Embracing Messy Action in Your Journey as an ADHDer: A Personal Experience

Post-its were used in this messy action

Last week, I launched my membership program. I refer to it as a thingy because, honestly, I wasn't sure what it was meant to be. The launch didn’t go as planned. It didn’t sell.

As someone with ADHD, my instinct was to scrap the idea entirely. The market had spoken, and clearly, they wanted something else. Moments of rejection can trigger RSD (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria) in many of us. However, after taking some time to reflect, I decided against completely discarding the idea. Instead, I chose to adapt and reshape it until it becomes something the market truly desires.

This process has been about taking messy action. And I mean really messy action.

If you're hesitant about taking that first step, here’s how I approached it.

Defining My Membership Program

What Exactly Am I Selling?

Initially, I called it a membership thingy. While this description fits in neurodivergent terms, it lacked clarity. When I launched, I hadn’t fully conceptualized what it was meant to be.

Confusion isn’t just mine; it’s likely to confuse the market too.

The first task on my messy action list was to define precisely what I was offering. This took time, as there were no clear categories that suited it. Here are the crucial questions I asked myself to find clarity:

1. Did I envision members undergoing a transformation, or was it simply a safe space?
2. If it was about transformation, could they achieve it without my input?
3. If it was to be a safe space, how would it differ from others available?
   
   

After answering these questions, I realized it is primarily a group program. My goal is to help members establish their brand identity. However, community support was also essential. Together, these elements provide the accountability needed for members to succeed.

Determining the Price Point

How Do I Value My Offering?

Pricing has always been a significant concern. Initially, I considered a high ticket price, which can be daunting for many with ADHD, as it often feels like paying the dreaded ADHD Tax.

Nevertheless, it’s crucial that the pricing works for me as a business owner, too. I asked myself some essential questions to find the right price point:

1. Does the price I’m considering reflect my expertise, experience, and knowledge?
2. Will this price transformation be viewed as an investment rather than a mere purchase?
3. Does this price allow for future growth of the group program?
   
   

Ultimately, I established a monthly cost that feels like an investment, offering significant value for the transformation provided.

Naming the Program

What Should We Call It?

I initially called my program “The B Club,” as in “Branding Club.” But frankly, this name didn’t excite me. I needed something more vibrant and fitting.

The name also didn’t align with how I generally name my business initiatives. Even branding experts can overlook their guidelines! I asked myself these questions:

1. Does the current name serve my aims?
2. Does it intrigue and captivate?
3. If not, what words or phrases better align with the transformation I want for members?
   
   

(Stay tuned to discover the new name I chose!)

The Struggles of Messy Action for ADHDers

Even now, I struggle with the idea of "Messy Action." For me, it signifies admitting mistakes. As someone with ADHD, I have faced numerous instances of getting it wrong, leading to a whirlwind of emotions. Admitting I’m not perfect doesn’t come easily.

Messy action means accepting that things won't always be flawless. There may be typos in my posts or failures in my membership launch, even after investing considerable effort.

However, that's the essence of entrepreneurship. It's all about taking messy action and progressing through the chaos.

Nonetheless, there’s a silver lining for us with ADHD: when we embrace messy action, we act quickly. We begin to trust our instincts, adjusting things before it's too late. While the process might appear chaotic to outsiders, it actually enables us to find the right answers faster.

The Outcome of Embracing Messy Action

By embracing messy action over the past week, I managed to revise "The B Club" into a newly branded initiative: Identity. This program is uniquely tailored for ADHDers, serving as the only branding program specifically designed for our community (to the best of our knowledge!).

Instead of lowering the subscription costs, we’ve incorporated multiple features to ensure our members have the best possible experience without the burden of the ADHD tax.

Could I have reached these conclusions without taking messy action? Perhaps. But, it would undoubtedly have taken a lot longer.

Conclusion

In summary, taking messy action has opened doors to opportunities I never expected. It’s a vital process for anyone, especially those navigating the unique challenges of ADHD. By moving forward, even when things feel uncertain, we create room for growth and transformation. So, don't fear the mess—embrace it!