From Chaos to Focus: ADHD Business Owner Productivity in 4 Steps

Why ADHD business owner productivity needs a different approach

As an ADHD business owner productivity is not about trying harder. That only burns you out. It is about working with your brain so progress feels doable. Traditional neurotypical tips did not stick for me. I tried apps and strict routines. Nothing lasted. Then I implemented Ali Alqarag’s four steps to hyperfocus and, as a result, my productivity lifted fast.

From Chaos to Focus ADHD business owner’s guide to productivity with Ellie Clare on a purple-blue banner.

I was always angry at myself for not being able to do more each day! I would get burned out on a monthly basis, and even had chronic fatuge for years… Then I learned this system and everything changed. – Ellie Clare

The turning point for my productivity

I handled clients, content and admin at once. Consequently, I switched tasks all day. I took Ali’s course, and then my team did too. We gained a shared system, so work felt calmer and output improved. It is an evolving approach. My belief is simple: small steps every day create a big shift by year’s end.

The 4-step hyperfocus method for ADHD business owner productivity

Ellie Clare pointing to ‘Subtract’ — remove distractions before you focus.

Subtract: remove the noise first

Start by clearing distractions. Turn off non-essential notifications. Mute busy chats. Tidy the desk. Set quiet hours. Put the phone out of reach. Consequently, your brain has space to focus.

Our world is built for distraction, so it is no surprise you feel it. This step was the most rewarding for me. I had done it before, yet notifications crept back. Therefore, I reset my rules and defended them daily.

Ellie Clare presenting ‘Add’ build a simple ADHD-friendly system.

Add: build a simple system that fits

After subtraction, add light structure that serves you.

  • Clarity: define weekly outcomes.
    My flow: I keep a monthly list, then plan each day. Every task is booked into my calendar. My CRM or assistant helps schedule items.
  • Prioritisation: choose work that moves the business forward.
    I am the revenue driver. Therefore, I prioritise money-making tasks and delegate or automate the rest with AI, my assistant or trusted suppliers.
  • Time management: do it now or schedule it.
    I live by my calendar. Every task is scheduled. This reduces mental clutter and removes decision fatigue.
  • Execution: start with the first small step.
    Starting is the hardest part. Once I begin, momentum follows and hyperfocus kicks in.
Ellie Clare beside ‘Divide’ break big tasks into small, doable steps.

Divide: break work into tiny actions

Big tasks feel heavy. Instead, split them. For example, for a client landing page:

  • Complete competitor research
  • Extract keywords and phrases
  • Draft homepage copy
  • Send for client approval
  • Load content into the site
  • Create and optimise images
  • Set meta titles and descriptions
  • Add internal and external links
  • Connect the contact form
  • Test user flows
  • Launch

Each small win builds momentum. Then motivation follows. I now keep detailed checklists in Trello so every step and asset sits on the card. This reduces roadblocks and makes the next action obvious.

Ellie Clare pointing to ‘Multiply’ repeat habits to compound results.

Multiply: repeat and compound results

Run the cycle daily. Because you repeat it, it becomes habit. Over time, results compound and your productivity improves.

I set a standing reminder at the end of each day to review tasks, calendar and team chats. I line up tomorrow’s plan before I leave. Therefore, I walk in and start without friction.

Tools that make the system stick

  • Google Workspace: every task lives in Calendar or Tasks with a time.
  • Focusmate: body-doubling keeps me on task.
  • Timers: match a timer to the time box. Hyperfocus can stretch time, so a countdown protects your day.
  • Visual time cues: my RGB office lighting shifts hourly, which reminds me to reset.

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Team practices that support ADHD business owner productivity

We plan in short sprints and review outcomes, not busywork. Meetings follow Subtract, Add, Divide and Multiply. We confirm one owner, one next action and one due date. If you are a solo founder, you can still mirror this with a daily stand-up note to yourself and a weekly review.

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A simple daily flow you can copy (service business examples)

  1. Subtract: clear space and mute noise.
    Examples: close proposal tabs, silence group chats, put phone in a drawer, archive old client threads, clear your whiteboard.
  2. Add: choose three outcomes and time-box them.
    Examples: send two proposals (30 mins), complete one client report (60 mins), film one short video (30 mins).
  3. Divide: split the first outcome into three actions. Start one.
    Examples: for a report: pull analytics, write insights, record loom summary. Begin with the data pull.
  4. Multiply: repeat the cycle after each break.
    Examples: run another 60-minute block for proposals, then a 15-minute admin sweep, then reset for delivery work.

Results you can expect

You will switch less. You will start sooner. Your team will align better. Most importantly, you will finish more of the work that matters.

Key takeaways

  • ADHD business owner productivity improves when you remove noise first.
  • Add clarity and light structure, then start small.
  • Divide big projects into steps, and repeat the cycle daily.
  • Use practical tools like Google Workspace, Focusmate, Trello, lists and timers.

Ready to try it?

If you want a set-up that fits your brain, I can help. Book a coaching call and I can help you tailor your workflow for results that last.


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