It was early morning, and I used to be sitting by a lake in Maine, a cup of espresso in hand when a type of bolt-from-the-blue moments of readability struck me.
Earlier than I share my massive a-ha second, let me offer you some context. I’m a enterprise coach for inventive entrepreneurs and freelancers and have devoted my complete profession to serving to inventive professionals construct worthwhile and profitable companies and careers. You’re my individuals!
I’m additionally a neurotypical dad or mum of a neurodivergent little one.
Till I had my son, I had no thought how totally different neurocognitive types impacted every part from time administration and planning to motivation and focus (yep, some neurotypical privilege proper there!). It was solely with this new perception that I spotted simply how a lot every part – from the college system to work environments and expectations – was created for neurotypical people. I began to realize a glimmer of understanding about how working inside these constructions, not solely put further strain on already taxed neurodivergent brains however compounded the sentiments of disgrace round being “totally different.”
It was throughout this time that I additionally began to appreciate that a number of of my teaching shoppers had ADHD. Similar to that, sitting by a lake in Maine, I noticed what all had been there alongside – an observable relationship between creativity, entrepreneurship, and ADHD.
Quick ahead a few years and I graduated as an authorized ADHD coach, geared up with a deeper degree understanding, empathy, and sources wanted to help ADHD creatives working and constructing companies in a neurotypical world. I proceed to work with creatives for all stripes and neurotypes, simply working with an expanded view and seize bag of instruments.
For those who’re studying this with a prognosis or suspicion that you just may need ADHD, you’re in all probability very conscious that you just suppose in another way.
As a inventive skilled, pondering in another way is a good factor! When your mind is working its magic, you:
● are an idea-generating powerhouse
● are usually not restricted by constraints (pondering exterior the proverbial field)
● are relentlessly curious and dive deep into researching new matters
And whereas all that ideating and creating is your candy spot, you might also wrestle with:
● Feeling overwhelmed by every part you “ought to” be doing
● Getting motivated (particularly if the duty at hand is boring)
● Juggling priorities and time
Discovering a steadiness between your items and the challenges of ADHD may be powerful. What labored yesterday might not work at present, so reasonably than share the most recent technique or app (as a result of I do know you’ve obtained loads of these already!), I’d wish to share a golden rule that I hope will provide help to return your focus to what issues.
The great thing about this golden rule is that it really works for everybody.
Introducing:
The Rule of Three
The Rule of Three is a dedication to outline and give attention to not more than three issues at a time. Put in another way, there are three and there are too many.
Listed below are three areas (see what I did there?) you’ll be able to apply this rule:
1) Have not more than 3 targets you’re actively working in the direction of
Do you may have one million targets and priorities? Perhaps your targets look extra like a unending to-do record. Or maybe you’re so busy working in your corporation, that you just neglect to set any targets, priorities, or commitments within the first place. Wherever you land, it’s all good. Take the chance now to both overview your targets or set some. This train may be as easy or as concerned as you need (my vote is easy). Simply you’ll want to have not more than three issues you’ll commit your valuable sources of time, creativity, and vitality.
2) Have not more than 3 perfect consumer segments
Whether or not you may have clear consumer profiles or have operated beneath the premise of “any consumer is an effective consumer,” an everyday overview of the shoppers you’ve labored with during the last yr or so is at all times an awesome thought. Right here’s how: record them any manner you wish to (spreadsheet, pocket book – simply maintain it easy) and write down what the venture entailed, how a lot you bought paid, what you loved, and what you did not. Now give every consumer or venture a grade. What do the A’s and B’s have in frequent? What do the C’s, D’s, and F’s have in frequent? Congratulations, you now have a clearer thought about who makes a super consumer. Focus ALL your time, vitality, and brainpower to attach with these individuals to any extent further!
3) Have not more than 3 core companies or choices
Do you may have a companies web page that reads like a diner menu? You’re not alone! In my view, having too many companies is what places the largest pressure on our focus, vitality, operations, and bounds. Utilizing the perception you’ve gleaned from #2, establish the initiatives the place you had been (a) most creatively engaged (b) most revered and valued by the consumer, and (c) paid for the worth you ship. Now search for the alternative: the initiatives the place you had been (a) creatively unfulfilled (b) pushed bananas by the consumer (c) paid based mostly upon hours reasonably than worth. Provide ONLY the companies the place you’re in your zone of genius, can ship excellent outcomes, and are most worthwhile.
OK, we lined loads right here, so be happy to choose and select the realm you’d wish to give attention to (pun supposed!). There is no such thing as a proper order, and you’ll’t get it fallacious, simply begin the place you’re. You’ve obtained this!