Achieving Clarity and Focus for a Successful Year Ahead
For individuals with ADHD, year-end planning and reflection can feel overwhelming. Stephanie Scheller, CEO and Founder of Grow Disrupt, shares strategies designed to help adults with ADHD navigate these challenges effectively. From structured reflection techniques to actionable planning methods, these insights aim to transform the process into a productive and manageable experience.
Why Reflection Is Essential
Stephanie emphasizes that reflection is the cornerstone of effective planning. To chart a path forward, it’s vital to understand where you’ve been and where you currently stand. Reflecting on lessons learned, wins, and areas for growth allows individuals to set realistic and meaningful goals for the coming year.
Stephanie shares her experience: “I’ve always had a tendency to set grandiose goals without considering my current bandwidth. Reflecting on the past year helps ground those ambitions and ensure they align with reality.”
Tools for Effective Reflection
1. The Inner CEO Meeting
Stephanie recommends holding an “inner CEO meeting” at the end of each month. This involves compiling reflections into a single journal to provide an annual overview.
Steps for an Inner CEO Meeting:
- Emotions Check: Start with a free-writing exercise or list the emotions you felt during the month.
- Lessons Learned: Identify key takeaways from successes and challenges.
- Wins: Celebrate milestones and achievements.
- Next Month’s Goals: Set specific objectives based on your reflections.
This practice ensures a comprehensive review of the year and provides a clear starting point for year-end planning.
2. Journaling for Year-End Reflection
For those who haven’t been conducting monthly reflections, Stephanie suggests journaling as a way to reflect on the past year. Setting aside uninterrupted time to think about accomplishments, challenges, and growth areas can offer valuable insights.
3. Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is a visual tool that Stephanie finds particularly helpful. She organizes her reflections into categories such as personal life, business goals, and future aspirations. Using different colors for accomplishments, frustrations, and new goals makes it easy to visualize progress and priorities.
Transitioning from Reflection to Planning
Once reflection is complete, Stephanie recommends moving into the planning phase with a clear mindset. Having a vision and mission is essential for guiding your goals.
Define Your Vision and Mission
- Vision: What tangible achievements are you building toward? For instance, Stephanie’s vision for Grow Disrupt includes expanding from three annual events to six or more and creating a research department.
- Mission: Why does your business exist? Stephanie’s mission is to create spaces where ADHD entrepreneurs can thrive personally and professionally.
Aligning goals with your vision and mission ensures that each objective serves a meaningful purpose.
Setting and Breaking Down Goals
Set Specific, Measurable Goals
Stephanie advises limiting annual goals to 6-9 specific and measurable objectives. Overloading your plate can dilute focus and hinder progress.
Break Goals into Smaller Steps
To avoid feeling overwhelmed, divide annual goals into:
- Monthly Mini-Goals: Focused steps that move you closer to the larger objective.
- Example: For writing a book, a mini-goal could be completing chapter outlines.
- Baseline Activities: Recurring tasks that contribute to ongoing progress.
- Example: Dedicate four hours per week to writing.
Implementing Goals with Flexibility
Stephanie stresses the importance of flexibility in goal-setting. Goals may evolve as priorities shift or new opportunities arise. Regularly revisiting and adjusting goals ensures they remain relevant and achievable.
Tracking Progress
Integrating goals into a project management system keeps them visible and actionable. Stephanie recommends tools like Trello, Asana, or ClickUp to:
- Break down tasks into manageable steps.
- Set reminders and milestones.
- Monitor progress to stay aligned with your objectives.
She shares a personal anecdote about how keeping goals visible helps maintain focus: “As a kid, I’d write my resolutions and tuck them away. By mid-year, I’d rediscover them and realize I hadn’t made any progress. Keeping goals in sight makes all the difference.”
Balancing Work and Personal Life During the Holidays
Set Boundaries
Stephanie emphasizes the need for clear boundaries between work and holiday time. Whether it’s limiting work hours or reserving specific days for family, honoring these boundaries helps maintain balance and prevent burnout.
Communicate Your Plan
Sharing your goals and boundaries with family and colleagues ensures support and reduces potential conflicts.
Schedule Downtime
Stephanie advises scheduling time for self-care and quiet reflection to recharge. “Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential to show up as your best self for others,” she notes.
Closing Thoughts
Mastering year-end reflection and planning requires intention, structure, and adaptability. With tools like the inner CEO meeting, journaling, and mind mapping, along with actionable goal-setting techniques, adults with ADHD can set themselves up for a productive and fulfilling year ahead.
For more strategies and insights, visit GrowDisrupt.com and explore resources designed to help ADHD entrepreneurs thrive.