Unlocking the Power of ADHD: Harnessing Neurodivergence to Fuel Your Business Success

Unlocking the Power of ADHD: Harnessing Neurodivergence to Fuel Your Business Success

Hey, fellow doggy business owner! If you’re here, I reckon you’re either:

1. A fellow ADHDer,
2. Someone who suspects they may have ADHD, or
3. Someone who knows or loves someone with it.

Whoever you are, welcome! October is ADHD Awareness Month, and I’m sharing my personal journey as a business owner with ADHD. I hope this can help anyone struggling to juggle entrepreneurship while constantly being distracted – not by squirrels (we’ll get to that in a bit), but by everything.

A Bit About ADHD (Spoiler: There’s More to It Than Squirrels)

Let’s start by addressing the cliché – ADHD isn’t just about being distracted by squirrels. Sure, we joke about it, but it’s annoying when people reduce a complex and often frustrating condition to such a juvenile idea.

ADHD Awareness Month is all about busting myths. So, forget the squirrels; let’s get real. ADHD is tough. But it’s also why I’m so passionate about Wooflinks – my doggy directory helping small dog businesses thrive. ADHD is both a blessing and a curse It fuels my creativity, but it’s also something I work hard to manage daily.

Let’s Clear Up Some ADHD Misconceptions

ADHD isn’t just bouncing off the walls or getting distracted by the neighbour’s dog (though… guilty). There’s a lot of “hype” around ADHD on social media these days, which often trivialises it as quirky traits or attention-seeking behaviour. And don’t even get me started on people calling it a “superpower”.

As someone who has lived with ADHD my whole life, this reduction is both patronising and frustrating. ADHD is a lifelong condition, and it’s exhausting at times. From dealing with rejection sensitivity dysphoria to constantly misplacing things, it’s not always fun and games. But if you’re running a business while tackling these personal challenges head-on, you’re a force to be reckoned with.

Harnessing ADHD for Business Success

Wooflinks is the product of two things I love – dogs and helping small businesses succeed. And, as someone with ADHD, I thrive on passion. Neurodivergents like us need that constant dopamine hit to stay motivated, which is why so many of us leave traditional careers and find success in the dog world.

ADHD might make things chaotic, but it also fuels our creativity. We think outside the box, connect with people in unique ways, and constantly generate new ideas. I channel this energy into developing new services for Wooflinks, brainstorming collaborations, and fostering a supportive community of dog professionals.

The Creative Chaos of ADHD

ADHD means we’re not exactly known for our organisational skills. The executive dysfunction that comes with ADHD makes it hard to stick to routines, prioritise tasks, and manage time. These are essential as a business owner, and I’ll admit – they’re a massive challenge for me.

But what we lack in organisation, we more than make up for in empathy and creativity. With the right tools (hello, digital calendars, accountability partners, and business coaches), you can work around the disorganisation. But the emotional intelligence that comes with ADHD? That’s priceless.

In business, this sensitivity helps me understand my clients’ struggles. Wooflinks isn’t just a directory; it’s a community where dog professionals can connect, collaborate, and grow together. Building these relationships is one of my biggest strengths as an ADHDer.

Turning Setbacks Into Wins

Running a business comes with setbacks, and as someone with ADHD, I also deal with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). This means small failures hit much harder – where others might feel discouraged, I feel like my world’s falling apart. Dramatic, right?

But, I’ve learned to reframe failure as a learning experience. Each setback is a chance to grow, and I’ve started celebrating even the smallest wins. Managing a task without going down a random internet rabbit hole? Victory. These small wins keep me motivated and focused on the bigger picture.

Embracing ADHD – and Your Inner Weirdo

There’s a lot of noise online about ADHD “suddenly” becoming more common. I’m glad it’s getting more recognition. Growing up, I didn’t understand why I felt so different, but now platforms like TikTok are spreading awareness – especially among women who often go undiagnosed.

ADHD isn’t something that everyone has; it’s just being recognised more frequently, and that’s a good thing. I feel hopeful that future generations will get the support they need much earlier and that ADHD will be managed from childhood.

If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I’d say this: You’re not crazy. You feel different because you are! But that difference is going to propel you to where you want to go. Embrace your inner weirdo, and don’t apologise for who you are.

Looking Forward

I’m incredibly optimistic about the future of Wooflinks, and I know that my ADHD is central to my success. Some days are still chaotic (did I mention I found my husband’s car keys in the recycling bin?), but I’ve learned to accept that my neurodivergence makes me who I am. It’s what fuels my passion for helping dog businesses and makes Wooflinks such a success.

As Wooflinks continues to grow, I’m committed to building a thriving community where dog professionals support each other, share ideas, and collaborate. I want to inspire others to see ADHD not as a limitation but as an asset. Let’s shake off the negative stereotypes and celebrate the creativity, passion, and empathy that ADHDers bring to the table.

Here’s to a future filled with creativity, connection, and maybe the occasional squirrel.

Further reading: Is there a link between ADHD and a connection to dogs?