the RBF that no one talked to. My comprehension was next to zilch. I knew I was smart, but I felt like I couldn’t prove it. I couldn’t keep a job for longer than a few months. It was surprising to me when I realized my longest job I had was 3 whole years. It was part-time.

It wasn't until I was an adult that I was diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and an attachment disorder. Finally, I knew what was wrong with me. I’m not crazy. That’s why I couldn’t stick with anything for longer than a few months. Nothing was mentally stimulating enough for me…

It shook my confidence as a person and new business owner

I've second guessed everything, every big decision I have ever made. Maybe not initially, but after the fact. I thought about my life and how my neurodivergence has sculpted almost every aspect of my life. Poor decisions and all. So what do I do now?

I thought long and hard, bought books, read articles online, sought out health professionals… How do I use this knowledge to my advantage? How do I turn things around, so I can start thriving in my life? What tools do I need to stay focused and stay productive?

Time management

I can both get very distracted and scatterbrained or super hyper focused, but in either case — time gets away from me. This is especially bad as a business owner or stay at home parent. Productivity is key or everything goes to chaos. I started using google calendar to set reminders for daily activities, so I don’t forget things like mealtimes, to do household chores and work tasks.

Treatment, self care, and self-compassion

It took some trial and error before I found meds that were just right for me personally, but I feel better than I ever have in my entire life. Not everyone taking medication and that's okay, I'm not advocating taking it; I'm only speaking to my very own and unique experience.

Self care is also essential for feeling like a human-being — taking my meds is self care, doing things you enjoy is self care, nourishing your body is self care, taking a walk is self care... cutting yourself some slack is self care. You cannot thrive on an empty cup.

Learning to trust

In the beginning of my business, I wanted to do it all myself. I didn't want to ask for help, but I was struggling. It was obvious in my online presence, and it was weighing on my mental health. How can someone else trust me to help them with their business, if I'm not willing to invest in myself?

It was time to practice was I preach... and it was the best business move I have made to date.

It's truly been a real emotional rollercoaster ride to get to where I am today, and my journey isn't over yet. We keep learning and growing. We're all still growing up.

I'm finally in a position to be able to support others in a way that I've always dreamt of.

If something I said resonated with you, what obstacles have held you back in life and business, and what advice do you wish you heard when you needed it?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

And please know, that you're not alone in this. You are enough and you are worthy, simply before you are. I know it. Now, it's time for you to.

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