5 Christmas Dyslexia Aha's

If you’ve ever felt like your brain runs on a different operating system, you’re in good company. This week’s episode of “Truth About Dyslexia” dives into five specific things I find myself doing each and every year thanks to my Dyslexic/ADHD thinking style. We explore everything from clearing mental clutter to focusing on fresh goals, making it a practical list for anyone craving a bit more clarity.

We also chat about common reasons people with dyslexia or ADHD repeat certain patterns. You’ll learn how to fine-tune your environment so you can capitalise on your intuitive superpowers. Below is a snapshot of the episode, but the full story is at the top of the page if you want the deeper dive.

Why These Habits Are Worth Revisiting

It’s easy to think that once you fix something, it stays fixed. If you’ve lived with dyslexia or ADHD for a while, you know that life doesn’t always work in neat, tidy boxes. Certain habits and coping strategies need a regular refresh.

Yearly rituals can keep you on track when your mind loves to sprint in ten directions at once. You’ll notice that some things seem to come back around, which isn’t a sign of failure. Instead, it’s a reminder that our brain wiring evolves, and so should our strategies.

"I have popped together a little list of 5 things I do each and every year due to my Dyslexic/ADHD thinking style — How many do you match with? Remember if you love the pod, share & subscribe."

The 5 Annual Habits That Keep Me Grounded

Below, you’ll find five things I revisit each year. They don’t all happen on January first. Some I refresh in March, others in October. The important bit is making time for them throughout the year, not just once.

1. A Complete Brain Dump
   

   It’s easy for thoughts and ideas to pile up. I take a blank sheet of paper, or a digital note app, and pour out everything in my head. Then I review what’s actually important and what’s just mental noise. This helps me stop overthinking and frees up space for what truly matters.

2. Physical Declutter
   

   Every year, I knock out a serious clearing session of my workspace and home. I toss outdated papers, old cables, or anything else that’s sapping mental energy. It’s amazing how light you feel when your space is neat. It’s also a good excuse to rediscover items you’d forgotten you had.

3. Set New “Micro-Goals"
   

   Long-term goals can be overwhelming, so I break them into smaller targets. I might decide to learn a new skill, focus on improving a personal habit, or test a new productivity method. Keeping it small and achievable is the key to building momentum.

4. Reconnect with Community
   

   Isolation can sneak up on you, especially if you’re juggling a busy life. Once a year, I scan my networks, whether online or in person. I join Facebook groups or reach out to old friends. The Facebook Community for Adult Dyslexia is a great spot if you’re looking for like-minded souls. Having the right people around you makes a real difference in motivation.

5. Revisit Routines
   

   My morning or evening routine tends to shift over time. Each year, I examine what’s working and what’s a total flop. Maybe I need a structured morning journalling session, or sometimes it’s simpler to skip journalling and opt for a quick voice note. Either way, adapt your routines and don’t be afraid to mix it up.

Common Pitfalls (And How to Work Around Them)

Changing habits can feel like trying to steer a large ship. You might set out with good intentions, only to find yourself stuck a few weeks later. Here are a few reasons that happens:

• Overcomplicating Tasks: When you have dyslexia or ADHD, a complex to-do list can create anxiety. Keep your tasks in simple steps.
• Perfectionism: Our minds often jump from idea to idea, aiming for impossibly high standards. Accept that you can’t handle everything at once. Do your best and move on.
• Fear of Starting: Just taking ten minutes to start chipping away at a task can banish the initial resistance. Small sparks can become raging fires of productivity.

When I catch myself hitting any of these snags, I remind myself why I’m doing what I’m doing. Whether it’s to find more time for creativity, reduce chaos, or just feel happier, I try to keep the end goal in sight.

Making These Habits Stick

Following through can be even harder than starting. That’s why I bounce back to a few tried-and-tested strategies every year. For me, something as simple as checking off boxes can be a real joy. If you’re wired like I am, you know the sweet satisfaction of ticking off a to-do list. That’s one reason I created a dedicated mini-course on how to build a to-do list that actually works.

If you’re wondering how to keep your new habits from drifting into oblivion, here are a few ideas:

• Make It Visible: Keep your goals or key habits in sight. A sticky note by your desk or a phone reminder can help you stay focused.
• Buddy Up: Get a friend or community member involved. Check in with each other about progress. This accountability can be a massive motivator.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Every achievement deserves a pat on the back. Even if it’s finishing a single task, take a moment to acknowledge it.

Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up. Life happens. Just stand back up, readjust, and keep going.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• A yearly brain dump helps clear mental clutter.
• Regularly decluttering your space lifts invisible weight off your mind.
• Micro-goals are much easier to manage than huge, lofty goals.
• Stay connected with communities that support your growth.
• Routines evolve. Don’t be afraid to adapt and experiment.

Remember that the full insight and story behind each of these points is right here in the podcast. You’ll find it at the top of this page. If you want even more structure and a clearer system for your year, I’ve launched a mini-course, “The To-Do List For Dyslexics.” It guides you to create a checklist that actually aligns with your thinking style. You can check it out at this link.

If you’d like support or want to share your own dyslexia or ADHD story, apply here to come on the pod. You can also join our private Facebook Community or sign up for the waiting list to our next in-depth course, “The Confident Dyslexic.” And if you’d love a regular dose of real-life experiences, check out My Dyslexic Life on YouTube.

Now, go ahead and give the full episode a listen for all the juicy details. You’ll love it if you’re keen to refine how you organise your life, harness the power of your unique brain, and find more supportive ways to make the most out of another year.