General Question

bccreative's avatar

Where do I learn about countering my ADD-like behavior?

Asked by bccreative (215points) December 28th, 2010

I’m a one-man design shop for past 7 years, and my bad habits are holding me back. I find tactical excuses not to do the difficult strategic work needed to grow the business. Although I’ve read and have understood many articles about things a business owner needs to do, I’m not progressing. It feels like an attitude or mindset problem and it’s frustrating, as is finding help beyond “just do it.”

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7 Answers

BarnacleBill's avatar

Perhaps you need a partner; not everyone is cut out to run a business or be self-employed.

But, barring that, find a psychologist in your area and get counseling/coaching to help you cultivate better habits. It can be done.

Have you tried medication?

marinelife's avatar

I have found that creative types do not necessarily have the skills to handle the business end of their work. Perhaps you could hire someone with the skills you lack. Is it sales? Project management? Administration? What are your areas of stumbling?

YARNLADY's avatar

I believe a vigorous exercise program can help make a difference. I suggest you swim for an hour a day.

Coloma's avatar

I agree with @marinelife

You are an idea generator but not the rocket launcher.
I think help after the take off is in order.

bccreative's avatar

@marinelife – Yes, there is some truth in the notion that right-brained creatives often are weak in many left-brained matters. But I’d still like to try to overcome some of that and grow (personally and the business) gradually. Researching and managing a hire is in itself a left-brained endeavor that I’m not quite prepared for (yet) but is a worthwhile, longer-term solution.
To better answer your questions, market research is the biggest area that seems somewhat confusing, time consuming and ‘unnatural’ to the point of… inaction. Administration too. And sure, throw in project management while we’re at it.
It’s unlikely that this is the forum for digging into each of my problems, so I’m looking for some approach to better comprehending and addressing my left-brained limitations and right-brained habits. It could be that the most efficient approach now is in fact counseling (per @BarnacleBill). But maybe there’s something worth reading on this topic?
Finally, I’m not completely inept… I do handle and serve my clients well, ocassionally subcontract out, and do excellent work. But I also feel “stuck.”

bccreative's avatar

(By the way, thank you all for your thoughts and ideas.)

Coloma's avatar

@bccreative

There is truth in that.

I am a highly creative left handed/right brained, non-linear type.

I can generate ideas like popcorn popping, but, bringing the discipline of follow through is my weak point, admittedly.

I DO follow through, often,and this is never an issue of integrity, but…I am much more of an expanding warehouse of ideas than I am the prototype maker.

I would be classified as a ‘Dynamic creative’ personality…fast on the draw, but need instant gratification.

This is why I write, decorate, instead of sew and paint.

Too long a gap in the reward system. lol

I recommend this book that was very interesting to me, along with the enneagram profiling to gain insight into your MO’s.

” Who are you, really?” by Gary Null Ph.D

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