Meet Lorna Thomas

I can help you identify and develop strategies that align with your unique way of thinking. We’ll work on practical techniques for managing your business while embracing your creativity and your fast brain. Together, we’ll tackle challenges like prioritisation, time management, and self-sabotage, so you can build a business that makes the most of your strengths.

Focus can be particularly challenging for creative business owners with ADHD. One effective strategy is to break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. This can be easier said than done. But by collaborating with someone who understands the challenges you face, you can learn to recognise your strengths and build upon your existing strategies to achieve the outcomes you want. For example: · We can work through identifying your true priorities – this is a valuable exercise that can help you concentrate on what’s most important, transforming your creativity into actionable steps. · Routine or structure can feel constricting, but having some kind of framework for your day can be incredibly beneficial. So we can work out the best time management tools and techniques for you as an individual (what works for one person with ADHD might not work for another). · And we can introduce new approaches tailored to your unique needs, enabling you to evolve your workflow so that it supports your creativity, productivity and need for stimulation.

It’s common for creative people with ADHD to have a flood of ideas that lead to feelings of overwhelm. One way to manage this effectively is to keep an ideas journal where you can jot down thoughts as they come. This allows you to capture inspiration without the pressure of acting on every idea immediately. · For your ‘to do’ list, consider using a prioritisation method like Stephen Covey’s ‘Eisenhower’ or Time Matrix , which helps you categorise tasks based on urgency and importance. · You can also break your list down into daily or weekly goals, focusing on just one or two key tasks at a time. This can prevent the list from feeling insurmountable. · Another strategy is to set specific times during the week for brainstorming and organising your ideas. However, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, sometimes even doing one of these things can feel like too much. So one of the things we can do together is to establish a regular review process where you sort through your ideas, decide which ones to pursue, and create actionable steps for those that resonate most. This will help you maintain clarity and direction without feeling bogged down . Because I understand the challenges you deal with, I can give you accountability and support that will help you keep your ideas organised and your ‘to do’ list manageable. Together, we’ll implement strategies that harness your creativity while ensuring you don’t become overwhelmed.

Self-sabotage often stems from limiting beliefs and fear of failure. As your coach and mentor, I’ll work with you on mindset shifts to help you recognise and challenge these beliefs. We’ll develop practical strategies to reduce procrastination and negative self-talk and build your confidence and resilience, turning setbacks into learning opportunities and reinforcing a positive self-image that empowers you to take action.

For business owners with ADHD, cultivating a growth mindset is crucial. You’re a natural problem solver and while you are clearly NOT a problem to be solved(!), embracing the idea that challenges are opportunities for growth is a fabulous strategy. We’ll work together to understand and reframe negative and limiting thoughts and reinforce your strengths as a creative entrepreneur. By identifying meaningful success criteria you’ll be focusing on progress rather than perfection, while fostering your resilience and motivation.

Your work environment plays a significant role in your productivity. We can explore ways to design a space that minimises distractions and enhances focus. This may include organising your workspace, using visual reminders, and incorporating elements that inspire your creativity. There are many ways of doing this, but the goal is to create an environment that supports your unique working style.

It's not uncommon for creative business owners with ADHD to excel at planning but struggle to execute those plans. As your coach, we’ll break down your plans into actionable steps, setting realistic timelines and checkpoints to keep you on track. I’ll provide ongoing support and accountability, helping you maintain momentum and adapt your approach as needed to ensure you follow through on your goals.

Even though many creative people thrive on pressure, procrastination can be a significant hurdle, especially for solo entrepreneurs. I can help you create a structure that works for you, including external accountability measures. We’ll develop a system that includes setting smaller, more manageable deadlines and using tools to track your progress. Together, we’ll explore strategies to create urgency and motivation, turning deadlines into manageable milestones rather than overwhelming barriers.

It’s exciting to start new projects, but this shouldn’t stop you from seeing your important projects through to conclusion. We’ll focus on identifying the reasons behind your difficulty in finishing tasks - whether it’s loss of interest, overwhelm, or distraction. I can then help you implement accountability techniques, set clear milestones, and help you maintain your focus on the finish line while celebrating your efforts and achievements along the way.

The boring tasks are often what hold us back - and when you work for yourself, you can’t delegate them! But there are ways to make the boring stuff more manageable and potentially enjoyable, such as creating a reward system, or breaking tasks into smaller, bite-sized pieces to make them feel less daunting. We can also explore ways to integrate them into your workflow creatively, turning them into quick wins that build your momentum.

Absolutely. Many creative business owners with ADHD find that working with a coach gives them the direction, accountability, sounding board and support they need to build confidence and thrive on their own terms. This isn’t about being defined by having ADHD: it’s about embracing positive characteristics while using effective strategies to reduce the impact of any negative characteristics. This is about you finding new ways to be who you want to be – on your own terms. Together, we’ll create a tailored plan that aligns with your goals and aspirations, helping you overcome obstacles and celebrate your achievements along the way. Your journey is uniquely yours, and I’m here to help you navigate it.

Yes! I work with many clients who have received Access To Work funding for ADHD and neurodivergent-aware business coaching or workplace strategy coaching. If you’ve been awarded this funding and are looking for the right coach, get in touch by phone or email - I’d be happy to discuss what you need and how I can support you.