
Creating an annual plan for your business is a powerful way to gain clarity, set meaningful goals, and channel your energy into focused action—especially for ADHD entrepreneurs. Traditional planning can feel overwhelming or restrictive, but with the right approach, you can harness your strengths, honour your unique thinking style, and get results without burning out.
Here’s how to create an ADHD-friendly annual plan that works for you:
Paint the Big Picture
Before diving into detailed goals, start with your vision for the year. Think about:
Where do I want my business to be in 12 months?
What kind of impact do I want to make?
How do I want my work-life balance to feel?
Write your vision down in vibrant detail. Let it be your north star when distractions try to pull you off course.
ADHD Tip: Make your vision come alive with a mind map or a vision board—anything that feels fun and visually engaging.
Focus on Three Core Priorities
ADHD brains thrive when they channel energy into clear, focused goals. Instead of spreading yourself thin, choose three key priorities that will move you toward your vision.
Examples:
Expanding your client base
Launching a new service
Streamlining your processes
These priorities will guide your actions and keep you aligned with what matters most.
Break It Down into Quarterly Goals
Annual goals can feel too far away—and that makes it easy to lose focus. Instead, chunk the year into four quarters and set clear, actionable goals for each.
Ask yourself:
What milestone will bring me closer to my core priority this quarter?
What tangible result can I work towards?
Example: If growing your client base is a priority, your Q1 goal could be to sign 10 new clients.
Build a Flexible Action Plan
Rigid plans can stifle creativity and lead to frustration. Opt for a flexible roadmap instead. For each quarterly goal, outline monthly or weekly actions that feel achievable and motivating.
Example: If your quarterly goal is to sign 10 new clients, your monthly tasks might look like this:
January: Refresh your website with a compelling services page.
February: Launch a social media campaign.
March: Host a free webinar to showcase your expertise.
By breaking big goals into small steps, you’ll create a sense of progress and momentum.
Create Systems for Consistency
Staying on track doesn’t have to be a struggle when you have the right systems in place.
Time-blocking: Schedule focused work sessions for priority tasks.
Reminders and alarms: Use digital tools to keep important actions front and centre.
Accountability: Work with a coach, join a mastermind group, or find a buddy who gets it.
Review and Refine
Your plan isn’t set in stone—it’s a living guide. Review your progress regularly to celebrate wins, identify challenges, and adjust course.
Questions for monthly check-ins:
What worked well this month?
Where did I hit roadblocks?
What’s my next best step?
Prioritise Rest and Recharging
Growth isn’t sustainable without rest. Build time for breaks, creative play, and self-care into your plan to keep your energy flowing.
Conclusion
An ADHD-friendly annual plan blends structure with flexibility. By starting with your vision, focusing on priorities, and using actionable steps, you’ll turn your big ideas into real progress—without getting lost in overwhelm.
Remember: Progress beats perfection every time.
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