Why Your Gut Feeling is a Game-Changer for Entrepreneurs with ADHD 

If you’re an entrepreneur with ADHD, you’ve likely been advised to “be more logical,” “think things through,” or “avoid being impulsive.” However, your ability to make swift, intuitive decisions can be one of your most significant strengths. 

Intuition is more than a vague feeling; it’s a potent decision-making tool, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Your brain is designed to process information in rapid, non-linear ways, making it naturally adept at intuitive thinking. Instead of overanalyzing every detail—which can lead to burnout and decision paralysis—you often just know what feels right. Neuroscience supports this. 

So, how can you discern when to trust your gut and when to pause? And how can you enhance your intuition while working with your ADHD brain, not against it? Let’s explore.

The Neuroscience of Intuition: How Your ADHD Brain Processes Information Differently

Your brain processes information uniquely compared to neurotypical brains. While many rely on step-by-step logic, ADHD brains excel at rapid pattern recognition, making connections in innovative and unexpected ways. This sharpens your intuition—if you learn to harness it effectively.

1. Your Brain is Wired for Quick Decision-Making 

Research indicates that the right hemisphere of the brain, associated with emotions, pattern recognition, intuition, and creativity, often exhibits dominance in individuals with ADHD. This dominance facilitates swift, intuitive decision-making, as the right brain thrives on connections and holistic processing.

2. The Gut-Brain Connection: Your “Second Brain” Speaks 

The gut-brain connection is real, and for individuals with ADHD—who may experience heightened interoception (awareness of internal body signals)—this connection can be even more pronounced. The enteric nervous system (ENS), often termed the “second brain,” communicates with your central nervous system, influencing emotions, intuition, and decision-making. 

That unexplainable feeling about something before you can articulate why? That’s your gut-brain axis at work, processing subconscious cues.

3. ADHD and Dopamine: The Overthinking Trap 

ADHD brains have a unique relationship with dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and reward. Overanalyzing can deplete dopamine levels, leading to decision paralysis—being stuck in endless loops of “what if?” and “should I?” In contrast, intuitive, swift decisions can feel more natural and aligned, as they may better satisfy the brain’s dopamine-driven reward system.

Strategies to Enhance Intuition While Managing ADHD 

1. Differentiate Between Impulsivity and Intuition For individuals with ADHD, distinguishing between impulse and intuition can be challenging. 

Here’s how to tell them apart:  

  • Impulsivity feels hurried, reactive, and often stems from an immediate need (e.g., seeking dopamine, boredom, or avoidance).

  • Intuition presents as a deep, calm knowing. It’s not merely excitement—it’s alignment.

🐿️Try this: Before acting, take a deep breath and ask yourself: Am I rushing this for instant gratification, or does this genuinely feel right?

2. Implement the 10-Second Rule for Decision-Making 

Rather than engaging in prolonged, exhausting decision-making processes, try this ADHD-friendly approach:  

  • If a decision feels clearly right or wrong within 10 seconds, trust that feeling.

  • If you feel overwhelmed or uncertain, step away and engage in an unrelated activity. ADHD brains often process decisions better in the background than through deliberate overthinking.

3. Maintain an “Intuition Journal” 

Begin documenting instances when you followed (or ignored) your intuition and the outcomes. Over time, patterns will emerge, helping you understand how your intuition communicates.  

  • Did you sense a problematic collaboration before issues arose?

  • Were you drawn to an opportunity that proved to be a perfect fit?

Recording these moments builds trust in your internal guidance system. 

4. Incorporate Movement Before Making Decisions 

ADHD brains often function optimally during physical activity. Before making a significant decision, take a walk, stretch, or pace around your workspace. Physical movement can help integrate subconscious insights into conscious awareness. 

5. Minimize Mental Clutter 

Excessive external stimuli (e.g., emails, social media, unsolicited advice) can drown out intuition. 

Consider:  

  • Brain-dumping: Write down all your swirling thoughts to clear mental space.

  • Sensory breaks: Step away from screens and allow your brain time to process.

  • Limiting external opinions: Too much input can lead to indecision. Consult yourself first.

6. Follow Your Passion 

Your intuition often manifests as excitement, curiosity, or an inexplicable pull toward something. Individuals with ADHD thrive on passion-driven work, so if something energizes you, it’s likely a strong signal from your intuition. 

🧠Ask yourself: Is this excitement deep and enduring, or merely a fleeting dopamine hit? Genuine intuition aligns with long-term passions, not just momentary novelty. 

Your Intuition is a Superpower—Embrace It 

For entrepreneurs with ADHD, intuition isn’t just beneficial—it’s vital. Your capacity to make rapid, instinctive decisions, recognize patterns, and deeply feel experiences is a competitive advantage. The more you practice listening to your gut (while managing impulsivity), the stronger and more reliable it becomes. 

So, the next time you experience a profound knowing about something—trust it. Your ADHD brain is designed to excel with intuition, and embracing it unlocks your greatest business and creative potentials. 

You’ve got this! I know you and your brilliant mind are ready to follow your gut and Boss up! Best of luck. I hope this gave you some great tools, validation for things you do naturally, or reminders of things you forgot.   

🐯Go Get ‘Em Tiger! Never forget  ADHD is your Super Power!!!! 🦄

❤️, 

Vichelle  

If you want to learn how to work with your ADHD, not against it? Sign up today ADHD is a Superpower: 12-Week Coaching Program For Entrepreneurs and start trusting yourself like never before!

To book your sessions go to:

https://paperbell.me/vichelle-mixon-1

Works Cited 

Bechara, Antoine, et al. “Emotion, Decision Making and the Orbitofrontal Cortex.” Cerebral Cortex, vol. 10, no. 3, 2000, pp. 295-307. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/10.3.295. 

Dijksterhuis, Ap, et al. “On Making the Right Choice: The Deliberation-Without-Attention Effect.” Science, vol. 311, no. 5763, 2006, pp. 1005-1007. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1121629. 

Gershon, Michael D. The Second Brain: A Groundbreaking New Understanding of Nervous Disorders of the Stomach and Intestine. Harper, 1998. 

“Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the Gut Microbiome: A Comprehensive Review of the Central Role of the Gut Microbiome in ADHD.” Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 14, 2023. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.10437823. 

“Decision-Making and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).” Journal of Psychophysiology, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1027/0269-8803/a000291. 

“ADHD and Intuition: Unique Perceptual Abilities.” NeuroLaunch, 2023. https://neurolaunch.com/adh