ADHD and Productivity: A Founder's Perspective

I sit at my desk most mornings, but today it's the paperwork that calls out. I've been trying to get a handle on time again, what feels like a never ending cycle of starts and stops. Moments where focus eludes me despite having ADHD. It’s those days when attention spans are short, tasks feel insurmountable, and productivity is elusive.

How Does ADHD Impact Daily Tasks?

The morning light filters through my studio window, casting shadows on the desk cluttered with half finished sketches and notes. I’ve noticed a pattern: tasks that require sustained attention often slip through the cracks¹. This isn’t to say I’m lazy or uncommitted; it’s more about how my brain works differently. The ADHD Founder blog aptly describes this as having a "race car with inconsistent traction." Tasks that need prolonged concentration can feel like an uphill battle, and before I know it, hours have passed without much progress.

In HACOY, each day is a series of small steps towards creating value through ethical fashion. However, managing time effectively is a constant challenge¹. The traditional methods of productivity, setting clear goals, prioritising tasks, breaking them down into manageable chunks, don't always work for me. I find myself overthinking and getting stuck in analysis paralysis, only to end up procrastinating or feeling overwhelmed.

For instance, when planning a new collection, the initial excitement can quickly turn into anxiety as I grapple with every detail¹. This often leads to hours spent on trivial decisions, like choosing between two slightly different shades of green for a fabric sample. By the time I realise what’s happening, I’ve lost precious time that could have been spent actually designing and creating.

What Strategies Work for Managing Time with ADHD?

On days when I feel particularly scattered, I turn to strategies that help me structure my time without imposing too much rigidity¹. For instance, using a Pomodoro timer can be effective; working for 25 minutes and then taking a five minute break helps maintain momentum while preventing burnout. However, the key is finding what works best for you, not just following someone else's blueprint.

Another approach I've found useful is breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps¹. This isn’t about making everything bite sized but rather understanding that every task has its own rhythm and pace. For example, when working on a new collection for HACOY, I might start by sketching the basic shapes, then move to fabric selection, and finally design the garment details. Each step is tackled in isolation, reducing the pressure of having to see the whole project through from beginning to end.

Additionally, I use a digital tool like Todoist or Trello to keep track of tasks¹. These apps allow me to set up reminders and deadlines that help me stay on schedule without feeling overwhelmed by a long list of items. The visual nature of these tools makes it easier for me to see what needs to be done at any given moment, which helps in managing my ADHD symptoms.

But perhaps the most crucial aspect is accepting that there’s no one size-fits all solution¹. What works for someone with ADHD might not work for another person with the same condition. It's about experimenting and finding what resonates personally. For me, this means embracing a flexible approach where I can adapt my methods as needed.

Can Traditional Productivity Methods Be Adapted for ADHD?

In the world of entrepreneurship, productivity is often equated with efficiency and speed¹. However, when you have ADHD, traditional productivity tools, like to do lists or strict daily schedules, can be more hindrance than help. The Small Brand Operator’s playbook offers valuable insights into how to adapt these methods, but it's important to remember that the goal isn’t to fit a square peg into a round hole. Instead, it’s about finding the right balance between structure and flexibility.

One of my favourite strategies is using digital tools to create checklists and reminders¹. Apps like Todoist or Trello can be tailored to meet specific needs, allowing me to set up tasks in a way that feels manageable. Additionally, I try to incorporate breaks into my schedule, which helps prevent the mental fatigue that often sets in when trying to maintain high levels of focus for extended periods.

Another adaptation is to embrace the idea of flow states¹. When I’m in the zone while painting or designing, time seems to fly by without any conscious effort. Recognising and nurturing these moments can lead to significant productivity gains, even if they don’t fit neatly into a traditional daily routine. For instance, during one particularly productive session, I found myself sketching for hours without realising how much time had passed. This is something that doesn’t always happen when I’m trying too hard to be efficient.

Suggesting What the Reader Could Try

For anyone out there who identifies with this struggle, or for those simply curious about how ADHD impacts productivity, I encourage you to experiment with different methods¹. Start small by setting aside dedicated time slots for tasks that require sustained focus, and use tools like Pomodoros or digital checklists to keep yourself on track. Remember, the key is finding what works best for your unique needs.

If you’re a founder like myself, consider how these strategies can be applied to both personal and business tasks¹. Whether it’s managing HACOY's operations or simply keeping up with daily responsibilities, adapting traditional productivity methods can make all the difference. By embracing flexibility and experimentation, we can find ways to thrive despite the challenges posed by ADHD.

In the end, it’s not about achieving perfect productivity but about finding a rhythm that allows us to create meaningful work in our own unique way¹. Whether you’re painting or running a business, the key is to stay true to yourself and your process, even when things feel chaotic.

Sources

1. adhd-founder.com ↑