2 Sides Of A Coin
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Ever find yourself running on autopilot? Like you’re halfway through the day before you realise you’ve done the same things you always do? In this episode, I share a moment that opened my eyes to an old pattern I didn’t even know was still there.
You’ll hear how my routine kicked in without my permission and how small shifts revealed a deeper story. Together, we’ll explore how uncovering these hidden scripts can open doors to self-discovery, especially for those of us with dyslexia or ADHD. It’s amazing how much of our day can be guided by habits we barely notice.
Recognising the Robot Routine
It all started with a morning habit. I got up, grabbed my phone, and drifted into a sea of emails and social feeds. Nothing unusual, right? But later, I felt like I’d missed half the day. I couldn’t remember deciding to do any of it—it just happened.
I sat back and thought: “How many times have I done that exact same routine?” That’s when a lightbulb went off. This wasn’t a silly mishap or an off day. I was following a script I’d written who-knows-when, and it had become automatic.
“I thought I was making choices, but I was really just following an old pattern.”
The experience reminded me of a robot stuck on repeat. It felt a bit unsettling but also exciting, because I realised I could make a change.
How These Patterns Develop
We’re wired to follow what’s familiar. If something works well once or twice, our brains store it for the future. Next time we face a similar situation, that habit leaps into action. This can be wonderful if it’s leading you to do things that help your life. But it can become a stumbling block when those patterns no longer serve you.
For people with dyslexia or ADHD, these routines can be even more powerful. We often rely on them to stay organised. But some routines stop being helpful, and we forget to check if they’re still relevant.
- Repetitive habits can sneak up on you
- They combat stress by removing choices
- They exist for efficiency, but can hold you back
Questioning Your Autopilot
If you’ve ever spaced out and then found yourself in the fridge trying to avoid real work, you know how autopilot operates. Many of us live with at least one pattern that’s unconscious. Recognising the pattern is crucial. That’s the moment you get to decide if you want to keep it or let it go.
When I spotted my “phone-first” routine, I realised it wasn’t adding value to my morning. It actually made me late for other things I cared about. So I started questioning it: Why am I doing this? Could I wake up differently?
Those questions turned into a small experiment. The next morning, I left my phone in another room. The day felt different, clearer, and a bit calmer. For the first time in a while, my morning was mine to shape instead of belonging to whatever showed up on my screen.
Shifting the Script
Changing a pattern isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness and small, consistent tweaks. I’ve found these steps helpful:
- Spot the habit: Notice when you’re on autopilot.
- Give it space: Ask why you do it and whether it’s helpful.
- Make one small change: Adjust the routine in a manageable way.
- Observe the result: Pay attention to how it makes you feel.
In my case, charging my phone in the lounge shifted my entire morning. I wasn’t glued to a tiny screen before my feet hit the floor.
Embracing the Process
Don’t worry if it feels like two steps forward, one step back. Every time you catch yourself in the loop, that’s a win. You’re laying new groundwork. You might realise you’re not a morning person but you can still find a gentler mode. Those daily patterns can be re-scripted to fit who you are now, not who you used to be.
Who knows what other patterns you’ll discover once you decide to get curious? Just remember, it’s not about reaching some perfect end point. It’s about living your life rather than letting old routines live it for you.
- Notice where your energy goes
- Experiment with small changes
- Enjoy the surprises that happen
- Celebrate every little win
Key Takeaways
- Our routines can run in the background without us realising it.
- It’s healthy to pause and question if a habit still serves you.
- Making one tiny shift can have a big impact on your day.
- Allow room for trial and error—it’s all part of the process.
If you want more details on this topic, listen to the full episode at the top of the page. This is just the tip of the iceberg, so tune in and explore how you can become less of a mindless robot and more of a conscious human.
