Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks

Episode 78: Elan Marko

Feb 16, 2025

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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!

Questions

JN: What was your journey to discovering your ADHD?

Always suspected ADHD but never pursued a diagnosis
During COVID, a business coach suggested getting tested
Read an ADHD story online and immediately related to it
Diagnosis explained past struggles but came with little guidance

JN: How did ADHD impact your education and early career?

Struggled to focus on studying in university, couldn’t sit still
Tried to get diagnosed in college but was discouraged by high costs and lack of treatment options
Realized he needed structure and external accountability to thrive

JN: How did your diagnosis change your approach to work?

Went into hyperfocus mode, researching everything about ADHD
Noticed that many of his coaching clients also had ADHD
Shifted his business to focus entirely on ADHD entrepreneurs

JN: Can you tell us about your ADHD entrepreneur studies?

Interviewed 35 ADHD entrepreneurs, later expanded to multimillionaire ADHD entrepreneurs
Found that consistency—not talent—was the biggest predictor of success
Successful entrepreneurs set up "bumper rails" to avoid distractions and failure
Most entrepreneurs knew what they needed to do but struggled to follow through

JN: What were the biggest struggles ADHD entrepreneurs faced?

Feeling like they weren’t meeting their full potential
Lost revenue and opportunities due to unfinished projects
Difficulty maintaining business and personal relationships

JN: What does Deep Work Sprints focus on?

Helps ADHD entrepreneurs achieve their goals by creating structured, focused work sessions
Uses body doubling and accountability to keep clients on track
Focuses on consistency and creating the right work environment

JN: What are some key productivity strategies that work for ADHD?

Weekly "sprint" planning: setting three critical tasks each week
Breaking down tasks into ultra-clear steps
Finding unique ways to optimize performance (e.g., sales road trips)
Creating the right environment by eliminating distractions

JN: Is consistency possible for ADHD brains?

Daily consistency is difficult, but weekly consistency is achievable
Building the right systems allows for sustainable performance
Exercise, structured work environments, and clear goals make a big difference

JN: What does your morning routine look like?

Starts the day with meditation using a visual timer
Runs Deep Work Sprints with entrepreneurs in coworking sessions
Bikes his daughter to school as part of his daily exercise
Uses cold exposure (cold showers) to build resilience

JN: How do you wind down at night?

Creates a plan for the next day before bed
Avoids Netflix and social media to improve sleep
Listens to audiobooks at a slower speed to relax before sleeping

JN: Where can people connect with you?

Website: Deep Work Sprints
Instagram: @adhdcoachelan

JN: Final words for the audience?

"Your neurodivergence is your superpower. Learn your strengths, minimize your weaknesses, and create an environment where you can thrive."