Establishing a nourishing self-connection practice may not be at the top of your biz to-do list, but honestly - if you have a spicy brain and often find yourself held back by the freeze of overwhelm or inner voices of self-doubt, then you're going to want to find a way to make it a priority
Self-connection refers to the process of developing a deep and conscious understanding of oneself, one's thoughts, emotions, values, and inner experiences.
It involves forming a strong and authentic relationship with your own identity and embracing who you truly are.
Self-connection is a critical aspect of personal growth and well-being, as through this connection, you can become more in tune with your needs, desires, and inner wisdom, which, in turn, can lead to greater self-acceptance, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose. Yum!
For neurodivergent individuals, especially if you're late-diagnosed, self-connection can play a vital role in not only navigating your unique experience and challenges of life but also learning to embrace the hidden and wounded parts of you that can unlock your true strengths.
Here are 9 ways that building a self-connection practice for yourself can help you be a better biz owner.
Understanding Neurodivergent Traits: Self-connection for neurodivergent business owners often involves recognising and understanding your unique combination of traits whether it's autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or others. This understanding can lead to greater self-acceptance and the ability to leverage your strengths rather than feel held back by your weaknesses.
Navigating Sensory Sensitivities: Many neurodivergent individuals have heightened sensory sensitivities (as I'm writing this, our neighbour is having their drains cleaned and the noise is LOUD). When you focus on building a self-connection practice, you can learn how to better manage and adapt to these sensitivities, especially in ways that will reduce overwhelm and stress whilst you are trying to work (which is why I've put some music on to drown out the noise rather than getting too focused on it).
Managing Executive Function Challenges: Us ND folk often face challenges with executive functions like organisation, time management, and task prioritisation - the vital tools for actually getting shit done. Self-connection can include developing strategies and tools to work with these challenges effectively as you learn more about what does and doesn't work for you whilst not judging yourself when things don't go to plan. It's a write-it-yourself permission slip to step away from conventionality and embrace your own strengths and skills.
Overcoming Social and Communication Barriers: Some neurodivergent individuals struggle with social interactions and communication (raises hand awkwardly). When you nurture self-connection, you're going to be developing self-awareness around these challenges and learning to navigate social situations more comfortably and confidently. That may look like setting boundaries and saying No to things you don't want to do, but also saying Yes more to things that stretch your comfort zone so you can show up with confidence and not dread.
Embracing Authenticity: Self-connection for ND business owners often centres on embracing your authentic self, including your wonderfully weird and unique neurodivergent identity (FYI - I'm reclaiming weird for its original meaning as "in control of destiny"). This can lead to increased confidence in leveraging your unique perspectives and contributions to your biz as you embrace your way of seeing the world and your way of getting things done. Remember also that you have had years, maybe decades of not being able to be "authentic" so don't overthink what that word means to others - focus on what it means for you.
Advocacy and Self-Care: Having a deeper sense of self-connection can also mean advocating for your needs - whether that's in your biz, in your community or in your relationships. When you can be honest with yourself about what it is you really need, and feel more confident in communicating that with others, your self-care practices can take your strengths and capacity to the next level.
Balancing Overwhelm: Having a spicy brain can mean you experience overwhelm differently due to sensory sensitivities and executive function challenges, to name a few. Self-connection helps you not only recognise triggers but also notice when you are experiencing overwhelm so you can respond sooner with strategies that support you in managing overwhelm whilst still getting the important things done.
Finding a Supportive Community: Self-connection often includes seeking out a community of like-minded individuals who can offer understanding and support. This community can be instrumental in the self-connection journey for neurodivergent business owners because you get to talk with people who get it; share without feeling judged and learn what works for others so you can try new things for yourself. Having the support of a community of biz pals who are there for my light and my shadow has truly been a transformative part of my own journey and I think it's no coincidence that most of them have a spicy brain too!
Holistic Self-Understanding: Self-connection is a holistic process, but for neurodivergent individuals, it may be more focused on understanding their neurodivergent identity in the context of their overall well-being and business success. Understanding more about yourself opens up opportunities to see the complex intersections of your identities and how you can leverage your strengths, skills and experience not only in your business but in your relationships and personal growth too.
When you consider all its benefits, I think it's easy to see how building a self-connection practice is not only a powerful way to support you in better understanding yourself, but it's also an essential tool in your kit as an ND biz owner.
If you're a late-diagnosed neurodivergent business owner seeking further guidance on your journey, check out these services tailored to your unique needs. Your path to self-connection is a powerful and transformative one; embrace it and thrive in your authentic self - you can start it today. .