Deciding What’s Important

Life often throws big events at us, and we want them to go smoothly. When you’re dyslexic, though, even something as joyful as planning a birthday bash can turn into a juggling act. This episode tackles how our dyslexic minds respond to priorities and shares ways we can keep our cool when life demands careful sequencing.

One main theme is how we struggle to see a clear order of tasks. Whether it’s organising a party or dealing with everyday routines, getting the sequence right can feel like a puzzle. This conversation dives into practical ways to set priorities and keep anxiety in check—especially if you’re managing multiple responsibilities at once. You’ll hear honest reflections, from feeling overwhelmed to finding calm when we align our tasks in the right order.

Why Setting Priorities Can Feel Messy

Dyslexics often process information differently. This can lead to a creative edge, but it also means our brains can struggle to pick out which thing needs to be done first. We see a million ideas, then we’re not sure where to start. That’s why a lot of us keep sticky notes or phone reminders everywhere. The chaos can be real if we don’t find a method.

When we lack a clear “do first” clue, we can rush into tasks out of excitement. Picture cleaning the house in a frantic burst right before your guests arrive, only to discover you forgot to buy plates or wrap presents. It’s messy. Some people might chalk it up to poor organisation, but it’s really a dyslexic’s battle with prioritisation.

This episode highlights that sense of overwhelm. If you sometimes find yourself spinning in circles, you’re not alone. Honouring your creative side is important, but you can also learn to cut through the noise and order your tasks step by step.

The 65th Birthday Challenge

I’m planning a 65th birthday for my parents. It’s a milestone and a chance to show them how much they’re appreciated. Yet, I’ve found myself toggling between decisions. Should I book a venue first or invite family early? Do I focus on the menu or the decorations?

It’s a perfect example of where dyslexic minds can trip up. We want everything to be perfect. We try to handle it all at once. Then the sequence of tasks melts into a strange knot in our heads. There’s a sense of urgency because birthdays don’t wait. That ticking clock can heighten stress and decision fatigue.

You might recognise a similar pattern in your own life. Maybe it’s not a party, but a work project or a renovation. Suddenly, every task feels top priority. This birthday planning reminded me of how we can get stuck in the details and lose sight of what genuinely matters. A rational plan goes a long way, and so does a calm approach.

Finding an Order That Works

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the power of breaking tasks into manageable steps and then picking one to start. Sounds simple, but practise can be tricky. Many of us say, “I know that,” but we skip the basics until stress forces us to slow down.

Here’s the gist of the method I’m trying:

• Brain dump: Write down every single idea, from the colour of balloons to the birthday cake flavours.
• Group tasks: Bundle tasks that fit together, like food arrangements or venue bookings.
• Choose the logical first step: Is it more urgent to confirm your guest list or finalise decorations? Decide what’s most time-sensitive and start there.
• Stay flexible: If something changes, don’t panic. Keep adjusting so you’re always sure what the next move is.

This episode gave me confidence that I’m not doing it ‘wrong’ if I have to reshuffle my order. What matters is the overarching sequence that anchors me. It helps me avoid fizzing out or forgetting a key detail. The conversation had a reassuring tone, reminding us to embrace progress, not perfection.

“It’s easy to get lost in all the details when you’re dyslexic. But when you find the right order, things get a lot calmer.”

That line stuck with me. It perfectly captures the relief dyslexics feel when we see a clear path. We can be unstoppable once we channel our creativity into concrete steps.

Dealing with Self-Doubt

Another point mentioned is how big events can trigger self-doubt. We might worry we’ll miss something crucial. Others might question if we’re disorganised, which gets in our head. Our own doubts can get louder as the deadline looms. It’s a recipe for procrastination and shame.

But there’s good news in the episode. We can still love our creative minds while acknowledging the help we need. We’re not lazy or careless. We’re just wired differently. Creating a visual timeline or making lists can be the difference between meltdown and a smooth plan. It’s all about discovering what works for you, then trusting that process.

When self-doubt flares up, it can help to talk to someone who gets it. That might be a friend, a therapist, or a fellow dyslexic. Sharing that inner swirl normalises how you’re feeling. Don’t forget to celebrate the small wins too. If you’ve booked the venue, that’s a victory. If you’ve settled on a date, that’s huge.

Useful Tips to Keep You Focused

The episode includes handy tips for anyone feeling overwhelmed by priorities. Some are obvious, others might be new perspectives. Here are a few that resonated with me:

• Pick your main goal each day. Write it somewhere you can see it.
• Use your phone reminders. Put tasks in your calendar so you see them in real time.
• Talk through your plan out loud. Sometimes hearing it helps you spot gaps.
• Review and update your list each night. That way you’re ready for the next day.

These strategies help tame the chaos and cut back on second-guessing. They don’t fix everything, but they can reduce that sense of drowning in tasks. The important thing is to adapt them to your life. Some folks love sticky notes, some prefer apps. No method is one-size-fits-all.

• Break tasks into bite-sized actions.
• Identify which item to do first and second.
• Use external tools like reminders and shared calendars.
• Talk with someone if overwhelm creeps in.
• Celebrate each small step forward.

It’s not just about getting stuff done. It’s about feeling calmer and more present. Stress robs us of the joy we could have when planning something as special as a milestone birthday.

Key Takeaways

Before you go, here are a few points that stood out:

• Dyslexic minds often struggle with task order, and that’s okay.
• Breaking projects into smaller steps can provide clarity.
• It’s crucial to revise your to-do list as things change. Flexibility is your friend.
• Self-doubt can creep in when big events loom, but you can combat it with structure and support.
• Progress matters more than perfection—especially during time-sensitive planning.

By the end of this episode, I felt reassured that I can handle the birthday chaos. It also reminded me that my mind’s unique wiring is a gift when I channel it thoughtfully.

If you’re balancing a major event or simply want to prioritise your day without spinning your wheels, be sure to listen to the full podcast. The player is right at the top of this page, so press play and dive deeper into the conversation.