In this exclusive interview, Stephanie Scheller, the CEO, and Founder of Grow Disrupt, candidly shares insights into her daily routine as a thriving ADHD entrepreneur. Join us as we delve into the nuances of Stephanie's schedule and unveil the six key strategies that have propelled her to success.
Stephanie begins by acknowledging the curiosity around her daily life as an entrepreneur with ADHD. She emphasizes the need to embrace flexibility while maintaining certain core elements to ensure peak performance.
The Structure of Stephanie's Day
1. Early Bird Rituals
We discover Stephanie's surprising transformation into an early bird, rising between 4:30-4:45 AM. Her morning routine includes reading, showering, breakfast, and attending to her dog, all before engaging in what she terms "clear glass activities."
2. Clear Glass Activities
Stephanie allocates a substantial two hours daily, from 6:00 to 8:00 AM, for activities that clear her mind. These range from journaling, meditating, reading, to playing the violin, providing a crucial foundation for the day.
3. Strategic Start to the Workday
Stephanie stresses the significance of dedicating at least half an hour before the first meeting of the day to review tasks, organize priorities, and set the tone for focused interactions.
4. Meeting and Project Chunks
From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Stephanie strategically organizes her time into 30 to 60-minute chunks, alternating between meetings and project-focused work. This deliberate approach allows her to maintain momentum and maximize productivity.
5. Energizing Lunch Break
Lunch becomes a non-negotiable break, taken away from the desk for a minimum of 35-40 minutes, preferably a full 60-minute respite. Stephanie highlights the importance of this mental break in sustaining focus during the afternoon.
6. Afternoon Flow and Wrapping Up
From 1:00 to 4:15 PM, Stephanie juggles a combination of projects and meetings. She emphasizes the value of clumping meetings together to create dedicated project-focused time. The day concludes with a short break before wrapping up tasks by 5:00 or 5:30 PM.
The Six Keys to Success
1. Consistent Wake-Up Time
Maintaining a consistent wake-up time, even on weekends, provides stability and aids in a seamless transition into work mode.
2. Clear Glass Time Dedication
Dedicating time every day to clear glass activities ensures mental clarity and readiness for the challenges ahead.
3. Strategic Day Start and End
Allocating time to ease into and out of the workday helps Stephanie stay focused during meetings and ensures a smooth transition into personal time.
4. Planned Breaks
Recognizing the mid-afternoon slump, Stephanie strategically plans breaks, allowing her to work with her natural energy patterns rather than against them.
Being mindful of the impact of sugar on the ADHD brain, Stephanie refrains from consuming sugar before 3 PM.
6. Hydration Habits
Consuming 64 to 96 ounces of water daily supports optimal brain function, contributing to sustained peak performance.
Bonus Key: No Weekend Work
Stephanie firmly believes in taking weekends off, with a maximum exception of two hours if absolutely necessary. This commitment to downtime nurtures creativity and ensures a rejuvenated mindset for the week ahead.
The Wrap
Stephanie's unique approach to her day underscores the importance of understanding and working with one's individual strengths and challenges. By incorporating these keys, entrepreneurs can tailor their routines for enhanced productivity and overall well-being.
For more insights into entrepreneurship and personal development, visit GrowDisrupt.com.