Three Reasons Why ‘Winging It’ Does Not Work if You’re a Neurodivergent Creative
You’ve always been able to rely on your ability to get things done, even if this meant working through the night to meet a project deadline. In fact, doing things at the last minute often helps you get going, and you’ve relied on this motivation and sense of urgency in the past. ⏰
These days, however, this is not working so well. As a small business owner, you are wearing many hats at the same time. This means that there is a lot to remember, which you struggle with.
You are noticing that things are falling through the cracks. You’re struggling to keep up with all the demands. ‘Winging it’ is no longer working. 🚨
The idea of having a routine leaves you cold. I get it— as a creative, you want to be able to go with the flow. You worry that if you’re more structured, your creative ideas will dry up and you will feel constricted. You feel that your creative ideas and passions thrive when you are free and not bound to a specific routine.
The opposite is true. As a neurodivergent creative, routine and structure can be your ally rather than your enemy.
Your need for novelty and spontaneity is fantastic when it comes to creative projects, but it can make it hard to do more mundane things like doing the laundry, managing financial spreadsheets, and cooking for your family. Having a routine that works for you can help you get some of the important things done while freeing up your energy to be creative.
Here’s Why ‘Winging It’ No Longer Works:
Your Brain is Motivated by Interest, Not Necessity: As a business owner, certain tasks simply have to get done, such as paying employees and filing taxes. Creating some structure around completing these tasks will mean you are less likely to put them off and fall behind.
Multitasking and Role-Switching: As an entrepreneur, you wear many hats, which means a lot of multitasking and switching roles. Having some routine means you will spend less time worrying about what you need to do next. It is likely that you spend a lot of time worrying about what you may have forgotten. Having a schedule means you will spend less energy worrying about what comes next or that you may have forgotten something important. This can reduce your anxiety and stress, giving you more mental capacity.
Self-Care and Well-Being: Your drive to make your business a success could mean that self-care tasks like getting a proper night’s sleep, eating well, and exercising move further down the list of priorities. Having some routine in place for things that make you feel well means that these essential tasks don’t slip by the wayside.
The key is building an ADHD-friendly routine, one that works for your brain.
Here Are Some Tips:
Keep It Interesting: Your brain likes novelty. This means you may want to mix things up from time to time. What works this week might not work for you in a month’s time. Give yourself permission to change your routine. Your routine does not have to be rigid. You are allowed to change it to suit your needs. 🔄
Share Your Plans: Share what you plan to do with a friend. This simple suggestion can be a game changer. It means it is no longer just an idea in your head, and someone will ask you how it went. 🗣️
Reward Yourself: Your ADHD brain seeks out dopamine, and knowing that there is a reward at the end can be a powerful motivator. 🏆🍫
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies until you find what works best for you. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and keep adjusting your routines to keep them fresh and engaging.
With a bit of structure, you’ll find that your creativity can flourish even more brilliantly. So go ahead, give it a try! 🌟
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