The ADHD Entrepreneur’s Guide to Project Planning & Execution
Read Time: 5 minutesTL;DR:
ADHD-friendly project planning: Learn how to create a flexible plan that keeps you on track without burnout.
Define your project: Name it and clarify the desired outcome.
Avoid scope creep: Set clear boundaries on what’s included (and what’s not).
Break it down: Use milestones to make big projects feel manageable.
Create actionable tasks: Use action verbs and break tasks into 30-60 minute chunks.
Set ADHD-friendly deadlines: Double your time estimates, anchor to real events, and add buffers.
Build success systems: Use task management tools, body doubling, accountability partners, and rewards to stay on track.
You've chosen a project - yay! Now comes the part that often trips up ADHD entrepreneurs (because it's not nearly as fun as diving in with both feet): making a plan.
Make a plan that doesn't just look good on paper; it helps you get things done!
You deserve more than just wishful thinking. So, learn how to create a flexible roadmap that keeps you focused, motivated, and moving forward (even when your dopamine dips).
Let's break down how to create a project plan that gets sh*t done!
1. Project Overview
Project Name: (Don't overcomplicate this... it's just a label!)
Project Outcome: What goal are you trying to accomplish?
Example:
Project Name: Website Launch
Project Outcome: A professional site that shows potential clients that I'm a legitimate business.
2. Scope
Have you ever noticed projects expand as you start working on them? It's called scope creep: when a simple project slowly morphs into a chaotic beast with endless to-dos. This is why establishing boundaries on what will be included and, as importantly, what isn't will help you finish what you start.
Personal Story: I thought I'd "just" create a simple landing page when I launched my website. But once I started, I realized I wanted to add a blog. Then, an about page. Next, I wanted a freebie to incentivize people to leave their emails. Of course, I tried to do all of this at once. How did that go? Yep, it was overwhelming, exhausting, and something I procrastinated on because I was intimidated. Lesson learned: stick to the plan!
Site Launch Example:
Included: A 3-page website with a homepage, blog, and services, plus a contact form.
Not Included: I'm not adding professional photos, about page, or testimonials... yet.
3. Milestones
Taking on major projects feels overwhelming when we consider them one big task. Instead, we can first break them down into milestones. These are the major phases that mark significant progress towards your goal. They give you goalposts to reach and celebrate, giving you the satisfying "I'm getting somewhere" feeling.
To find them, ask yourself, "If I had to explain this project in 3-5 big steps, what would they be?" Or, tell ChatGPT what your project is and ask it to suggest milestones for you to make it easy!
Site Launch Example:
Milestones:
Choose a hosting/design platform
Write copy
Design pages
Test links & formatting
Publish website
4. Tasks
Now that you've defined milestones, it's time to break those into actionable tasks. There are a couple of rules to follow here:
Using action verbs like "write" or "design" makes it clear what needs to be done
If a task takes longer than 30-60 minutes, break it down further to bank dopamine as you check things off.
Keep tasks organized in the sequential order they must be completed. What needs to happen first before you can move on?
AI is your friend for breaking down tasks! I recommend the Goblin Tools Magic ToDo feature.
Site Launch Example (write copy milestone):
Brainstorm key messages for the homepage
Draft homepage copy
Edit & format homepage content
Write the "about me" section
Draft service description
Proofread all website copy
5. Deadlines
Time blindness means ADHDers can't rely on our instincts to know how long something will take. Still, creating realistic deadlines gives us something to be accountable to - a necessary evil for entrepreneurs.
How to Set ADHD-Friendly Deadlines:
Use the "double it" rule: Plan for two if you think a task will take an hour. Building in that buffer helps counteract the effect of time blindness.
Anchor to actual events: When possible, tie deadlines to external events. For example, "I'll launch my website before my next networking group meeting." This creates a natural urgency that our brain understands more than arbitrary dates.
Add buffer time: Life happens, so ensure your deadlines build in time for unexpected delays and low-energy days.
6. Success Systems
The final component of your project plan is the systems you'll use to take this from paper to execution. Consider these:
Project Management or Task Management Systems
Keeping your tasks organized does not require the "perfect" tool, but it does require something simple, visible, and easy to stick with.
Low-Tech: Consider using a whiteboard or sticky notes to organize your goals, milestones, and individual tasks. It's satisfying to cross things off or watch the sticky notes disappear.
Digital: Clickup has wonderful templates that make it easy to get started right away. You can also download free templates for Google Docs or Sheets to organize your projects that way. Only go digital if you're already used to checking it; otherwise, it's out of sight, out of mind!
I use a combo: My whiteboard holds my goals so I see them no matter what. I like putting my weekly objectives on Post-it notes so I can fold them up when I'm done and collect them in a jar that I love to watch fill up. But I do all my planning in ClickUp.
Accountability Plan
Whether neurodivergent or not, being your own boss is a blessing and a curse. Without anyone checking on you, procrastinating and ignoring self-imposed deadlines is easier than ever. Consider building at least one of these into your plan to execute your projects:
Public Commitment: Post your upcoming release online or tell people in your real life about your deadlines. Avoiding embarrassment can be an incredible motivator!
Body Doubling: Scheduling your tasks to be completed with coworking encourages you to show up since someone else is waiting on you. ADHD brains also tend to focus better when body doubling. I love using FocusMate for this.
Accountability Partners: This could be with a friend, ADHD coach, or project manager. Regardless, meeting regularly (biweekly works best for me) to discuss what you accomplished and what you'll do between meetings is powerful.
Gamification: Sometimes, it feels like the ADHD brain is a toddler that needs a piece of candy for cleaning their room. Embrace it. Plan rewards for yourself when reaching each milestone.
If-Then Rules: There will be days you get frustrated or feel too drained to finish what you planned for the day. A break is fine, but sometimes, we need a push to get going. Examples: "If I feel my energy crashing, then I'll put on [fave song] and dance until it's over." or "If I'm avoiding work, I'll get outside for a 5-minute walk."
Before you go!
Check out the FREE 5 Day Find Your Focus Challenge to learn more about choosing the right project for you and seeing it through.
