Dear Neurodivergent Entrepreneur

As the year draws to a close, the mainstream business world bombards us with advice about financial planning and goal-setting for the upcoming year.

We're told to map out our first quarter, set ambitious targets for the entirety of 2025, and strive for tangible achievements – secure X new clients, launch Y new products, or host Z workshops. Social media is flooded with entrepreneurs proudly sharing their grand resolutions and success metrics.

But let's pause for a moment and consider the impact of this approach on our neurodiverse minds. As women who grapple with overwhelm and burnout, the pressure to conform to these conventional business practices is daunting and exhausting.

I know firsthand the cost chasing arbitrary goals can take on our wellbeing. In the past, I've fallen into the trap of setting lofty objectives based on what I thought I "should" be doing, rather than what aligned with my values and energy levels. The result? Burnout, self-doubt, and a feeling of falling short - every single time.

We don't have to follow the herd. As neurodiverse entrepreneurs, we have the opportunity to redefine what succes means. 

We can choose to focus on intentions rather than rigid goals, prioritising our wellbeing and trusting in the unfolding of our unique neurodiverse paths.

 Intentions are rooted in the present moment and guide us to align our actions with our values. They create space for flexibility, self-compassion, and intuitive decision-making. When we set intentions, we shift our focus from external achievements to internal growth and fulfilment.

So, instead of fixating on hitting specific revenue targets or launching a certain number of products, what if we set intentions like:

• I intend to prioritise rest and self-care, at all times and even during busy periods.

• I intend to nurture my creativity and trust in the unique value I bring to my clients.
• I intend to make financial decisions that support my long-term wellbeing and stability.

By leading with intentions, we create a more sustainable and compassionate approach to business growth. We allow ourselves the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and honour our needs and energy levels. And most importantly, we prioritise our mental health and overall wellbeing.

For example, if a lucrative, shiny new opportunity comes our way—like a book deal, a juicy collaboration or a high-profile speaking opportunity— instead of rushing into it let’s pause and consider the impact on our long-term goal of a profitable AND peaceful business. When we say yes to anything, we are always saying no to something else. Let’s make sure we’re not saying no to our peace.

Questions we can ask ourselves:

• Realistically, do I have time for this?
• Do I really want this or is it something I think I should want?
• Is the energy of this collaboration in line with my values and energy?
• Am I making too many compromises to make this fit?

I have turned down TV appearances, multiple high-profile collaborations and numerous amounts of high-paying clients because they just didn’t align with my values or nervous system—I have never once regretted those decisions.

I invite you to challenge the mainstream narrative this year. Instead of getting caught up in goal-setting and resolution-making, why not take some time to reflect on how you want to feel in your business and life. What values do you want to embody? 

To give you some insight, here are three of my fundamental values in both my life and business, along with what they signify for me: 

1. Peace. I prioritise maintaining a regulated nervous system and aim to help others achieve the same. While we can't completely avoid life's disruptions, I choose not to engage in activities that significantly disturb this balance. I rely on grounding, peaceful practices, such as meditation, writing, walking, and spending time in nature, to help maintain peace and realign my system if needed.
2. Wisdom. Wisdom encourages us to listen deeply, learn from experiences, and apply this knowledge to make informed decisions and foster resilience. It’s about balancing intuition with intellect and using our insights to navigate challenges with empathy and grace. In my practice, nurturing wisdom involves creating spaces for reflection, embracing diverse perspectives, and valuing the insights that each of us brings to the table. 
3. Faith. I’m not religious but I’m deeply spiritual. I have faith in my abilities as a leader and as a kind and compassionate human being. I have faith that the universe is always working toward my highest good. In practice, this means that I no longer need to ‘grab’ onto anything (qualifications/knowledge/people/opportunities) to make my ego feel better, or spend too much time worrying about what people think of me.

What intentions will guide your decisions and actions?

 Trust that as you align your energy with what feels true and nourishing for you, opportunities and abundance will naturally flow your way. I know this is true due to my own experiences, but I’ve also seen it happen for my clients. Trust. 

You have a unique brilliance to offer the world, and the most impactful way to share it is by honouring your authentic self.

Some other posts you'll like:

1. How To Unmask In Your Business (11 Ways)
2. I Wouldn't Be Successful Without Help From Others
3. The Gift Of Hyperfocus: It's an Outstanding Business Strength 
4. Why Proactive Rest is a Great Strategy for Neurodiverse Women