Schedule a meeting to start your day

If you often find yourself struggling to gain control over your daily agenda, you’re not alone. The entrepreneurial journey can be a rollercoaster of distractions and challenges, especially when you’re wired with the sometimes fast-moving, sometimes snail-paced brain of someone with ADHD. But a simple morning habit can set the tone for a productive day and help you regain control: scheduling an early morning meeting or appointment.

Early commitments set you up for a successful day

Imagine this scenario: You wake up in the morning, determined to tackle your to-do list and make significant progress on your business goals. You sit down at your desk, ready to dive in, but suddenly, your mind starts to wander. You check your emails, scroll through social media, and before you know it, precious hours have slipped away with little to show for it.

This is a familiar story for many of the entrepreneurs I work with, especially those with ADHD. Our brains are wired to seek novelty and can easily become distracted by the ever-present allure of the internet and our smartphones. Even in the absence of distractions we can very quickly find ourselves stuck – overwhelmed by a lengthy to-do list and unsure where to start.

So, what’s the solution?

Scheduling an early morning appointment or meeting can be a game-changer. It provides a concrete commitment that anchors your morning. Knowing that you have a client meeting at 9am, for instance, can motivate you to make the most of the time leading up to it. It creates a sense of urgency that encourages you to focus and tackle important tasks. There really is nothing like a deadline to make sh*t happen!

One of my clients, Sarah*, shared her experience with me. She used to struggle with procrastination and found it challenging to start her workday with purpose. However, after discussing the issue during one of our sessions, she began scheduling meetings or calls with clients or collaborators in the morning and everything changed. She felt accountable to others, which ignited a fire in her to be more productive in those early hours. “Having a commitment early in the day feels like a kickstart button for my productivity,” Sarah says.

Early morning meetings can also boost your confidence. Starting the day by engaging with others and successfully managing a meeting can give you a sense of accomplishment that carries through the rest of your day. It sets a positive tone and boosts your self-esteem, making you feel more in control as well as providing the connection we often miss out on when working solo.

Preventing “Waiting Mode”

One of the challenges entrepreneurs with ADHD commonly face is the dreaded “waiting mode.” This is the state of limbo where you know you have work to do, but you can’t seem to get started. You might wait for the perfect moment, the right inspiration, or a surge of motivation that never comes.

Early morning commitments act as a powerful antidote to waiting mode. When you have a meeting or appointment scheduled, you don’t have the luxury of waiting around for motivation to strike. You have a responsibility, a commitment you need to fulfill. This compels you to take action and get things done, regardless of whether you feel 100% ready or motivated.

My client Marcus* struggled with procrastination for years. He often found himself waiting for the “perfect” moment to begin his work (been there!). But after implementing a combination of early morning meetings and check ins into his daily routine, he noticed a significant shift. “Knowing I have a meeting in the morning forces me to get started on things even when I don’t feel like it,” Marcus explained to me. “And once I start, I usually find that the momentum carries me through the day.”

Nobody to call or meet with?

You might be thinking, “Great, but what if I don’t have anyone to meet with or call early in the morning?” That’s a valid concern and there are several strategies you can employ to reap the benefits of this morning ritual even if you work independently or your schedule doesn’t align with others.

Get a Focusmate: Schedule a body doubling session early in the day using a service like Focusmate. This is even more effective if you can find a regular partner to do it with as you’ll be much less likely to blow them off! Use your regular session to work on a particular project or just as a chance to get your head around your priorities for the day.

Join a morning accountability group: There are many online communities and accountability groups (like Execute) where entrepreneurs gather to share their goals and commit to achieving them. Find one that suits your needs, then schedule and participate in their morning check-ins to create a sense of responsibility.

Set up virtual coffee chats: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs or colleagues for virtual coffee chats early in the day. These informal conversations can serve as a productive way to start your morning while fostering networking and collaboration.

Use apps and digital tools: Consider using productivity apps or tools (such as Motion AI) that simulate meetings or appointments. Some apps can schedule “focus sessions” for you, complete with reminders and time limits to keep you on track. I recently did a Focusmate session with someone in Costa Rica who was experimenting with having an AI tool schedule his entire day including wake up and mealtimes to help him hit his goals!

TRY IT OUT:

Find a regular morning check in buddy! If you’re in the Next Level ADHD Entrepreneurs Facebook group make a post requesting a partner or comment on the existing pinned post and connect with others in the same boat.

If you’re looking to regain control of your daily agenda and boost your productivity, scheduling an early morning commitment can be a transformative practice. It motivates you, prevents waiting mode, and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. And if you don’t have anyone to meet with or call, there are creative ways to adapt this strategy to your unique circumstances. So, go ahead and take control of your mornings, and watch how it propels you toward your big goals.

Til next week, take care.