Modular SOPs

A Neurodivergent-Friendly Way to Build Business Routines You’ll Actually Stick To

Have you heard the term Modular SOP before?

Running a business is exhilarating, but let’s be honest, it’s also a relentless parade of tiny tasks that demand consistency. For neurodivergent entrepreneurs, especially those with ADHD, autism, or executive functioning challenges, building routines around these tasks can feel like trying to herd kittens.

And while some businesses eventually outsource operations like invoicing, client follow-ups, or daily planning, many new entrepreneurs simply aren’t there yet. If you’re still bootstrapping and doing it all yourself, this post is for you.

Why Routines Are Hard (and why that's okay)

Let’s name the elephant: routine is not intuitive for everyone. For neurodivergent minds, the friction often comes from:

• Task initiation struggles: Knowing what to do but feeling paralyzed to start.

• Working memory overload: Forgetting steps mid-task or losing track of what’s next.

• Time blindness: Underestimating how long things take or missing deadlines.

• Decision fatigue: Getting stuck in “what’s the best way to do this?” loops.

  
  

These aren’t flaws, they’re neurological realities. And they don’t mean you can’t run a successful business. They just mean you need systems that work with your brain, not against it.

Enter Modular SOPs

A Modular SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) is a short, repeatable workflow for one specific task. Think of it like a recipe card: clear, predictable, and easy to follow even when your brain is foggy.

Unlike traditional SOPs, which can be long and rigid, modular SOPs are:

• Small: 3–7 steps max

• Flexible: Can be rearranged or skipped depending on the day

• Visual or verbal: Adaptable to your processing style

• Stored externally: So you don’t rely on memory

Examples for Everyday Business Tasks

Here are a few modular SOPs you can build today:

Daily Planning SOP

1. Open calendar

2. Review appointments

3. Choose top 3 priorities

4. Set one “must-do” task

5. Schedule breaks

6. Optional: Brain dump lingering thoughts

   
   

Billing & Invoicing SOP

1. Open invoicing tool (Wave, QuickBooks, etc.)

2. Select client/project

3. Use saved template

4. Send invoice

5. Log it in tracker or spreadsheet

   
   

Client Follow-Up SOP

1. Open CRM or email

2. Search for the last interaction

3. Use a pre-written check-in template

4. Send message

5. Schedule next reminder

   
   

Weekly Admin Cleanup SOP

1. Review unread emails

2. Check outstanding invoices

3. Update task list

4. Archive completed items

5. Celebrate with a snack

   
   

How to Build Your Own Modular SOPs

Start with tasks that feel chaotic or inconsistent. Ask yourself:

• What steps do I usually take?

• What do I forget or avoid?

• What format helps me stay focused: visual, checklist, voice note?

  
  

Then write it down. Keep it somewhere visible: Notion, Google Docs, sticky notes, or even a whiteboard. The goal is to externalize the process so your brain doesn’t have to hold it all.

You don’t need to be a systems wizard to make this work. You need a few repeatable building blocks that help you show up consistently, even on the messy days.

Modular SOPs are especially powerful for neurodivergent entrepreneurs because they honour how your brain works. They reduce overwhelm, increase follow-through, and help you build trust with yourself and your clients.

If you’re still in the early stages of your business and doing it all solo, these systems can be your scaffolding. And when you do reach the point of outsourcing, you’ll already have the playbook ready to hand off.

Ready to build routines that actually work for your brain? Let’s create systems that support your business and your mind. Click Book Now to schedule your first coaching session; I’ll help you turn chaos into clarity, one workflow at a time.

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