Break the Rules, Get Results: Building Your Own Path as an ADHD Entrepreneur

This blog is based on podcast episode 232 of Multiplier Mindset® with Dan Sullivan on which I appeared May 7, 2025.

Ever wonder why following the rules rarely gets you the results you want? Have you been called a troublemaker—or worse, an oddball—because you find faster, better ways to solve problems? Do you feel out of place in a world obsessed with strict systems and black-and-white thinking? You’re not alone, and you’re in the right room.

Don't feel like reading? Listen to the episode.

MultiplierMindset_BreakTheRulesGetResultsAndGetPaidwithAndreBrisson

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Why Rule-Following Rarely Works for Us

Let’s face it, the world is built for rule-followers. But what if your brain is wired for shortcuts and creative problem-solving? I had the privilege of being interviewed by Strategic Coach® on their podcast, The Multiplier Mindset®. Dan Sullivan, founder of Strategic Coach, introduced me and talked about why entrepreneurs with ADHD—and those who think differently—should reject one-size-fits-all systems. Dan gets it: “Entrepreneurs as a species are actually shortcut creators. They create shortcuts…they have faster ways of getting results.”

Most school systems and traditional professions beat this out of people. But those shortcuts? That’s where the gold is. If following rules leads you to bland results, maybe it’s time to focus on building—and owning—your way of doing things.

Strength in Being the Outlier

Dan nailed it when he said, “Everything that works in your life is where you've created a new solution for yourself. And where things don't work is where you're trying to fit into other people's systems.” Sound familiar? Those of us who can’t help but tinker and find better ways often get labelled as rebels or troublemakers. That’s me!! But in our space, it’s celebrated.

For most of my career, I got pushback for not doing things the “right” way. In engineering, most cross the road at the same corner—every time. I cross where it makes sense for the project. Sure, it can rattle the rule-followers, but clients remember who solved their impossible situation, not who ticked every box.

Turning Weaknesses into Strengths

Late diagnosed with ADHD? Welcome to the club. Both Dan and I have spent most of our lives trying to fit into systems that were never designed for us. The trick is to accept that maybe the way you naturally do things isn’t a flaw. In fact, it’s your edge – your value to the world. I revamped my business after realizing I was spending all my energy fighting broken systems, not building what worked for me — or my ideal clients.

Embrace Your Unique System

Here’s the truth: The clients who love you the most are the ones who value your weird approach. I stopped chasing every gig, ditched the boring stuff, and focused on the work that lights me up. Now, my best clients wait for those consulting days, because they know I go beyond textbook answers—I get them results.

Your ability to simplify, create systems, and break out of step-by-step thinking? That’s your specialty. Don’t ignore it. You may be the odd one out in traditional fields, but you’re exactly what innovative clients need.

Build Your Outcast Community

Let’s quit pretending to fit in. The magic happens when you own your unique self and build your life around it. You’ll attract better clients, build a stronger team, and enjoy your work again. To quote Dan, “If you're willing to think about your thinking… you'll notice that you've created a completely original system.”

Action Steps: Make Your Own Rules

• Reflect: What “rules” or systems do you keep bumping up against? What have you built on your own that works? Follow your rules!

• Focus on Your Edge: List what you do differently that gives faster, better results for the right people. Most likely, things others critique are not the right way of doing things.

• Find Your People: Spend less time with those who demand rule-following; seek out other outcasts who get it.

• Build Your System: Instead of fixing broken systems, double down on your own—and keep improving it. I did. It is working, and I am having more fun.

You’re not alone in this. The ADHD Entrepreneur community thrives when we break the rules, get results, and support each other. If you’re ready to stop apologizing for doing things your way, you’re already one of us.

Get in touch, share your story, and let’s keep making our “odd” the new normal—together.