A few weeks ago, I shared how I've been running a six-figure business basically "ass backwards" – and apparently, that really resonated with a lot of you!
While I'm thrilled I'm not the only one doing things differently, I want to be clear about something: I don't celebrate doing things backwards just for the sake of being different. My real goal is to run a business that works with my brain while still being optimized for growth, impact, and profitability.
That's why I'm approaching 2025 with an experimental mindset: What would happen if I tried to plan like a "normal person" might, but in a way that actually works for my ADHD brain?
Why Traditional Business Planning Doesn't Work for ADHD Brains
Here's the thing – I'm actually a huge advocate of planning. But until now, I've only been successful with weekly and monthly planning. My brain struggles with thinking 12 months ahead (I mean, who even knows what the world will look like that far out?).
But here's the rub: it's really hard to project revenue and create strategic goals without some kind of long-term vision. Up until now, I've just been setting revenue goals based on what I did the year before, plus a little extra. There wasn't really any strategy behind it.
The Lightbulb Moment: It's Not About Time Frame, It's About Structure
When I really dug into why I succeed with shorter-term planning but struggle with annual planning, I had a revelation: Maybe it's not that my brain can't handle long-term planning. Maybe I just hadn't created an effective template for it.
The only reason I'm successful with weekly and monthly planning is that I have time-tested, reusable templates. Even when I get bored (hello, ADHD), I can add some sparkle to keep it interesting while maintaining the core system.
Creating an ADHD-Friendly Business Planning System
So I decided to approach 2025 differently. Instead of forcing myself into traditional planning methods, I created a system that works with my brain's natural tendencies. Here's how I broke it down:
Step 1: Start with a Reality Check
Before setting any goals, I do a comprehensive review that includes:
- What actually happened last year
- How it felt (because that matters!)
- What went well
- What didn't work
- Major accomplishments
I keep a database of monthly accomplishments because it helps wire my brain for follow-through. When you have ADHD, building that "I'm someone who follows through" identity is crucial.
Step 2: Get Real with the Numbers
Next comes the financial review:
- Revenue comparison (this year vs. last year)
- Expense analysis
- New products launched
- Marketing assets created
This gives me concrete data to work with instead of just throwing spaghetti at the wall (though that definitely has its place in the early stages of business!).
Step 3: Audit Marketing Efforts
For me, this means looking at:
- Newsletter subscriber growth (I'm over 16,000 now)
- Platform performance
- Conversion rates
- Sales by product
Pro tip: I'm doubling down on email marketing in 2025 because social media, while useful, can be incredibly distracting and draining for the ADHD brain. You can jump on my email list right here.
The Game-Changing 3-Goal System
Here's where things get interesting. Instead of setting a dozen goals that I'll forget about by February, I'm limiting myself to just three strategic goals for 2025:
- Annual revenue target
- One new product launch
- One marketing or process improvement goal
The key is making sure these goals build on each other. For example, if my revenue goal is $100,000, my new product launch and marketing goals should directly support hitting that number.
Breaking Down Goals into Actually Doable Pieces
This is where my ADHD business planner template really shines. For each goal, I:
- Break it into quarterly projects
- Set major milestone dates
- Create task reminders 2-3 months before big launches or projects
That last point is crucial. In the past, I'd set a goal to launch something in October but wouldn't think about it until October 1st. Now I put reminders in August to start planning. Game changer!
Why This System Works for ADHD Entrepreneurs
The beauty of this approach is that it:
- Prevents overwhelm by limiting goals
- Creates clear connections between goals and daily tasks
- Builds in early reminders for important projects
- Allows for flexibility while maintaining structure
- Makes it harder to forget about long-term goals
Simplifying for Success
One major lesson I've learned: the more products you have, the more marketing you need to do. This year, I'm simplifying by:
- Focusing on fewer, more impactful offerings
- Optimizing existing products instead of constantly creating new ones
- Setting more intentional, data-driven goals
- Building in reminders and checkpoints throughout the year
A Note About the Journey
I couldn't have created this system in my first year of business. The "spaghetti against the wall" approach was exactly what I needed then to figure out what worked. But now, going into my fourth year with clear data and experience, I can be more strategic.
Ready to Create Your Own ADHD-Friendly Business Plan?
If you're tired of traditional planning methods that don't stick, I've made my ADHD business planner template available for you to use. It's the same system I use to run my six-figure business, designed specifically for neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
The template includes:
- Annual goal tracking
- Project planning sections
- Task calendar
- Review prompts
- Marketing metrics tracking
- Annual, quarterly, monthly and weekly planners
You can find it in my Organized Business Template.
Remember: Success leaves clues, but that doesn't mean you need to follow someone else's path exactly. Take what works for your brain, leave what doesn't, and create a planning system that helps you thrive.
How are you planning to approach your business goals in 2025? Let me know in the comments below!
