The Benefits of Structured Creativity for Entrepreneurs with ADHD
- Mashon Thomas
- Jul 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Being an entrepreneur is exhilarating—a whirlwind of innovation, strategy, and constant decision-making.
But for those of us with ADHD, this whirlwind can sometimes feel more like a tornado. If you're anything like me, the flood of creative ideas is endless. Yet, channeling these ideas into structured, actionable plans? That's where the challenge lies.
I’ve been there, trying to juggle a million thoughts, only to end up spinning my wheels and pivoting from one thing to another in a hopeless frenzy. It actually led me to what I do today in a strange way. I found that while my OWN creativity was difficult to channel, I found peace, calm, and a thriving career in helping other entrepreneurs tame theirs! (Hey, I don’t make the rules on how my brain works! 🤷)
Here’s the good news for you: you don’t have to choose between being wildly creative or being productively structured.
Get yourself someone (🙋♀️) to get you the structured creativity you need. This can be a game-changer for ADHD entrepreneurs.
The Creative Powerhouse of ADHD
ADHD often gifts us an incredible capacity for creativity. We see connections others might miss, dream up innovative solutions, and thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments. This creativity is a powerful asset in entrepreneurship, where thinking outside the box can set you apart from the competition.
However, the same traits that fuel our creativity can also lead to chaos. Without any accountability to channel our ideas, we can start numerous projects but struggle to finish them or get overwhelmed by our own vision.
That’s why embracing structured creativity is essential—it allows us to harness our creative energy while maintaining the focus needed to drive our businesses forward.
What is Structured Creativity?
Structured creativity is all about finding a balance between freewheeling imagination and practical execution. It’s not about confining your creative impulses within rigid boundaries but about setting up a flexible framework that allows for both exploration and action. Think of it as scheduling dedicated “play-time” for your brain—a time set aside purely for ideation, tinkering, and deep thinking. This is your sandbox where you can dig, build, and dream without the immediate pressure to produce results.
However, this creative time should not be an endless loop of brainstorming with no end in sight. To turn these freeform sessions into productive outcomes, it’s crucial to have an accountability partner. This person helps ensure that your ideas are not only captured but also transformed into actionable plans.
Here’s how structured creativity, with a focus on dedicated creative time and accountability, can benefit you as an ADHD entrepreneur:
Purposeful Exploration: Having scheduled “creative time” allows you to indulge in deep thinking and idea generation with a sense of purpose. You know you have a set period to let your mind wander and explore without the constraints of immediate deadlines. This focus helps you channel your creative energy into meaningful exploration rather than aimless daydreaming.
Constructive Ideation: With an accountability partner by your side, your creative sessions don’t end in a tangle of unorganized thoughts. This person helps capture your ideas, ensuring they are noted and categorized. They act as a sounding board, helping you refine and prioritize which ideas to act on, leading to a more structured and actionable plan post-ideation.
Balanced Workflow: Structured creativity helps you integrate play and productivity. By dedicating specific times for creative pursuits, you create a rhythm that balances deep, innovative thinking with focused work periods. This balance reduces the overwhelm of trying to be constantly productive, giving you the mental space to relax and recharge while still moving forward.
Strategic Implementation: With the help of your accountability partner, you can transition from ideation to execution smoothly. They assist in setting deadlines and breaking down your creative ideas into manageable steps. This structured follow-through ensures that your innovative thoughts don’t just remain as concepts but are systematically developed and implemented, driving real progress in your business.
Implementing Structured Creativity in Your Business
So, how do you bring structured creativity into your entrepreneurial journey? Here are some practical steps to get started:
Schedule creative time: Dedicate specific blocks of time in your weekly schedule purely for creative thinking and exploration. Treat this time as sacred, free from distractions, and let your mind roam free.
Partner with someone who will make sure you get things done: Find someone who can help you capture and organize your ideas during these sessions. This could be a coach, a colleague, or a mentor who understands your vision and can provide constructive feedback and structure.
Set boundaries and goals: Ensure that even in your creative time, this person sets loose goals to guide your sessions. It could be brainstorming solutions for a specific problem or exploring new market opportunities. Having a focus helps steer your creativity towards productive ends.
Follow through with action plans: After each creative session, work with your accountability partner to develop a plan of action. Break down your ideas into concrete steps and set deadlines. This way, your creativity translates into tangible outcomes that drive your business forward.
The Role of Accountability
One of the most powerful ways to maintain structured creativity is through accountability. This is where having a “boss” comes in handy—someone who can help you stay on track and ensure you’re making progress toward your goals.
Many entrepreneurs struggle to stay focused when they don’t have someone holding them accountable. This is especially true for those of us with ADHD, who might find it easy to get sidetracked or lose momentum. That’s where I come in.
Imagine having weekly calls where we sort out and prioritize your plans for the week — ensuring that we build in time for creativity.
We’ll discuss what you want to accomplish, set realistic goals, and I’ll hold you to them. No more endless pivoting or spinning your wheels in despair. I’ll boss you around (and trust me, it’ll feel good)!
With my accountability services, you’ll have the structure you need to channel your creativity effectively. We’ll work together to ensure you’re not just dreaming big but also taking consistent, purposeful steps toward making those dreams a reality.
As an ADHD entrepreneur, your creativity is your superpower. But to truly harness its potential, you need support to channel your ideas into productive outcomes.
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