Ever noticed how you can put one coffee cup in a clean kitchen…and suddenly there’s a sink full of dishes and every surface feels sticky?
 
Yeah.
 
That’s also what happens in businesses when we stop paying attention.

But once you clean up your biz and make changes, how do you keep it from sinking back into chaos?
 
That’s what direction is all about.

It's keeping your path clear to move toward your dream.
 
 
TLDR on Direction
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Direction
 
Direction is planned maintenance; it has nothing to do with motivation.
 
You're
  • acting with intention
  • noticing issues sooner
  • adjusting things earlier
…before the Swedish Chef destroys your kitchen.
 
The specific direction in your business depends on you, but there are some tools that can help you stay on the path.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

 
Accountability
 
Accountability is the missing secret sauce for a lot of us. And it's something we desperately need. 
 
Tools:
  • SOPs
  • Routine check-ins
  • Accountability partners

 
Standard Operating Procedures 
 
Standard operating procedures are chef’s kiss for executive dysfunction, even though they sound boring AF.
 
Change their name if it helps:
  • Stuff on paper
  • Stop overthinking process
  • Stay on path
 
Whatever. 
 
But here’s why SOPs matter:
  • Less decision-making / fatigue
  • Don’t have to remember steps
  • Consistent executive of things
  • Not reinventing the fucking wheel
  • Noticing and correcting drifts
 
Boring though they may be, 
that's good shit. Use your SOPs!!  
 
 

Routine Check - Ins
 
Check in on your business. Doesn't have to be anything fancy or overwhelming—just scheduled time for review. 
 
Do spot checks once a month or even once a quarter.

You're just asking:
  • What’s working?
  • What’s getting messy?
  • Is this still aligned?
     
If something is starting to feel chaotic, or doesn't feel aligned, take action. You can use the previous steps in the 6D framework to rein it in.
 

 
Accountability Partners 
 
Your brain could give a shit about doing what’s important if it isn’t interesting to you. 

But an accountability buddy creates slight social pressure, gentle urgency, and emotional connection.
 
This can look like:
  • A regular check-in with a coach
  • Deadlines you announce out loud
  • Someone to share progress with
     
This exernalization helps your brain care about the thing and get it done. 
 
 
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Rewards are Motivation 
 
Occasionally things will get messy in your business. 

You’ll have busy seasons or life will get lifey and things will get a bit unruly. Like a kitchen post Thanksgiving feast.
 
Don’t beat yourself up. 
 
That’s not me asking you to be kind to yourself — ADHD brains respond much better to rewards / positive reinforcement — it's science.
 
Remember direction is maintanence, not motivation. Rewards can get you in the mood for maintanence.  
 
Set tiny goals and reward yourself as you meet them.
  • A tiny trinket you’ve been eyeing
  • A bubblebath with candles
  • A favorite snack or drink
 
You’ll have something to look forward to, instead of run away from.
 
Go ahead, call your brain a toddler—but give it the shiny. For science.
 


Flexibility and Curiosity 
 
Black-and-white thinking is a common trap for ADHD brains:

“This is the only way.”
“It has to be like this.”
“If this doesn’t work, nothing will.”
 
When that type of thinking sneaks in, it'll shut down your progress faster than my dog eats his breakfast. (fast af)

And you might not even recognize the trap because it isn’t external—it’s your own brain.
 
The remedy: 
As you learn and grow with your business, stay curious and flexible.
 
Curiosity:
Why does this feel a certain way?
Is this a blip or a pattern?
What if this thing changed?
 
Getting curious is the key to business experimentation for alignment and growth without shame. 

Try stuff. 
Ask what if. 
 
Flexibility 
Systems you’ve used forever may eventually stop working. But that’s not failure; it’s information. 

Your ADHD is telling you to try something new. And that's okay. Learn on the fly and move forward.
 

That’s the whole point of direction.
 
 

 
Breaking the Box
 
Important: Black and white thinking can be a persistent bitch. So, if you're being as curious and flexible as you can and still struggling—you're not doing anything wrong.  

This is where an extra set of eyes can help you break through the box. (Shamless plug, this is one of my favorite things to do with folks.)
 
If you're feeling stuck, book an Alchemy Hour with me ⬇️⬇️⬇️
 
 

 
You did it!!

Dream ➡️ Discover ➡️ Determine ➡️ Dismantle ➡️ Develop ➡️ Direction
 
Direction is the final piece of the 6D framework that helps all the other work stick and support your dream. 
 
Thanks for sticking with me!
 
For personalized support with the 6D framework, I’m hosting a workshop on January 14th where we’ll go deeper and work through it together. 
 
Early Birds: pay $40 with code 106DWSUJ, valid until January 7th.
 
 Get all the details and
sign up here ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Workshop attendees also get $50 off the upcoming 6-week beta group program.
 


Remember: you took an idea out of your brain and brought it into the world.

That’s f*cking powerful and YOU DID IT. 


I'll see you soon.
Until then…
 
May your belly and heart be full.
 
Neurodivergently Yours,
Alex


P.S. 
I read and respond to every reply. If you have questions, or something in this issue caught you by the short and curlies, I'd love to know.
 
P.P.S.
If you missed any of the previous emails for the 6D framework, find them here: dream | discover | determine | dismantle/develop
 
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