Episode 78: Elan Marko

Welcome to episode #78! We’re thrilled to be joined by Elan Marko today.Elan Marko is the founder of Deep Work Sprints, a coaching company dedicated to helping ADHD entrepreneurs accomplish their goals faster. His work focuses on overcoming procrastination, perfectionism, and stress by harnessing ADHD strengths to create more fun, flow, and financial success.After being diagnosed with ADHD during the pandemic, Elan dove deep into research and conducted studies on ADHD entrepreneurs to uncover what truly drives success. Now, he helps entrepreneurs stay consistent, remove distractions, and build the right environment to thrive.Welcome to the show, Elan!QuestionsJN: What was your journey to discovering your ADHD?Always suspected ADHD but never pursued a diagnosisDuring COVID, a business coach suggested getting testedRead an ADHD story online and immediately related to itDiagnosis explained past struggles but came with little guidanceJN: How did ADHD impact your education and early career?Struggled to focus on studying in university, couldn’t sit stillTried to get diagnosed in college but was discouraged by high costs and lack of treatment optionsRealized he needed structure and external accountability to thriveJN: How did your diagnosis change your approach to work?Went into hyperfocus mode, researching everything about ADHDNoticed that many of his coaching clients also had ADHDShifted his business to focus entirely on ADHD entrepreneursJN: Can you tell us about your ADHD entrepreneur studies?Interviewed 35 ADHD entrepreneurs, later expanded to multimillionaire ADHD entrepreneursFound that consistency—not talent—was the biggest predictor of successSuccessful entrepreneurs set up "bumper rails" to avoid distractions and failureMost entrepreneurs knew what they needed to do but struggled to follow throughJN: What were the biggest struggles ADHD entrepreneurs faced?Feeling like they weren’t meeting their full potentialLost revenue and opportunities due to unfinished projectsDifficulty maintaining business and personal relationshipsJN: What does Deep Work Sprints focus on?Helps ADHD entrepreneurs achieve their goals by creating structured, focused work sessionsUses body doubling and accountability to keep clients on trackFocuses on consistency and creating the right work environmentJN: What are some key productivity strategies that work for ADHD?Weekly "sprint" planning: setting three critical tasks each weekBreaking down tasks into ultra-clear stepsFinding unique ways to optimize performance (e.g., sales road trips)Creating the right environment by eliminating distractionsJN: Is consistency possible for ADHD brains?Daily consistency is difficult, but weekly consistency is achievableBuilding the right systems allows for sustainable performanceExercise, structured work environments, and clear goals make a big differenceJN: What does your morning routine look like?Starts the day with meditation using a visual timerRuns Deep Work Sprints with entrepreneurs in coworking sessionsBikes his daughter to school as part of his daily exerciseUses cold exposure (cold showers) to build resilienceJN: How do you wind down at night?Creates a plan for the next day before bedAvoids Netflix and social media to improve sleepListens to audiobooks at a slower speed to relax before sleepingJN: Where can people connect with you?Website: Deep Work SprintsInstagram: @adhdcoachelanJN: Final words for the audience?"Your neurodivergence is your superpower. Learn your strengths, minimize your weaknesses, and create an environment where you can thrive."More from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbearConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/