If you’ve ever found yourself watching 10 YouTube videos, downloading every freebie, and taking one more course...without actually starting… this episode is for you.

In Episode 164 of the THE ADHD CEO, Alyece Smith breaks down why ADHD entrepreneurs get stuck in learning mode instead of doing mode and how to break the cycle so you can finally start making money.

If you’ve been researching more than you’ve been selling, keep reading.

Here’s what we’re covering today:
✅ Why ADHD brains crave research but resist action
✅ How information overload is secretly keeping you broke
✅ The 3-step ADHD Action Plan to finally move forward

Why ADHD Entrepreneurs Get Stuck in Research Mode

“ADHD entrepreneurs are masters at research. We tell ourselves, ‘I just need to learn a little more before I start.’ But in reality, the cycle of endless learning is keeping you from making money.”

Ever found yourself in this loop?

• Watching tutorials on how to start a podcast but never recording one

• Collecting funnels, templates, and swipe files but never launching

• Telling yourself, “I just need the right strategy”...and six months later, you’re still in the same place

This isn’t a knowledge problem...it’s an execution problem.

📌 The Real Issue: Research gives a dopamine hit...it feels like progress, but it’s really just 

procrastination in disguise.

“The more you research, the harder it gets to start. Because every new strategy you read makes you second-guess the last one.”

The Fix: Stop overloading your brain with more information...and start taking action with what you already know.

How ADHD Brains Get Trapped in the “Learning Over Earning” Cycle

“I used to spend hours researching everything before I actually did anything. And what I didn’t realize was...I wasn’t preparing myself. I was just avoiding taking action.”

Common ADHD Entrepreneur Excuses for Staying in Research Mode:

❌ “I just need to be more prepared before I start.”
❌ “I don’t want to mess this up—I need to get it right.”
❌ “I need to know everything before I put myself out there.”

But here’s the truth: The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to start.

📌 What No One Tells You About Research Mode:

• More research = more decision overwhelm

• More strategies = more confusion on what’s “right”

• More learning = less action = less income

“Money doesn’t come from learning...it comes from action. You don’t get paid for watching YouTube videos or downloading freebies. You get paid for executing.”

Action Step: Look at your past week. How much time did you spend consuming vs. creating? If you’ve spent more time watching and researching than actually implementing, it’s time to break the cycle.

The ADHDpreneur 3-Step Action Plan to Escape Research Mode

“The only way to break free from research paralysis is to make execution the priority. Here’s how you do it.”

✅ Step 1: The 24-Hour Rule for New Information

Rule: Any time you learn something new, take one action within 24 hours.

Example:

• Instead of watching another Instagram growth video—post something today.

• Instead of reading another sales funnel guide—build the first page.

• Instead of thinking about launching a course—DM someone and sell it.

“If you don’t take action within 24 hours, you’re more likely to never implement it.”

Action Step: Pick one thing you’ve been researching and take action on it today.

✅ Step 2: Build a "Good Enough" Version Now

📌 Rule: Stop perfecting. Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

“ADHD brains love to overcomplicate. Instead of planning the perfect launch, get a simple version out now.”

Example:

• Instead of a full course, run a live workshop and record it.

• Instead of building an entire sales page, start with a Google Doc checkout link.

• Instead of planning 30 content posts, write one and post it today.

📌 Why This Works: ADHD brains get stuck in the details...but action creates clarity.

“Clarity comes from action—not from research. The more you do, the clearer things get.”

Action Step: What’s one thing you’ve been overthinking? Do a quick and simple version of it today.

✅ Step 3: Adopt the “Good Enough Standard”

📌 Rule: Done is better than perfect.

“Your perfectionism is procrastination in disguise. You’re not ‘getting ready’—you’re just delaying action.”

Example:

• Instead of researching the “best” email platform, pick one and start.

• Instead of tweaking your branding for months, sell something now and refine later.

📌 Why This Works:
✅ Stops decision fatigue
✅ Builds momentum
✅ Creates real results

“Confidence comes from action. Conviction comes from action. If you want to stop second-guessing yourself, start doing more.”

Action Step: Set a 24-hour deadline for your next business move...and do it without overthinking.

Example:
✅ Use auto DM replies for lead generation (Manychat, Stan Store, etc.)
✅ Set up an evergreen freebie or opt-in so leads are always coming in
✅ Create a 3-message nurture sequence so people are warmed up before they buy

“ADHD entrepreneurs need systems that sell for them...even when they disappear for a few days. That’s the only way to stop the burnout cycle.”

Action Step: Set up ONE automation in your business today (auto-DM, email sequence, or pinned sales post).

Final Thoughts: If You Want to Make Money, You Have to Stop Learning and Start Doing

If you’ve been trapped in research mode, this is your wake-up call:

✅ You don’t need another course—you need to execute what you already know.
✅ You don’t need a perfect plan—you need to start before you feel ready.
✅ You don’t need more knowledge—you need more action.

“Your ADHD brain isn’t broken. You don’t need more discipline. You need a business system that actually works for you.”

🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

📩 Join the Waitlist for ADHDpreneur Academy – The first sales system designed specifically for ADHD entrepreneurs. No more burnout, no more chaos—just simple, dopamine-driven strategies that actually work.

🎧 Secret Podcast Series: No BS ADHD CEO Secrets – A private series where I share unfiltered insights on ADHD entrepreneurship and sales. It’s not searchable—you need the direct link to access it! Get it in the show notes.

• Daily Sales & Marketing Training: Available inside my membership.

• Automation Domination Guide: Set up auto-DMs and follow-ups effortlessly. 

Final Thoughts: Your ADHD Is Your Superpower, Not a Weakness

Selling your offer doesn’t have to feel overwhelming...but you need a strategy that actually works for your brain.

When you switch to an ADHD-friendly system, everything shifts. Sales feel easy. Growth happens naturally. You stop fighting your brain and start working with it.

📌 Loved this episode? Share a screenshot on IG stories and tag @socially.ausome so I can shout you out! Your support helps more ADHD entrepreneurs find this content and finally build the business they deserve.

See you inside the next episode of The ADHD CEO. 🚀

Let’s stop organizing. Let’s start executing. See you inside the Academy!