Being a Business Owner with ADHD: Struggles you May Encounter
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get discussed nearly enough what it’s really like to be a business owner with ADHD. Entrepreneurship is already a wild ride, and adding neurodivergence to the mix comes with a unique set of challenges and strengths.
1. The Multi-Passionate Mindset
One of my biggest ADHD struggles as a business owner? Being wildly multi-passionate.
To grow a business, you need focus and finding that’s not always easy. I’ve started more than a dozen ventures: digital product shops, blogs, websites… you name it. And don’t even get me started on YouTube channels. I once had a natural hair channel (super fun at first), but I quickly hit a wall because there are only so many twists and wash days you can talk about without leaning into consumerism.
My current YouTube channel, The in my 20’s Diaries, is the only one where I’ve allowed myself to just… be. To talk about life in your 20s, ADHD, faith, singleness etc.. My advice? Instead of fighting your passions, try to find a theme or audience that connects them. That way, you stay engaged without burning out.
2. Idea Overload
Contrary to what some might think, my problem isn’t lack of ideas it’s way too many. So many, in fact, that I often get overwhelmed and end up doing… nothing.
This comes with the Multi-passionate mindset, and together these can cause you to not move forward in your business at all.
After coming back from a trip to Mexico, I felt stuck. I couldn’t figure out what direction to go in, so I didn’t post for a while. My tip? Give yourself time. You don’t need to post right away. Brain-dump your ideas, store them in a folder, and return to them when you have the energy and clarity to bring them to life.
3. Spoon Theory & Energy Management
Have you ever heard of Spoon Theory? It's a powerful way to explain how much energy (or how many "spoons") neurodivergent people have to use each day. On a good day, I might start with eight spoons. While a neurodivergent person may begin with many more. Going through my daily tasks is often exhausting and takes away 6.5 spoons.
So, By the time I’m home, I usually have 1.5 spoons to work on my business.
This usually equates to about two hours of low to medium focus tasks like scripting or looking for ideas. Unfortunately, this means that I don’t usually have enough energy to film on the weekdays. Which means that on the weekends I have to sacrifice time I might have spent with friends or associates.
But this is the schedule that works for me.
So, before you give up on your business look into how you are doing with energy management. Ask yourself questions like:
Am I passionate about what tasks I am doing?
What times of the day am I most effective?
When do I have the most energy to give?
What tasks take the most energy to complete?
How can I conserve my energy throughout the day to maximize my 6-10 after my 9 to 5?
Then tailor your schedule to these answers. When you work with your energy, you will get more done.
4. Not Knowing Where to Start
Running a business—especially a YouTube channel—requires wearing a lot of hats. There’s branding, video creation, scripting, editing, promotion… and when your brain is chaotic, it can feel impossible to know where to begin.
I’ve created a system that works for me:
Jot down a video idea.
Write out a full script.
Condense it into 1–2 word bullet points (except for the first sentence, which I fully memorize).
Film 2–3 videos at a time.
Rough cut each video immediately after filming to reduce the barrier to editing later.
This routine has saved me so much time and energy—and made the process feel doable.
It may take some time to find a routine, but the search is worth it.
5. Burnout
There are days when I come home and crash. Not because I’m lazy, but because I’m depleted. And I’ve realized it’s often tied to my hormonal cycle, especially around days 18–20 of my luteal phase. During this time, it is imperative that you Listen to your body.
Most things can wait. And it is going to hurt you more to continue to work when you are overtired than it would be beneficial.
6. Decision Paralysis
Recently, I tried to get help for my business by hiring a strategist or social media manager. But there were so many options that I spiraled: brand manager, strategist, coach… It felt like every decision could make or break my future.
So, I did the one thing that always helps: write it all down. Processing mentally is hard. Getting it on paper makes it real, and manageable.
7. Executive Dysfunction
Executive dysfunction is one of those ADHD traits that can quietly sabotage your goals. Planning, organizing, and executing tasks can feel like climbing a mountain some days.
What’s helped me? Simple systems. For example, I bought a fireproof bag on Amazon that holds all my filming gear: SD cards, batteries, cords, mics etc.. So when it’s time to film, I don’t have to search. I just grab the bag and go.
Find what works for you. Even if it doesn’t make sense to anyone else.
Final Thoughts
Being a business owner with ADHD is humbling but it’s also beautiful. ADHD isn’t a limitation; in the right environment, it can actually be a superpower.
So if you’re feeling discouraged, I hope this post reminds you that you’re not alone. You’re not broken. You’re just building a different kind of business—with grace, creativity, and resilience.
Moment of Inspiration
Let me pray for you, friend.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for this day and for the person reading this. I pray this post encourages them, especially if they’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Lord, if they have a dream or a seed of an idea in their heart, give them the faith to take the next step. Water it. Grow it. And give them the wisdom and support they need along the way.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If this blog resonated with you, please share it with someone else walking through this season. And if you want more encouragement on standing, prayer, and relationships, let me know in the comments—I’ve got so much more to say.
Until next time, stay faithful, stay focused, and remember to share the love of Jesus with at least one person this week.
For More content about ADHD and living your best life in your 20’s visit: youtube.com/@Theinmy20sDiaries/videos?sub_confirmation=1
With love,
💛 Author Gabrielle Denise
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