ADHD, Creativity, and Running a Business When Your Brain Has 47 Tabs Open

If you’ve ever sat down to work and somehow ended up Googling new lunch boxes for your kids, researching pink laptop risers, or mentally reorganizing your entire office… hi, welcome, you’re in the right place.

This is a topic I’ve avoided talking about for a while, even though it affects literally every part of my business. It's part of how I work, how I create, and how I show up online. But here we are. Today we’re talking about ADHD, creativity, distraction, and what it actually looks like to run a small business when your brain operates like an over-caffeinated octopus.

My ADHD Diagnosis (a little late, but right on time)

I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2023. Not at 12. Not in university. At 40-something. Like a lot of women, I first heard “it’s just anxiety” from multiple doctors. But deep down, I knew there was something else going on. Eventually, I found an incredible nurse practitioner who took the time to actually listen, and suddenly everything clicked.

The sadness, the relief, the countless “ohhhhh, THAT explains everything” moments… all of it hit at once. Looking back at my childhood — skipping class for gifted programs, making up my own spelling words (yes, I tried to use antidisestablishmentarianism in elementary school), thriving in creative spaces. It all made sense.

And here’s something many people still don’t understand:
ADHD looks very different in women, especially women over 40.
It’s not always the hyperactive little boy bouncing in his chair. Often, it's a woman flicking a pen while her brain runs a full Broadway production inside her head.

The Strengths: Where ADHD Helps Me Shine

Let’s talk about the good stuff ( because there is a lot of good.)

1. I’m wildly creative

I have content ideas until the end of time. This is literally why I’m so good at helping clients brainstorm messaging and content. I see patterns, connections, and storylines that other people miss.

It’s also why I created my Content Brainstorm offer because giving people ideas is one of my happiest places.

2. I notice the details no one else sees

The nuance in messaging.
The flow issues on someone’s homepage.
The story thread they almost said out loud.

This is why copywriting is such a good fit for my brain. I can instantly see when information doesn’t connect and how to fix it.

3. I’m a storyteller to my core

Yes, journalism helped shape this, but honestly, storytelling has always come naturally to me. It’s why I love podcasting. It’s why clients come to me.

4. And… the quick wit

Threads is my playground. One-liners are my love language. If something spicy can be said, my brain will find it in three seconds or less.

The Challenges: Where ADHD Makes Business Harder

Here’s the part that isn’t as fun but it’s real.

1. Sensory overload is a whole thing

I can happily work with “New Girl” or “Schitt’s Creek” playing quietly in the background.
But take me to an arcade full of flashing lights, screaming kids, and laser tag?
Absolutely not. I need Loop earplugs and a nap.

The contradiction is hilarious:

• Some noise = comforting

• All noise = I would like to exit my body now

2. Distraction + dopamine chasing

This one makes running a business… interesting.

I know the boring tasks grow my business.
But does my brain care?
Absolutely not.

“If I just research lunch boxes for a minute…”
“If I just look at new lead magnet ideas…”
“If I just reinvent my entire system in Notion…”

This is how three hours disappear.

3. The follow-through problem

I can have the best idea in the world. A quiz, a new module, a new offer and then spend two weeks with the tab open, convincing myself that thinking about it is the same as doing it.
(It is not. I know this. My brain does not care.)

4. Structure: Craving it and rejecting it

ADHD is full of contradictions.
I need structure.
But also?
Don’t tell me what to do.

This is why I created themed days. CEO Mondays, Creative Tuesdays, Lead Gen Wednesdays/Thursdays, Podcast Fridays. And why those days only work if I have tiny checklists I can physically check off.
Because otherwise… poof. The day is gone.

Why This Matters for Small Business Owners With ADHD

If you’re a small business owner with ADHD, here’s what I want you to hear:

You are not broken.
You’re not lazy.
You’re not bad at business.
You just operate differently.

A one-size-fits-all approach to marketing doesn’t work for you and honestly, it doesn’t work for most business owners anyway. This is exactly why I refuse to teach cookie-cutter content strategies.

Some people thrive on long-form writing.
Some hate email and live on video.
Some love storytelling.
Some need prompts and structure.

Your content should work with your brain, not against it.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone in This

My ADHD isn’t a superpower, and it’s not a weakness.
It’s simply the way my brain works and understanding that has changed everything about how I run my business.

If you relate to this, if you're navigating business with an ADHD brain, or if you're just trying to market your business without losing your mind, I’d love to keep the conversation going.

You can find more free resources and support over on my website and I’d love to have you there.