Does Getting Feedback Effect Your Motivation?

Ever feel like your motivation flies high one moment and vanishes the next? That rollercoaster can be especially true if you’re dyslexic. In this episode, we explore how our picture-driven minds can fuel big bursts of energy, and why we sometimes suddenly lose steam. We also look at whether feedback can nudge us back on track.

We dig into the inner workings of a dyslexic brain: why we're drawn to vivid visualisation, how we can harness feedback in healthy ways, and what happens when that spark flickers out. If you’ve ever wondered how to maintain momentum in a world that demands consistent output, you’ll want to tune in.

Understanding Our Picture-Driven Nature

Dyslexics don’t just see words. We see entire images and concepts. It’s like having a built-in mental cinema. That can be powerful, but it can also lead to overwhelm. You might be brainstorming one day and come up with a vision that excites you, only to feel like you’ve lost the thread the next morning.

“We are so picture-driven, yet we struggle to keep that mental movie running at a consistent pace.”

Our creative energy can surge, then fade. Recognising that pattern helps us accept our highs and lows, so we spend less time wondering if we’re broken and more time enjoying the process.

When Motivation Peaks... and Crashes

Imagine you’re on top of the world, ready to bring your ideas to life, then suddenly that project feels too big. Dyslexics often ride that wave of motivation. We’re quick to see possibilities and jump right in. Then we hit a wall of self-doubt or burnout.

Why does it happen? Our minds latch onto new ideas with enthusiasm, but we sometimes lack the scaffolding to keep that excitement going. The good news is that we can plan for these dips. By noting when we’re likely to lose steam, we can step back and recharge before we crash.

Does Feedback Make a Difference?

Feedback can be a double-edged sword. It can energise you if it’s given with empathy, or it can cause you to retreat if it’s too harsh. We all need an outside perspective sometimes. A well-timed pat on the back can light up our motivation, reminding us that our work has value.

However, negative feedback can push us into overthinking. Dyslexics can get stuck replaying criticism. That’s why it’s vital to look for constructive input and learn to filter what’s not helpful.

• Check the source of the feedback. Is it someone you trust?
• Focus on what you can improve, rather than what went wrong.
• Remember that feedback is about the work, not about you as a person.

Strategies to Keep the Fire Burning

Part of maintaining momentum is knowing how to handle the dips. Here are a few ideas for keeping your motivational spark alive:

1. Break tasks down: Small steps make big goals less scary. Ticking off a short to-do list is more satisfying.
2. Seek positive feedback: Find encouraging friends or mentors. They can keep you excited about what you’re creating.
3. Use visual cues: Keeping a vision board or even a simple sketch can help you remember the bigger picture.
4. Celebrate all wins: Give yourself credit for every step forward. It helps cement that sense of progress.

Keeping Perspective

Dyslexia isn’t just about reading challenges. Our strengths lie in our creativity, problem-solving, and ability to see things differently. It’s valuable to honour those gifts, even if you sometimes lose motivation. Realising that feedback can either fuel or extinguish your flame is key. With the right support and some personal strategies, you can keep going.

• Motivation changes are normal, especially for dyslexics.
• Picture-driven minds thrive when ideas stay front and centre.
• Constructive feedback can give you a boost. Negative feedback might need filtering.
• Simple habits, like breaking tasks down, can maintain your spark.
• Don’t forget to celebrate every step you complete.

Curious to learn more? Listen to the full episode. You’ll hear more about balancing motivation, bouncing back from setbacks, and using feedback to your advantage.