303: Turning Work into Play: Kristen West’s Story

October 21

When life feels chaotic, humor can be your greatest tool for finding balance.

Kristen West, founder of The Centered Life Co., has built a thriving online community around her fun, ADHD-friendly tools that bring joy and structure to daily life. With over half a million followers, her playful, shame-free videos on mental health and productivity inspire others to embrace their quirks and find motivation in unexpected ways.

Diagnosed with ADHD at 26, Kristen struggled in traditional work environments, constantly facing burnout and frustration. Her diagnosis became a turning point, allowing her to build a life suited to her brain’s unique strengths. Now, through her planners and videos, she helps others create routines incorporating joy and play, proving that productivity can be fun and tailored to individual needs.

Kristen’s work goes beyond to-do lists, blending humor and creativity with effective planning tools. In this episode, she shares her journey of managing ADHD, offering insights into overcoming challenges with self-compassion and humor. Her experiences show how turning perceived limitations into strengths can bring more balance and happiness into everyday life.

When Kristen isn’t creating viral content, she’s likely climbing, baking bread, or trying to keep her vegetable garden alive. Her story is a reminder that success comes from embracing who you are and building systems that align with your unique needs, leaving room for fun along the way.

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Quotes:

"It has truly revolutionized my life, learning how to connect with my body and regulate my emotions. You can support your nervous system to help calm yourself and feel okay again."
- Kristen West

"I think one of my biggest fears in life is waking up at 70 and realizing I wasn’t in control of my life. Like, I just drifted aimlessly and never accomplished what I truly wanted to."
- Kristen West

"Ever since The Centered Life Co. blew up, I've known I wanted to teach other people to do the same thing because it's been the most liberating and fun adventure of my life."
- Kristen West

"Choosing to do that unconventional thing was the first major aligned decision I made for myself, even though everyone else thought it was strange and foolish. But I knew it was right for me."
- Kristen West

"When I have my people around who are invested in my success and checking in on my projects, having a supportive community makes all the difference. I don’t know where my mind would be without the support of my friends, family, and chosen family."
- Kristen West



[00:00 - 20:00] Kristen's ADHD Journey and Early Experiences
  • Kristen West, founder of the Centered Life Company, was diagnosed with ADHD at 26 after seeing relatable content on social media.
  • As a child, Kristen was sensitive, imaginative, and often "spacey," with a tendency to get lost in her thoughts and creative pursuits.
  • In school, Kristen excelled in subjects she was interested in but struggled with those she found boring, highlighting the impact of ADHD on her academic performance.

[20:00 - 40:00] Career Path and Entrepreneurial Journey
  • Kristen struggled in traditional work environments, having 13 different jobs between ages 18 and 25 due to ADHD-related challenges.
  • She discovered her entrepreneurial spirit during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating digital planners and productivity tools for people with ADHD.
  • Kristen's business, the Centered Life Company, grew rapidly after she created unique, humorous content to promote her products on social media.

[40:00 - 01:00:37] Managing ADHD and Building a Successful Business
  • Kristen emphasizes the importance of understanding one's nervous system and using somatic therapies to manage ADHD symptoms.
  • She incorporates joy and play into her productivity tools, recognizing the importance of novelty and fun in maintaining focus and motivation.
  • Kristen discusses the benefits of being in a relationship where both partners have ADHD, highlighting the importance of systems, routines, and open communication.

Resources:

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.


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EPISODE #303

Hi, I'm Tracy

I teach Smart Ass ADHD women how to use their brilliant brains to build the life they want by embracing their too-muchness and focusing on their strengths.