Easily Distracted by Sadé Llerraf
Let’s be honest living with ADHD can feel like your brain has 100 tabs open, 10 of them playing music, and none of them getting fully closed. As a business owner, a mum, and someone who thrives on creativity, I’ve had to learn the hard way how to build structure in a way that works with my brain, not against it.
I used to beat myself up for not being “consistent enough” or forgetting things everyone else seemed to do with ease. But once I accepted how my mind naturally works, everything shifted. Structure didn’t have to mean rigid routines it could be flexible, forgiving, and designed to support the way I actually function.
Here’s how I manage the chaos and stay on top of my goals while navigating life with ADHD:
1. Create Anchors, Not Schedules
Instead of strict daily schedules (which I never stick to), I use anchors key points in the day where certain types of tasks get done. For example:
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Morning: Admin and emails (when my brain is clearer)
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Midday: Creative tasks like product development or content
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Evening: Planning or reflection (often after my son is in bed)
This gives me enough flexibility to follow my energy, but enough structure to keep momentum.
2. Use Tools That Do the Heavy Lifting
With ADHD, out of sight often means out of mind. That’s why I rely heavily on digital tools to keep me on track:
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Microsoft To Do and Teams to break down tasks
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Sage for managing the financial side without overwhelm
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Buffer for scheduling content so I don’t have to remember post manually
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Canva and Photoshop for creating visual assets in batches when I feel inspired
The less I have to “remember,” the better.
3. Batch Work Based on My Brain’s Rhythm
ADHD often comes with bursts of hyperfocus and periods of total mental fog. I try to work with these cycles instead of forcing productivity all the time.
On high-energy days, I batch content, plan ahead, and tackle big-picture thinking. On low-focus days, I stick to simple admin tasks or allow myself a creative break I try to do this guilt-free but I do struggle with this sometimes.
4. Visual Cues Are My Lifeline
Sticky notes, vision boards, post-its on the fridge and doors in my house. If I need to remember something, I have to see it. I’ve learned that I’m a visual thinker, so I build my workspace around visual cues and reminders. It’s not messy it’s functional chaos.
5. Be Kind to Your Brain
Most importantly, I’ve learned to stop punishing myself for not being “neurotypical.” ADHD isn’t a flaw it’s a different operating system. Yes, it comes with challenges. But it also fuels my creativity, intuition, and resilience.
Giving myself permission to rest, reset, and start again every single day if I have to has been key to managing both my business and my mental health.
If your brain feels like a browser with too many tabs open, you’re not alone. Creating structure with ADHD is less about control and more about support. It’s about building a system that works for your mind, your life, and your energy.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. But with compassion, the right tools, and a little creativity, you can absolutely turn that chaos into a rhythm that works for you and build a business that honours the way you’re wired.