Happy Spring! There is something almost magnetic about the sun coming out and the flowers blooming that sends the ADHD brain into absolute overdrive. Can you feel it? It’s that surge of restless, creative energy that makes you want to throw open the windows, buy three new domains, and start five new businesses before lunch.
Suddenly, the project you were working on all winter feels old or heavy. In comparison, these new ideas feel like the right ones. They are shiny, they are fresh, and they are sparkling with potential. This is the Shiny Object Syndrome trap. For high achieving women like us, it is a seasonal hazard. We get a massive hit of dopamine just from the idea of something new. But if we follow every squirrel that runs across our path, we end up with five half built bridges and no way to actually cross the river to success.
Take a deep breath with me. Let’s talk about how to honor that incredible creativity of yours without letting it hijack the life and business you have already worked so hard to build.
Why Our Brains Crave the “New”
In the world of ADHD, we often struggle with what is called an interest based nervous system. We aren’t always motivated by priority or importance. Instead, we are motivated by novelty, challenge, interest, or urgency. Spring is the ultimate source of novelty. The change in season triggers a desire for a fresh start which can lead to a frantic search for the next big thing.
This isn’t a flaw in your character. It is actually a sign of your visionary power. You see possibilities everywhere. The goal isn’t to stop having ideas. It is to learn how to manage them so they don’t become a source of overwhelm and entrepreneurial burnout.
Hack #29: Write It Out (The Idea Parking Lot)
Instead of letting a new idea immediately hijack your current focus and send you down a three hour research rabbit hole, we are going to give it a safe place to land. I call this the Idea Parking Lot.
Find a dedicated notebook or a specific digital folder. When a new business idea or a genius marketing pivot pops up, tell yourself that the idea is brilliant. Tell your brain you are proud of it for thinking of that. Then, put it in the parking lot so you do not lose it.
Why this works for your ADHD mind:
- It honors your creativity. When we try to ignore an idea, our brain screams louder to make sure we don’t forget it. Writing it out tells your brain that the idea is safe.
- It stops the FOMO. Fear of missing out is very real. By parking the idea, you are not saying no. You are simply saying not right now.
- The 24 Hour Rule applies here. Most shiny objects lose their luster after a day or two. If you look at your parking lot in a week and that idea still makes your heart sing, then we can talk about how to integrate it.
Hack #32: Know Your Why
Before you jump ship on your current project for a shiny new one, I want you to pause and reconnect with your core. In the heat of a new idea surge, we often lose sight of the big picture. Stop and ask yourself if this new idea truly moves you closer to your ultimate goal. Are you just looking for a hit of dopamine because your current task feels boring?
Usually, the messy middle of any business project is when the dopamine drops. The initial excitement has worn off and now it is just the work. This is exactly when our brains start scanning the horizon for a distraction. Reconnecting with your why acts as a heavy anchor. It keeps you steady when those spring winds try to blow you off course.
The EFT Tool: Tapping for Idea FOMO
When you feel that frantic energy and the feeling that if you don’t act on this new idea this second the opportunity will vanish forever, it is time to ground your nervous system.
Where to tap: Choose your favorite point or tap through them all (top of head, eyebrow point, side of eye, under eye, under nose, under mouth, collarbone, under arm)
Why it supports you: Tapping on these acupressure points reduces the feeling of urgency and assists with the ability to make well-thought-out decisions. When you tap, you are sending a physical signal to the amygdala (the brain’s alarm system) that it’s okay to stand down. It helps move you out of the impulsive part of your brain and back into your executive brain.
The Script: Tap while thinking or saying these words: “Even though I have all these exciting new ideas and I am afraid I will miss out if I don’t act now, I choose to trust my process. I am focused, I am grounded, and my best ideas aren’t going anywhere. I have plenty of time to grow.”
Let’s Clear the Path Together
You do not have to navigate the mental jungle all by yourself. You are doing amazing work, and your creativity is a gift, not a curse.
- Let’s see if we’re a good fit: I know the word “Consultation” can feel heavy, formal, and a little intimidating. Let’s call it a Connection Chat instead. We’ll hop on a call, see if we align, and talk about what “winning” looks like for you. Click here to find a time that works for you!
- Join the community: Every Monday at 11am PT, I host a Free Power Hour. It’s the perfect, non-judgmental space to practice “Writing It Out” or finishing that “boring” task you’ve been avoiding. Come get some “body doubling” support! Come hang out with us!
Join our next Power Hour - The ADHD Hack Guide: If you loved these hacks, you will love my book! It’s packed with 50 bite-sized, ADHD strategies designed specifically for your brilliant, busy mind. Grab your copy here!
