2021 Goal Results & Reflections

Have you ever looked back on your year and realised just how far you’ve come? In this podcast episode, I sat down with my 2021 goals and reviewed them through my Vision Goal Setting Method. It was a bit surreal to see what I’d actually ticked off, and it reminded me that progress isn’t always a straight line.

This approach to goal setting is a little different. It’s designed with dyslexics in mind, because sometimes our minds wander and we need a more creative framework. If you’re curious about how to set goals in a way that feels natural, keeps you motivated, and acknowledges how our dyslexic brains work, read on.

What is the Vision Goal Setting Method?

My Vision Goal Setting Method is all about painting a vivid picture of where you want to be. Instead of setting random targets, you create a vision so your brain has something concrete to focus on.

I like to think of it as stepping into a movie of my future. I imagine what it’ll look like, how I’ll feel, and what life might be like when I get there. This works great for dyslexics because we usually thrive on pictures and big ideas.

“One of the most powerful things about setting a big vision is that moment you look back and realise how much you’ve grown.”

I find that statement rings true for me every year. If you’re tired of standard advice about making your goals ‘smart,’ this approach might feel like a breath of fresh air.

Reflecting on 2021 Achievements

When I sat down with my journal, I noticed I’d made more progress than I thought. I’d finished projects I’d been putting off, I’d launched a new course, and I’d even spent more time focusing on my creative side. That doesn’t mean everything was perfect, but it was better than I’d first imagined when I thought back.

The real beauty of reflection is that it helps you realise what went amazingly well and what didn’t. Sometimes we only focus on what didn’t get completed. But remember, every step moves you forward. Your time isn’t really wasted if you learned something—or if it got you closer to a new perspective.

I also discovered that celebrating small wins gave me a much-needed confidence boost. A few years ago, I might have ignored them and only focused on the misses. Now, I try to acknowledge each time I follow through or stick to a plan. It’s a gentle “good on you” to keep me going.

Breaking Goals Down for Dyslexics

Dyslexic minds often prefer big pictures. But once you have that big vision, how do you keep track of the little tasks that lead you there? That’s where my practice of breaking things into smaller, friendlier tasks comes in.

One trick I use is mini-lists that live in various places: in my phone, a whiteboard, or even on sticky notes. I jot down immediate next steps, then get them done before my mind wanders. Later, I move on to bigger tasks or break them down again if they still look too big.

Here’s what helps me stay on track:

• Write down specific tasks in a place you’ll see them daily.
• Tick them off or cross them out to feel that sense of progress.
• Celebrate every task you complete, no matter how small.

It sounds simple, but simple usually works best for us. And if it doesn’t work first time, experiment and adjust. There’s no one-size-fits-all here.

Sitting with Your Wins and Misses

Another big part of my year-end ritual is giving myself time to process both wins and misses without jumping to the next resolution. Let your mind settle and ask yourself, “What did I actually want in January, and what do I want now?”

Sometimes your priorities might shift. That’s completely normal, especially if you’re dyslexic and always noticing new ideas. What matters is that you recognise the shift. That way, you can adjust your goals rather than feeling guilty they changed.

It’s also good to pat yourself on the back for simply doing the practice. Many people don’t bother reviewing their year. They rush to set new goals on 1 January, and by February those goals are forgotten. Taking this extra step of reflection helps you build a habit of self-awareness.

Apply the Vision Method for Yourself

If you’ve never tried this style of vision-based goal setting, it’s worth giving it a go. It can make a big difference in how you track and celebrate your wins. It also helps you see that the journey might have twists and turns, but you’ll get there if you keep your eyes on that bigger picture.

Before you jump in, remember these simple guidelines:

1. Get clear on what your future looks like—picture it rather than just writing it.
2. Break tasks down into tiny steps, write them where you’ll see them, and tick them off.
3. Reflect on your wins (big and small) and don’t ignore your misses—learn from them.

You don’t have to wait for a new year to do this, either. Try it whenever you feel stuck or need a boost.

• Goal setting can be more visual than analytical, especially for dyslexics.
• Reviewing last year’s progress can open your eyes to your real growth.
• Small steps are easier to manage than lofty to-do lists.
• It’s fine to adjust your goals if your priorities change mid-year.

If you’d like more practical tips, check out our new Mini-Course on the To Do List for Dyslexics at this link. You can also share your story on the podcast by visiting this form. If you want to stay informed about our next course, sign up at The Confident Dyslexic waitlist page. And if you haven’t already, join our private Facebook community at this link or watch “My Dyslexic Life” on YouTube.

Ready for more? Scroll up to the podcast player at the top of this page and hit play to hear the full conversation. It’s a fun, honest dive into how I set (and sometimes smash) my goals as a dyslexic. Enjoy!