Stay connected

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller

Picture this all-too-common scenario: you’re at the helm of your own business, your ADHD brain is buzzing with innovative ideas and boundless inspiration. You’re juggling client meetings, product development, and team management like a pro (at least some days!). You’re busy… maybe too busy… it’s a little overwhelming sometimes but you’re getting by. You’re not as focused as you’d like to be and there’s some stuff that’s been lingering on your to do list since the dawn of time…

One day you realised that something feels off. The spark that once ignited your entrepreneurial spirit seems to be flickering. You pull back, start declining invitations and retreating from people and obligations as you try to give yourself some space. Then, suddenly a month (or more) has passed, and things haven’t really improved, in fact, the space you’ve created seems to be fuelling your procrastination and if you’re honest, you’re lonely.

Sound familiar? This situation is just one example of a silent productivity killer that many ADHD entrepreneurs face: disconnection. But here’s the upside – the very thing you’ve been neglecting could be the rocket fuel your business needs.

Welcome to the world of connection, where staying plugged in isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s your secret weapon for entrepreneurial success. Let’s explore why staying connected is not just important, but absolutely crucial for ADHD entrepreneurs, and how it can transform your business journey from a solo struggle to a collaborative adventure.

Why staying connected is so important

Let’s face it, entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey. Add ADHD to the mix, and a measure of introversion, and you’ve got a recipe for chronic isolation. But here’s the thing: connection isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential for your business and personal wellbeing.

Think of connection as the oil that keeps your entrepreneurial engine running smoothly. It fuels creativity, provides support during tough times, and opens doors to new opportunities. For ADHD entrepreneurs, who usually thrive on stimulation and interaction, staying connected can be the difference between burning out and thriving.

Take the example of Sarah, an ADHD business owner who runs a successful e-commerce store: “When I first started my business, I was so focused on work that I neglected my relationships,” she says. “I thought it was key to my ambition, but I was really cutting myself off from my biggest source of inspiration and support.”

The downward spiral of disconnection

When we start to withdraw or disengage, it’s like unplugging ourselves from a power source. For ADHD entrepreneurs, this can be particularly dangerous. Our brains crave stimulation and novelty, and isolation can lead to a host of problems including:

⛔️ Decreased motivation: Without the energy of others to feed off, it’s easy to lose steam.

⛔️ Increased anxiety and depression: Isolation can amplify negative thoughts and feelings.

⛔️ Missed opportunities: Networking is crucial in business, and disconnection means missing out.

⛔️ Creative stagnation: Bouncing ideas off others is often the spark for innovation.

What often starts as a simple retreat from social interactions can quickly snowball into a vicious cycle for ADHD entrepreneurs. As you withdraw, your brain begins to lose the stimulation it craves, making it harder to focus and be productive. This can lead to feelings of frustration and inadequacy, which in turn may cause you to isolate even more.

Before you know it, you’re caught in a downward spiral where disconnection feeds underperformance, which feeds more disconnection. It’s like trying to run a marathon with your shoelaces tied together – you might make some progress, but you’re fighting an uphill battle. This spiral can be particularly insidious for those of us with ADHD, as it can mimic or exacerbate common symptoms like difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and low motivation. Breaking free from this cycle often requires a conscious effort to reconnect, even when it feels uncomfortable or challenging.

Aaron, a marketing consultant with ADHD, experienced this firsthand. “I went through a phase where I thought I needed to concentrate solely on “being productive”. I stopped attending industry events and even cut back on social time with friends. Actually, my productivity tanked, and I ended up feeling miserable. It wasn’t until I reconnected that I got my mojo back.”

The benefits of prioritising connection

Now that we’ve seen the dark side of disconnection, let’s flip the script and look at some of the benefits of staying connected at work:

✅ Enhanced creativity: Interacting with others exposes you to new ideas and perspectives.

✅ Emotional support: Having a network to lean on during tough times is invaluable.

✅ Accountability: Sharing your goals with others can help you stay on track.

✅ New opportunities: You never know where your next big break might come from.

✅ Improved mental health: Social connection is a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety.

Staying connected as an ADHD entrepreneur doesn’t just benefit you—it creates a positive ripple effect that touches every aspect of your business and personal life. When you’re consistently engaged with others, you’re more likely to stay on top of industry trends and innovations, giving you a competitive edge. Your network becomes a sounding board for ideas, helping you refine your concepts and avoid potential pitfalls.

Regular interaction also hones your communication skills, making you more effective in pitches, negotiations, and team leadership. Plus, the emotional boost from positive social connections can increase your resilience, helping you bounce back faster from setbacks—a crucial skill for any entrepreneur. Perhaps most importantly, staying connected reminds you that you’re part of a larger community, combating the impostor syndrome that many ADHD entrepreneurs face. It’s like having a personal cheering squad, ready to celebrate your wins and support you through challenges.

Top tips for staying connected

Ready to supercharge your connections? Here are some ADHD-friendly strategies to keep you plugged in:

📅 Schedule it: Block out time in your calendar for networking events, coffee dates, or even just catching up with a friend.

💻 Leverage technology: Use social media and networking platforms to stay in touch when in-person meetings aren’t possible.

👥 Join a mastermind group: Regular meetings with like-minded entrepreneurs can provide support and accountability.

🏢 Attend industry events: Conferences and workshops are great for learning and networking.

🫶 Create a co-working space: Even if it’s virtual, working alongside others can combat isolation.

🤝 Volunteer: Giving back to your community can provide a sense of connection and purpose.

Remember, these don’t have to be big, time-consuming commitments. Even small, consistent efforts to stay connected can make a big difference.

When you find yourself disconnecting..

Despite our best intentions, there will likely be times when you realise you’ve started to withdraw. Don’t panic! Here’s what you can do:

➡️ Recognise the signs: Feeling unmotivated, anxious, or creatively blocked? It might be time to reconnect.

➡️ Start small: Reach out to one person you trust, perhaps someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.

➡️ Be honest: Share how you’re feeling with someone. You might be surprised at the support you receive.

➡️ Attend a networking or business event: Even if you don’t feel like it, push yourself to go. Recruit a friend to come along if you need. You’ll likely feel energised afterward.

➡️ Seek professional help: If you’re struggling with persistent feelings of isolation or depression, don’t hesitate to talk to a therapist or coach.

A software developer client of mine with ADHD recently shared his experience navigating a period where he found himself feeling isolated and withdrawn. We brainstormed a ton of possible solutions during a session, and he chose a couple to try. At our next session he reported back: “I forced myself to attend a local tech meetup. It was hard at first, but by the end of the night, I felt like a different person. It reminded me how much I need that connection and interaction.”

TRY IT OUT:

Create a “Connection Calendar”: Set aside 15 minutes today to schedule one connection activity for each of the next seven days. This could be as simple as:

– Monday: Send a text to a mentor or colleague you admire

– Tuesday: Comment meaningfully on a LinkedIn post in your industry

– Wednesday: Have a virtual coffee break with a team member

– Thursday: Attend a local networking event or webinar

– Friday: Reach out to an old friend or business contact

– Saturday: Join an online community or forum related to your industry

– Sunday: Write a thank-you note to someone who’s helped you recently

By planning these small, manageable connection activities in advance, you’re more likely to follow through. This “Connection Calendar” helps build the habit of regular engagement without overwhelming your schedule. It’s a practical way to ensure you’re consistently nurturing your network and staying connected, even when you’re busy or feeling withdrawn.

As an ADHD business owner, your ability to connect with others isn’t just a nice-to-have skill – it’s a secret weapon. It will fuel your creativity, support your mental health, and opens door to new opportunities. So, the next time you’re tempted to hole up in your office and power through alone, remember: your greatest asset might just be the connections you make along the way.

Stay connected, stay inspired, and watch your business (and your wellbeing) thrive. After all, in the words of motivational speaker Jim Rohn, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Choose your connections wisely, nurture them consistently, and let them propel you towards your big goals!

See you next week,

P.S. If you struggle to stay connected at work & could use a little extra support, there’s still time to join Execute for our Q3 Sprint! Hurry though, doors are closing this Friday!