Focus Without Burnout.
Focus Without Burnout: Smarter Strategies for Entrepreneurs.
In this episode of The How of Business, host Henry Lopez is joined by ADHD strategist and coach Skye Waterson to explore powerful strategies for entrepreneurs who struggle with focus, burnout, or executive dysfunction.
Skye and Henry break down how to work with your brain instead of against it, using tools like time blocking, effective delegation, and Skye’s free “focus filter” to bring clarity and momentum to your workweek.
Henry and Skye also discuss why finding a non-business hobby matters for stimulation, how to prioritize tasks with intention, and ways to turn long-term goals into manageable weekly actions.
Skye shares how her coaching services support entrepreneurs with unconventional thinking and promotes her recommended resource, Software as a Science.
Focus Without Burnout:
Question: How can entrepreneurs with ADHD stay focused and avoid burnout?
Answer: Leverage time blocking, task chunking, and strategic delegation. Use a “focus filter” to prioritize work and align tasks with your natural brain rhythms. Hobbies and long-term goals help maintain dopamine levels and reduce overwhelm.
Episode Host: Henry Lopez is a serial entrepreneur, small business coach, and the host of this episode of The How of Business podcast show – dedicated to helping you start, run and grow your small business.
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Transcript:
The following is a summary transcript of this episode. This transcript was produced by an automated system and may contain some typos.
ADHD Strategies for Entrepreneurs
Skye Waterson, an ADHD strategist and coach, will share actionable strategies to support both diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals. The conversation will cover practical ways to cut through distractions, build a sustainable business, and avoid burnout. They also discussed the importance of promoting Skye’s coaching program and community for ADHD individuals. The episode will be recorded and edited for clarity.
Addressing ADHD Challenges in Business
Skye discussed the challenges faced by business owners with ADHD, emphasizing the importance of addressing the chaos and self-sabotage that can lead to business burnout. She highlighted the need to balance the creative problem-solving aspect of ADHD with the executive dysfunction that can hinder focus and productivity. Skye suggested strategies like time blocking to help manage the attention deficit side of ADHD, and acknowledged the dopamine deficit that can lead to seeking behaviors in business.
Managing Time With ADHD Techniques
Skye and Henry discussed strategies for managing time and focus, particularly for individuals with ADHD. Skye suggested breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, using physical notes to aid memory, and rewarding oneself for starting tasks. Henry shared his own techniques, including using background music and a timer to maintain focus. They agreed that these methods can help individuals concentrate for longer periods and avoid procrastination.
Entrepreneurs’ Hobby for Work-Life Balance
Henry and Skye discussed the potential negative effects of hyperactivity and the need for stimulation outside of business. Skye suggested that entrepreneurs should find a hobby or skill development that is separate from their business to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. She emphasized the importance of finding a stimulating activity that can be enjoyed with family or friends to provide a dopamine rush without negatively impacting the business.
Effective Delegation for Unconventional Thinkers
Skye and Henry discussed the challenges of delegating tasks effectively, particularly for individuals with unconventional thinking. Skye emphasized the importance of finding someone who complements their strengths and weaknesses, rather than someone who thinks like them. She suggested using test projects to evaluate potential delegates and stressed the need for mutual respect and understanding. Henry agreed, noting the value of delegating tasks that are not in one’s zone of genius, and the potential for a virtual assistant to be a cost-effective starting point. Skye also highlighted the importance of finding someone who understands the benefits of their work, rather than just focusing on their own needs.
Managing Mental Challenges for Productivity
Henry and Skye discussed strategies to manage mental challenges and improve productivity. Skye introduced a system to help individuals transition from feeling overwhelmed to knowing exactly what they need to do, with a focus on time blocking and delegating tasks. They also discussed the importance of identifying and discarding unnecessary tasks, and the use of a tool called the “focus filter” to prioritize tasks. Skye emphasized the value of this process in reducing stress and improving problem-solving abilities.
Prioritizing Tasks and Time Blocking
Skye and Henry discussed the importance of prioritizing tasks and focusing on urgent and important matters. They agreed that most people have less than 10 truly urgent tasks each week, and that these should be the main focus. They also discussed the concept of time blocking, where specific tasks are scheduled in the calendar to ensure focus on the most critical tasks. Henry expressed his appreciation for this approach, as it helps him avoid burnout and manage his workload more effectively.
Setting Long-Term Goals for Entrepreneurs
Skye and Henry discussed strategies for entrepreneurs with unconventional thinking to set long-term goals. Skye suggested starting with a 25-year goal to help overcome anxiety and fear, and then breaking it down into a 5-year goal and yearly objectives. They also discussed the importance of decision-making and prioritization, with Skye offering techniques to help entrepreneurs make decisions more efficiently and focus on the most important tasks.
Skye’s Coaching Services for Entrepreneurs
Skye discusses her coaching services for entrepreneurs with unconventional brains, including a free focus filter available on her website. She recommends the book “Software as a Science” for business owners. Skye emphasizes the importance of working with one’s brain rather than against it, making organization and focus more enjoyable.