As a neurodivergent business owner, you’ve likely created vision boards, jotted dreams in notebooks, or sketched out plans on scraps of paper. But turning those visions into reality can sometimes feel like herding cats. Let’s dive into how you can bring your goals to fruition, despite the challenges of neurodivergence.

Understanding Your Circle of Control

One of the most crucial things to grasp is the concept of your circle of control. Stephen Covey’s famous circles—circle of control, circle of influence, and circle of concern—highlight that we can only control our own actions and responses. It’s easy to get caught up in worrying about whether people will buy your products or services, but this is beyond your control. What you can manage is how you market your business, what you offer, and how you present those offerings.

Focusing on what you can control helps reduce stress and increases productivity. You can spend hours fretting about market trends or competitors, but your energy is better spent refining your marketing strategies or enhancing your product line. When you zero in on your actions, you empower yourself to make tangible changes and improvements.

This approach isn’t just about reducing anxiety—it’s also about maximizing effectiveness. When you direct your energy toward areas you can influence, you’ll see better results. You’ll be more strategic in your efforts, less bogged down by external pressures, and more proactive in driving your business forward. Remember, control what you can, and let the rest go.

Breaking Down Goals into Actionable Plans

Long-term planning can feel overwhelming, especially when someone asks about your five-year plan. For many neurodivergent individuals, thinking that far ahead can be paralyzing. Instead, start with a more manageable timeframe, like one year. Identify your yearly goals and then break those down into quarterly targets. This makes the big picture less intimidating and helps you stay on track.

Once you have your quarterly targets, break them down further into monthly milestones. This incremental approach allows you to focus on smaller, more immediate tasks without losing sight of your larger objectives. It’s like eating an elephant one bite at a time. By focusing on one month at a time, you can make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Finally, take those monthly milestones and break them down into weekly actions. This reverse engineering approach ensures that your daily and weekly activities are aligned with your long-term goals. By planning your weeks with specific actions that contribute to your monthly and quarterly objectives, you create a clear path to achieving your annual goals. This structure not only keeps you organized but also provides a sense of accomplishment as you complete each small task, building momentum toward your bigger dreams.

Defining Success on Your Terms

Forget the notion that success equals a six-figure income. Success is personal and can change over time. When I started my business in 2009, success meant earning enough to stay home with my kids. I wanted the flexibility to attend school events, be a hockey mom, and be present for my children. This definition of success fulfilled my personal and family needs at that time.

As my circumstances have changed, so has my definition of success. With my husband nearing retirement, my goals have shifted. Now, success involves planning for a future where we can enjoy our time together, perhaps traveling or pursuing hobbies we love. This evolution of success is natural and reflects the changing priorities and stages of life we all experience.

What does success look like for you? It’s your journey, so paint your own picture and strive for what truly matters to you, not what others deem successful. Whether it’s financial independence, work-life balance, or making a difference in your community, your success should be defined by your values and aspirations. Don’t let societal pressures dictate your goals. Embrace your unique path and celebrate your achievements, no matter how different they may look from the conventional definition of success.

The Value of SMART Goals

Yes, people often criticize SMART goals, but they serve a purpose. A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For instance, instead of vaguely wanting to “grow your email list,” aim to “increase your email list by 500 subscribers within three months by offering a new freebie and running Facebook ads.” This clarity helps you focus your efforts and measure your progress effectively.

Specificity in goal setting eliminates ambiguity and provides a clear target to aim for. When your goals are measurable, you can track your progress and make necessary adjustments. This allows you to see what’s working and what’s not, giving you the data needed to make informed decisions. Actionable goals ensure that you focus on activities within your control, rather than outcomes that depend on external factors.

Relevance ensures that your goals align with your broader objectives and values. Time-bound goals create a sense of urgency and help you prioritize your actions. By setting deadlines, you’re more likely to stay motivated and on track. Embracing SMART goals doesn’t mean you’re adhering to a rigid framework—it means you’re giving yourself the best chance to succeed by setting clear, attainable, and meaningful objectives.

Staying Flexible Amidst the Chaos

Life happens. Cars break down, kids get sick, and unexpected events disrupt your plans. Flexibility is key. Regularly revisit and adjust your plans to accommodate life’s curveballs. This adaptability ensures you don’t get derailed by unforeseen circumstances and allows you to pivot and stay on course, maintaining progress towards your goals even when things go awry.

When you’ve broken down your goals into manageable chunks, it’s easier to make adjustments. If something unexpected comes up, you can see how it impacts your weekly or monthly plans and shift things around accordingly. This proactive approach helps you stay resilient in the face of challenges, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for growth and learning.

Being flexible doesn’t mean you’re abandoning your goals; it means you’re realistic about the ebb and flow of life. By maintaining a flexible mindset, you can adapt to changes without losing sight of your ultimate objectives. This balance of structure and flexibility is essential for navigating the unpredictable nature of business and life, ensuring you stay on track while remaining adaptable to whatever comes your way.

 

Taking control of your actions empowers you to shape your business and life. By planning meticulously, breaking down goals, defining personal success, and staying flexible, you can navigate the challenges of neurodivergence and achieve your dreams. Remember, it’s not about how much you earn or what others think. It’s about creating a fulfilling, successful life on your terms. So, get out there, make those plans, and turn your dreams into reality. You’ve got this!