ADHD and Side Hustles: Why We Start Twenty and Finish None
If you're reading this, the chances are you've dabbled in a fair few side hustles, right? Between the boxes of half-finished crafts in the attic and the empty notebooks full of ambitious ideas, it’s easy to relate to the struggle. For individuals with ADHD, the drive to pursue side hustles often blooms into a wild garden of projects, only to be left wilting by the wayside. Let’s dig into the reasons behind this phenomenon and explore how to navigate the ADHD landscape of side hustles effectively.
Shiny Object Syndrome: A Double-Edged Sword
Let's face it, the world is dazzlingly beautiful for those of us with ADHD. This "shiny object syndrome" is not merely a cliché—it's a real cognitive experience backed by research. As Dr. Russell Barkley explores in his studies, individuals with ADHD tend to exhibit an impulsive nature that draws them towards new ideas and projects with zealous enthusiasm. We find ourselves captivated by a captivating meme, a trendy business idea, or a quirky hobby, thrillingly swept off our feet.
However, this initial rush can lead us down a rabbit hole of excitement without any real focus on execution. Suddenly, our sleek new product idea loses its sparkle when we’re confronted with the nitty-gritty details—marketing strategies, financial planning, or administrative work. The reality hits: we’re left with yet another dormant project.
Excitement vs Execution Phase: The Tug of War
The initial thrill of kickstarting a side hustle is like jumping on a roller coaster—the rush of adrenaline is intoxicating! But where the ride soured for many of us is in the 'execution phase.' Imagine the enthusiasm of watching a brilliant film trailer, only to find the actual movie drags with slow pacing and monotonous plot points. That’s precisely how many ADHD brains respond to the demand of execution.
Dr. Edward Hallowell, in his insightful book "Driven to Distraction," highlights that we flourish in environments full of novelty but often struggle with the pressures of routine and follow-through. We might begin eve-of-innovation-like projects with great zeal but quickly become overwhelmed by the minutiae that crafting a successful outcome requires.
So, how do we tame this roller coaster of initiation and execution?
Choosing Projects Strategically: The Power of a Filter
The key is to be selective about the side hustles we choose to embark on. Establishing a personal filter can help identify which projects truly resonate with our passions and strengths. Instead of being drawn to every idea that flits across our consciousness, ask yourself:
- Does this project excite me beyond just the initial spark?
- Does it align with my broader goals and interests?
- Can I see it through to completion while fitting it into my existing commitments?
Consider creating a priority list. If you have twenty projects in mind, take a day to sit down and rank them based on various criteria such as alignment with your interests, feasibility, and time required. By deliberately choosing your focuses, you minimise the chaos and set yourself up for sustained engagement, which in turn allows for a greater chance of success.
Finishing as a Skill: Building Accountability
Finishing projects isn’t merely about willpower; it’s a skill that can be developed. Many ADHDers often overlook the importance of accountability, but this can be a game-changer. Enlisting a buddy system or mentor can provide necessary checks and balances to keep your interest alive and project momentum steady.
Another effective strategy is to break your project down into manageable tasks. Instead of aiming to "launch a podcast," set smaller goals like "research topics for an hour" or "record a five-minute intro." Each completed task can boost your motivation and help maintain your focus as you build a chain of accomplishments.
Additionally, consider setting deadlines—not just personal ones but shared ones with your accountability partner or workgroup. This communal commitment can harness that ADHD sense of urgency and can often pull you through the slog of finishing.
Embracing the Journey
Remember, it’s perfectly fine to have a few unfinished projects in your life. As dynamic and enthusiastic individuals with ADHD, our strengths lie in our creativity and ability to innovate. Embracing our nature can help us pivot away from the guilt of not finishing everything and instead focus on developing a pathway to manage our endeavours more effectively.
Engage in reflection: what have you learned from starting multiple side hustles? What sparks joy for you? Utilise those insights when selecting your next venture. Celebrate what you create along the way, even if it doesn’t come to fruition as expected. Each step can lead to unexpected lessons and opportunities in business and personal growth.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the ADHD journey through side hustles is less about the number of projects completed and more about discovering what fuels your passion and creativity. By understanding our cognitive patterns, choosing projects thoughtfully, building accountability, and celebrating our unique selves, we can transform the narrative. Conversely, there’s no right way to hustle; it’s about finding your rhythm. So, here's to the beauty of possibility—may we start projects that align with our passions and finish them, or at least learn something remarkable before we move on.
