Stephanie Scheller, the CEO and Founder of Grow Disrupt, is no stranger to the unique challenges faced by ADHD entrepreneurs. One of the most pressing questions she often encounters is: "What works better for ADHD entrepreneurs—the carrot or the stick?" Having tried both methods extensively, Stephanie shares her insights on how each form of motivation can impact business success and personal well-being.
According to Stephanie, both the carrot and the stick have their place, but relying too heavily on the stick can have serious consequences. Through her experiences, she offers a detailed breakdown of how each approach can help or hinder ADHD entrepreneurs.
The Stick: Short-Term Gains, Long-Term Costs
Stephanie explains that the stick is a motivation strategy rooted in stress and fear. Entrepreneurs often beat themselves up mentally for not achieving the high standards they set for themselves. “You don’t need an actual stick,” she says, “The stick exists in our brains, and we use it to push ourselves harder and harder.”
For example, Stephanie points out that many entrepreneurs might sacrifice their weekends, social lives, or even mental health in the name of "getting things done." This constant pressure can lead to burnout. Stephanie herself recalls sitting on the side of the freeway, pulled over in rush hour traffic, crying too hard to continue driving. “That was the result of relying too much on the stick,” she reflects.
She also delves into the science behind this. When the stick is used, it triggers the body’s release of stress hormones—cortisol, epinephrine, and adrenaline—that put the body into a fight-or-flight mode. This stress response redirects blood flow to large muscle groups, reducing the amount of blood reaching the digestive system, the brain, and the immune system. Over time, this physical strain can have severe consequences, leading to personal or professional breakdowns.
"Using the stick works in the short term," Stephanie says, "but it can't be the only motivator we rely on. The body will eventually break down."
The Carrot: Long-Term, Sustainable Motivation
In contrast, Stephanie highlights the importance of the carrot, or reward-based motivation. The carrot is about creating positive experiences and outcomes that release dopamine, the brain’s "feel-good" hormone. While many ADHD entrepreneurs may default to the stick, Stephanie advocates for a shift toward using the carrot.
“We have to teach ourselves to go for the carrot,” Stephanie explains. The brain is often more motivated by fear than by reward, which is why entrepreneurs tend to stick to the stick. However, as Stephanie emphasizes, dopamine plays a critical role in sustaining long-term motivation. "When we get that dopamine release, we want more of it, and that drives us to keep moving forward."
For ADHD entrepreneurs, Stephanie notes that it’s essential to have a variety of rewards on hand, a "Rolodex" of carrots, so to speak. “What motivates me one day may not work the next,” she says. “You need to stay attuned to what you actually want at any given time.” The reward has to feel proportional to the task for it to be motivating.
One of Stephanie’s key points is that entrepreneurs need to stop setting unrealistically high goals to earn their rewards. “If the goal is too big, you’ll never get the reward. Start building smaller rewards into your day-to-day life. Appreciate them, enjoy them, and your brain will start associating positive feelings with your work.”
Balancing the Carrot and the Stick
While Stephanie acknowledges that the stick has its place, she stresses that it should not be the primary source of motivation. "The stick isn’t terrible—it has its moments. But if it’s the main tool you use to drive yourself, you're setting yourself up for burnout."
Her advice to ADHD entrepreneurs is to find a balance between the two methods of motivation. Learn what truly motivates you, be willing to give yourself grace, and lean into the carrot more often than the stick. “When you do that, you’ll find yourself getting further, faster, because you’re able to relax and enjoy the process.”
Ultimately, Stephanie’s goal is to help entrepreneurs build a life they don’t need to escape from. By relying more on positive reinforcement, they can achieve long-term success and well-being.
For more insights on how to manage your ADHD and thrive as an entrepreneur, visit Grow Disrupt and discover how Stephanie Stephanie can help you unlock your potential.