Look, if you're anything like me, getting things done isn't just about knowing what to do - it's about actually following through without pooping out halfway through. Especially when it's something you want for yourself, not just an urgent fire you're putting out. So let me share my exact workflow that keeps my ADHD business running (and my mortgage paid).
Step 1: Define Your Outcome (But Make It Sexy)
Here's the thing about ADHD brains - we need to feel emotionally connected to what we're doing, or it's just not happening. Instead of starting with boring planning, I actually start by writing out what success looks like.
For example, when planning my upcoming ADHD entrepreneur cohort program, I started by writing the sales page. Weird? Maybe. But it helped me get crystal clear on what I was actually building, which made everything else easier.
Step 2: Chunk It Down (But Don't Get Too Detailed Yet)
There are two types of people: those who can break big projects into tiny tasks, and... well, us. I'm a big picture thinker, so I start with major deliverables only:
- Branding needs
- Messaging framework
- Program outline
- VIP list building
Don't worry about getting granular yet. Your ADHD brain probably won't go there anyway at this stage.
Step 3: Create Your Timeline (Without Overwhelming Yourself)
Here's my ADHD hack for prioritizing (because let's be honest, prioritization is not our strong suit): Get a piece of paper, write your deadline at the bottom, and mark out weeks working backward. Then just plot your deliverables where they feel natural.
Pro tip: If you're stuck, throw your deliverables into ChatGPT and ask it to organize them chronologically. Sometimes we need something to react to rather than figure it all out from scratch.
Step 4: Get It Into Your System (But Keep It Simple)
Once you have your rough timeline, transfer everything into your task management system (this is mine and it has been a game-changer). I use Notion because it keeps my whole life from falling apart, but use whatever works for you.
Add time estimates to each task - this helps you reality-check whether your timeline makes any sense. And if you're someone who actually checks their calendar (unlike me), go ahead and time-block these tasks.
Quick note: I stopped calendar blocking because I rarely check my calendar. Instead, I batch all my appointments on Wednesdays and focus on my task list the rest of the week. Find what works for your brain.
Step 5: Plan For Your ADHD Brain (Because It Will Try to Sabotage You)
Let's get real about follow-through. Even when we're 80-90% done with something, our ADHD brains love to abandon ship. Here's how to prevent the pooping out:
- Identify your easiest entry point (For me, it's often using ChatGPT to generate something I can react to)
- Plan for the final 20% (Maybe hire help, use body doubling, or join a community)
- Don't wait for motivation (It comes AFTER you start, not before)
- Check for emotional blocks (Is it perfectionism? Rejection sensitivity? Name it to tame it)
The Secret Sauce: Weekly Reviews (Don't Skip This!)
Here's the game-changer that most people miss: you need a weekly check-in ritual. Every Friday, I spend 30 minutes reviewing:
- Project progress
- Revenue and expenses
- Where new customers are coming from
- What energized me vs. what drained me
Without this weekly check-in, I guarantee I'd forget half my projects exist. It's how I stay emotionally connected to my goals and catch problems before they blow up.
Making It All Work
Remember: This isn't about forcing your ADHD brain into a neurotypical workflow. It's about creating a system that works with your natural tendencies:
- Start with the exciting vision
- Break things down only as far as your brain will go
- Create simple structures for follow-through
- Build in regular check-ins
- Don't fight your natural patterns (like me avoiding calendar blocking)
The goal isn't perfection - it's progress. And with these strategies, you can actually finish what you start, even with an ADHD brain that loves to make things interesting.
Ready to level up your own workflow? Snag my template for organizing your entire business and planning routine and start with just one piece - maybe the weekly review - and build from there. Your future self (and your mortgage) will thank you.
