I need to vent and maybe get some clarity, because right now, I feel like an absolute failure.
My brain is a mix of ADHD and Autism, and while that combo makes me highly innovative and deeply creative I genuinely believe I have an amazing, unique business idea it also makes solo execution nearly impossible.
I started a venture, poured years of my life into developing this concept, and now I’m hitting the wall hard. The ADHD makes focus and consistency a nightmare. Every day is a struggle against the endless distractions and the executive dysfunction that keeps me from doing the necessary, often boring, follow through work. The idea is brilliant, but the mechanics of building a company alone feel insurmountable.
I realized I desperately needed a co founder someone who could handle the operations, the logistics, the fundraising, and the stable backbone of the business while I focus on the creative vision and product development.
But I couldn't find a partner. And now, the distraction and lack of focus have completely derailed me.
My birthday is in a few days, and instead of celebrating progress, I'm facing the reality that I might have to quit. Quitting feels like admitting those years were a complete waste, and the thought of just giving up and having nothing to show for all that time and passion is crushing.
Has anyone here with a similar neurotype (ADHD, Autism, or both) successfully navigated this? How do you find a partner when your main pitch is "I have the vision, but I can't handle the spreadsheet"?
I don't know how to quit, and I don't know how to keep going. I just feel exhausted and like I've failed at something I'm genuinely talented at. Any advice, commiseration, or practical next steps would be appreciated.
Giving Up on My "Amazing Idea" The ADHD/Autism Wall Hit Hard (And it's my birthday soon)
byu/Turbulent_Budget9612 inEntrepreneur
Posted by Turbulent_Budget9612
2 Comments
I’m auDHD. You’re completely right, we’re amazing at the vision – ideas and planning but are terrible at the execution and consistency.
The only way I’ve found some success is treating my ADHD. So that my autism traits that succeed with routine and structure can shine.
Hire out what you can that is boring: book keeper, accountant, admin assistant. Buy help like proper tools: apps, software, coach, business consultant, designer etc. so you can focus on what YOU do best and don’t burn out.
Damn dude, this hits close to home. Have you tried posting in the co-founder matching subs or even local entrepreneur meetups? Sometimes the “I have vision, you handle execution” combo is exactly what business-minded people are looking for – they want the creative spark but have the ops skills down pat
Also maybe don’t think of it as quitting, think of it as pivoting or taking a strategic pause. Those years weren’t wasted if you learned what doesn’t work for your brain