ADHD Boredom? Let’s Talk What to Renew & What to Release
When ADHD boredom hits, it’s often a signal to refine—not abandon—what’s already working.
Boredom doesn’t always mean your business is failing—or that you are.
The Hidden Friction of Success With ADHD: When Boredom Strikes
As entrepreneurs with ADHD, our brains are hardwired to chase novelty and excitement. Remember that almost giddy enthusiasm when you created a new product, launched your membership, or mapped out your dream course? Fast forward a few months—or, if you're lucky, a year—and suddenly that irresistible offer becomes the last thing you want to talk about. Even worse, it might be your most successful venture to date.
So why does something that is working for you start to feel like a burden? This is the destructive side of adhd boredom meeting shiny object syndrome. Entrepreneurs with ADHD are really, really good at starting things, and we really suck at staying interested in them over time. It's not a lack of gratitude or discipline; it's neurobiology. Understanding adhd boredom is the first step toward renewing interest adhd entrepreneurs can sustain.
The ADHD Brain and the Dopamine Dilemma
At the core of this struggle lies dopamine dysregulation. Our brains crave higher levels of stimulation to stay engaged. The initial thrill of building something new delivers a delicious dopamine hit; routine and repetition, however, bring that stimulation crashing down. Repetition and routine can feel like kryptonite. The catch? We often misinterpret this adhd boredom as a sign we're on the wrong path, instead of what it really means: our brains are simply wired differently.
But adhd boredom doesn't always mean your business (or your offer) is failing—or that you are. More often, it's a cue to re-examine, not to burn it all down. Learning to distinguish between shiny object syndrome and genuine strategic pivots is crucial.
The PROOF Framework: Renew or Release?
So, how do you decide whether to "bless and release" an offer—or breathe new life into it? I created the PROOF framework for renewing interest adhd entrepreneurs can actually maintain. Let me break it down for you:
Profitability: Is it still making you money, or could it with some tweaks? If it's profitable, your adhd boredom is an expensive indulgence—think before you quit.
Relevance: Does it align with who you are now and where your business is headed? Sometimes we outgrow offers; other times, we're simply restless and falling prey to shiny object syndrome.
Operation: Is it the offer you're bored with—or how you're delivering it? Small changes, like outsourcing admin or switching to asynchronous delivery, can be key strategies for renewing interest adhd entrepreneurs struggle to maintain.
Opportunity Cost: What are you missing out on because you're doing this? If it blocks genuinely better opportunities, it may be time to let go.
Fresh Eyes: Could someone else run this for you (or help with the boring parts)? Delegation, automation, or even licensing can keep you profitable and free up your creative energy.
Before making a big move, I recommend walking through each part of PROOF—longhand, pen and paper—to clarify whether your next step is renewal or release, preventing shiny object syndrome from making the decision for you.
Boredom-Proofing Your Business for the Long Haul
If PROOF points to "renew," how do you stay engaged, even after the honeymoon phase is over? My boredom-proofing tips for managing adhd boredom and renewing interest adhd entrepreneurs need include:
Build Rotation Into Your Business Model: Avoid monotony by designing cycles or "seasons" into your workflow.
Create Variety Within Consistency: Offer the same program to different cohorts, switch up guest speakers, or change examples—structure remains, but delivery stays fresh, addressing adhd boredom without abandoning what works.
Embrace Constraints as Creativity Tools: Self-imposed limits ("I'll teach this with only movie analogies!") can awaken creativity and excitement.
Strategically Delegate: Give away low-stimulation, admin-heavy work to others who enjoy it—protect your time for high-impact, interesting tasks that prevent adhd boredom.
Accept Necessary Boredom: Not every aspect of business will thrill you. Aim for a mix that keeps you focused, allowing a few "eat your vegetables" tasks without resentment or triggering shiny object syndrome.
Permission to Evolve
Above all, I’m advocating for flexibility. Give yourself permission to change your offers and evolve your business model. This isn't a sign of failure—it means you're building a business able to grow with the ever-evolving you, through strategic renewing interest adhd approaches rather than reactive abandonment.
Action Step:
Pick one thing in your business you feel "meh" about, and run it through the PROOF framework. Decide: Is it time to renew or release? Make that decision strategically—not just because adhd boredom has you looking for the next shiny object on a boring Tuesday.
You're not broken; your business just needs to fit how your brain works. Breathe new life into what matters or give yourself permission to close one chapter and create something exciting—on purpose, not because of shiny object syndrome.
If you'd like to hear the full episode on the ADHD-ish Podcast, you can do that here.