The Secret Weapon for ADHD Entrepreneurs: Harnessing Focus Through Intermittent Fasting
As a female entrepreneur, I know firsthand the multitude of challenges we face on our path to success. From the moment we awake to the closing of our laptops at the end of our work day, we juggle the fine balance between nurturing our businesses and honoring our personal well-being. Our roles are numerous, but amidst the chaos, we often neglect the most crucial component of our productivity: self-care. I recently sat down to interview Marisa Moon, where she discusses this very topic in relation to ADHD, intermittent fasting, and deep work – a conversation aligned perfectly with what so many of us need to hear.
During our conversation, it became clear that the demands we face as female entrepreneurs can lead to burnout and a sense of scarcity that hampers our decision-making. Marisa's wisdom on this hit home, reminding me that listening to our inner voice is critical when confronting our ambitions and the hype that surrounds them.
Even with her successful ranking as a health coach, Marisa faced her own hurdles when deciding to write a book on intermittent fasting. She delayed several years before writing her book, caused by burnout and a fear of scarcity, which eventually gave way when she found peace in the idea of self-publishing. The book became an extension of her and her business, channeling her valuable knowledge and expertise into something tangible that could benefit others. For me, this became a testament to the idea that taking a step back to recuperate can often propel us forward more powerfully.
As female entrepreneurs, we're no strangers to feelings of self-doubt, especially when faced with daunting projects like writing a book or launching a new venture. Yet, Marisa's eight months of dedication to full-time writing is a sterling example of deep focused work resulting in remarkable outcomes.
One of the most inspiring takeaways was Marisa's approach to social media – often considered an inextricable part of our hustling culture – which she set aside to care for herself and concentrate on writing. This unconventional form of self-care allowed her to resist external pressure and deadlines, embracing a pace that suited her needs and health.
As a fellow female entrepreneur managing ADHD, Marisa's exploration into intermittent fasting was not solely for productivity but also as a method to tackle her digestive issues. The book she authored is based on the RESET method she developed, offering a sustainable approach to fasting with an emphasis on accessibility for those with ADHD. It's a striking example of how our personal challenges can lead to breakthrough innovations that support our health while contributing to our business ventures.
We also addressed the stigmatization of self-care, bringing to light the often misconceived notion of self-care as selfishness, particularly for those of us managing ADHD. The discussion between us about distorted time relationships and the importance of trusting our intuition struck a chord, highlighting the relevance of timing and inner knowing, traits we often overlook amid our busy schedules.
Listening to Marisa reflect on her fasting experience and its positive impact on her cognitive function during a challenging presentation, even when recovering from a COVID-19 infection, provided a powerful anecdote that underscored the potential benefits of intermittent fasting for mental clarity and performance, something any entrepreneur with ADHD would be attracted to.
As female entrepreneurs, we already possess the drive; what's often missing is the intentional commitment to self-care and the methods that integrate seamlessly into our dynamic lives. Marisa Moon's insights have illuminated the multifaceted nature of self-care, helping us understand that it is not a luxury but a fundamental aspect of achieving our entrepreneurial goals without compromising our well-being.
Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or Instagram @coachdiannwingert or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to hear the full episode on The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast, you can do that here.