Stephanie, the founder of Grow Disrupt, sees her ADHD brain as a tool for solving business challenges in fresh, outside-the-box ways. “ADHD gives me incredible flexibility in my thought process, letting me find solutions where others only see obstacles,” she explains. Her divergent thinking has helped her tackle classic business issues like balancing competitive pricing with fair team compensation and creating unique brand experiences for annual flagship events.
As Stephanie notes, divergent thinking is crucial for entrepreneurs, especially those with ADHD. This thinking style, which generates multiple solutions to any problem, frees her from feeling limited to a single “right” answer. “My brain naturally considers all the ways a problem could be solved. Now I don’t feel like I have to get it perfect right away,” she says, adding that the freedom to test multiple options has driven her business success.
Embracing Divergent Thinking: Convergent vs. Divergent Approaches
In Stephanie’s experience, embracing divergent thinking means rejecting the idea that every problem has a single solution. Instead, she leans into her ADHD-driven curiosity. “If something doesn’t work, I try another approach and keep going,” she shares. For example, when working to raise team wages while keeping pricing competitive, she ran through various pricing strategies until she found one that struck the right balance.
The journey of exploring divergent options is empowering for ADHD entrepreneurs. When asked how others can tap into this approach, Stephanie explains, “First, let go of the idea that there’s only one right way to solve something. Allow yourself to brainstorm six different solutions, pick the best two, and then test one. You don’t have to stick with a single path.”
According to Stephanie, creativity doesn’t just happen in the mind; it needs an environment that promotes it. “I’m intentional about the spaces I create at Grow Disrupt events. Everything from lighting to colors is designed to encourage creativity,” she says. She offers these actionable tips to help other ADHD entrepreneurs set up a space that encourages their best thinking:
1. Use Lighting and Colors that Energize:
Bright colors and warm lighting make a workspace feel inspiring, while stark, plain environments can stifle creativity. “Choosing lighting that bounces off the walls and using warm, ambient tones can make a huge difference,” Stephanie suggests.
2. Add Greenery for a Touch of Nature:
Studies show that greenery boosts focus and creativity, which is why Stephanie recommends adding plants—even faux ones. “Your brain responds positively to nature, so having plants can open up creative pathways.
3. Look for High Ceilings:
A 2007 study discovered that high ceilings support creative thinking. “If you have access to a space with high ceilings, use it when you need to brainstorm,” she advises.
4. Incorporate Sensory Cues:
Stephanie has found that specific scents can signal her brain that it’s time to create. “Certain scents, used only during focused times, become an olfactory trigger for creativity. Find a scent that energizes you and use it consistently when working on creative projects.”
By mindfully designing your space, you’re not only creating an environment that supports creativity but one that reduces the mental friction associated with ADHD. Stephanie emphasizes that a thoughtfully designed space is “an environment that allows my brain to relax and think freely.”
Scheduling for Creativity: Making Time to Brainstorm
Stephanie explains that ADHD brains are rarely short on ideas, but those ideas need a time and place to materialize. “I used to think my ideas would just come up whenever I needed them, but I’ve learned to intentionally block time for brainstorming,” she shares. Now, she schedules blocks on her calendar solely dedicated to generating ideas. “Sometimes ideas build up throughout the week, and sitting down with dedicated time lets me pull them together.”
Setting aside time to focus is only half of the equation. To fully unleash creativity, Stephanie recommends using specific brainstorming tools that harness divergent thinking. Here are her go-to techniques:
Visual connections help ADHD brains better understand and develop ideas. “Mind mapping is my go-to. It helps me see all the angles,” she says.
- Free Writing:
Writing without judgment encourages ideas to flow naturally. “I just start writing whatever comes to mind. Some of my best ideas have come from unfiltered free-writing sessions.”
- Group Brainstorming:
When she’s struggling to see a solution, Stephanie organizes a mastermind group. “Sometimes you need an outside perspective. Group brainstorming is invaluable for this.”
By scheduling regular brainstorming sessions and using these techniques, ADHD entrepreneurs can avoid feeling overwhelmed and channel their unique strengths into actionable ideas.
How to Implement Your Ideas Once They’re Formulated
Divergent thinking brings valuable ideas to the table, but implementation often requires a structured approach. Stephanie points out that many ADHD entrepreneurs have plenty of ideas, but struggle to execute them. Her three-step approach to implementation is designed to help entrepreneurs move forward:
1. Break Down Steps:
Large projects need small, actionable steps. “When I have a new idea, I break it down as much as possible,” Stephanie explains. She uses tools like Goblin Tools to make each task manageable and avoid overwhelm.
2. Use a Project Manager:
Once the tasks are divided, tracking each step keeps momentum going. “Project management tools allow me to stay organized and keep track of where I’m at in a project. It’s a lifesaver.”
3. Block Time for Execution:
Stephanie sets time on her calendar for each step. “If I don’t block time, I know I’ll end up putting it off,” she says. Having time set aside for execution keeps the project moving forward.
Practice Creativity Regularly: Building the Muscle for Success
“Creativity is like a muscle,” Stephanie says. “The more you use it, the stronger it gets. Playfulness is a part of that process.” She emphasizes that to foster creativity, ADHD entrepreneurs need to create space for play and experimentation. “You have to allow yourself the freedom to fail, to try ideas that might not work, and to learn from them.”
Playful activities that encourage creativity also remove the pressure to “get it right,” which is critical for ADHD entrepreneurs. “When you take away the fear of failure, your brain feels free to explore,” Stephanie explains. From trying new hobbies to creative exercises, Stephanie believes that incorporating fun and spontaneity helps ADHD entrepreneurs break out of rigid thinking patterns.
Ready to unleash your ADHD creativity and take your business to the next level? Explore resources designed for creative entrepreneurs at GrowDisrupt.com.