Don’t Just Set Boundaries, Build Them - Creating Balance

Ever feel like you’re running a personal circus, trying to keep all the plates spinning and never quite managing to find that sweet spot called “balance”? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into how one small tweak—like a tiny hinge—can move a massive door when it comes to living with dyslexia or ADHD. If trying to practise moderation in your life feels like an uphill climb, you’ll want to keep reading.

This short podcast zooms in on what “moderation” really means and why it can be so tricky for many of us. We also explore what it looks like to embrace imperfection, accept our quirks, and use them to our advantage. The goal isn’t to mimic everyone else. It’s to use the strengths that come with dyslexia or ADHD, while keeping our habits on a more level playing field.

Why Moderation Feels Like a Dirty Word

Many of us have a love-hate relationship with the idea of “moderation.” For people with ADHD or dyslexia, the typical advice to just “tone it down” can feel downright impossible. We either go all-in or avoid it entirely. Balance sounds good, but how do you make it happen?

If we think of moderation as that “safe middle,” it can appear, well, a bit boring. The highs and lows can be where we feel most alive. Yet that roller coaster is exhausting, and it rarely leads to lasting progress. That’s why the episode suggests viewing moderation in a new light: as a tool that helps unlock your best bits without burning you out.

One specific phrase that stuck out for me was:

“Struggle to find balance? Is the word moderation a dirty word? Here is a small hinge I found in my life which can swing a big door.”

It’s a simple statement that reminds us a tiny shift in mindset can lead to massive change. If we see moderation not as an enemy but as a new lens, we open a pathway to better habits.

Finding the Right Hinge

Think of the habits you’re trying to build. For some, it might be exercise. For others, it might be limiting Instagram scroll time. The key is often to start smaller than you think. That might mean exercising just ten minutes a day or putting your phone out of reach during dinner. If it feels too easy, that’s probably a good sign you can stick with it.

These small tweaks act like a hinge. Their size might seem insignificant, but they can swing the door wide open to new possibilities. The key is not to rely on giant leaps that quickly tire you out. Instead, rely on manageable steps that build consistency. Over time, they compound into a big win.

Consider how you might experiment with your daily routines:

• Set an alarm for a tiny action—like reading a book for five minutes.
• Pick the easiest-to-remember time for your new habit—right after breakfast or before bed.
• Give yourself permission to do less if you’re overwhelmed—consistency is what counts.

Avoiding the All-or-Nothing Trap

Moderation asks us to tiptoe away from the all-or-nothing mentality. You know, the one that says: “If I’m going to do it, I’ll do it perfectly. Otherwise, I won’t bother.” That mindset can be especially sticky for those with dyslexia or ADHD. When something grabs our focus, we dive in full throttle. When it doesn’t, we’re less than lukewarm.

At first, moderation might feel like you’re losing that passion. But the podcast points out how it can help you channel that passion more sustainably. Instead of burning out after three days of intense effort, you pace yourself and actually see results. It’s not about losing your spark. It’s about maintaining it so you can shine brighter, for longer.

Here’s a quick way to spot the all-or-nothing trap and steer clear:

1. Notice extreme language: words like “always,” “never,” “perfect,” or “terrible.”
2. Ask yourself if the outcome really needs to be perfect or if “good enough” is fine.
3. Reward progress, not perfection—pass or fail is rarely the only option.

Learning to Love the Process

A massive takeaway from this episode is the value of enjoying the ride. When we place too much pressure on a goal, we can shy away from trying at all—especially if past attempts have ended in frustration. But when we sprinkle in self-compassion, we remind ourselves that we’re not defective. We’re just wired in a unique way.

This shift in perspective can make all the difference. It gives us room to experiment. If we slip up, we can correct course without that nagging shame that says, “You’ll never get it right.” Instead, we can say, “Let’s try a different route,” and keep going. Over time, these small wins add up to tangible progress. And suddenly moderation doesn’t seem so off-putting after all.

In the episode, there’s an honest discussion about the seesaw of ambition versus burnout. We often feel the need to do everything at once, but that approach can leave us drained. A gentler method might not seem flashy, yet it’s the key to real growth. If you’ve ever wished you could stick with a new habit, focusing on feeling good about each mini-step might be the secret ingredient.

Key Takeaways

• Moderation doesn’t have to be dull—it can be a stepping stone to consistency.
• Small hinges swing big doors: tiny habits can lead to massive results over time.
• The all-or-nothing trap is counterproductive; aim for “better,” not “perfect.”
• Self-compassion fuels consistency—it’s easier to keep going when shame isn’t involved.
• Enjoying the process is more important than chasing a flawless outcome.

All these insights serve as a great reminder that balance isn’t about being bland. It’s about finding a pace that keeps your passion alive without inviting overwhelm or burnout. If you resonate with that, or if you’ve been craving a new approach to managing life’s chaos, this episode is a breath of fresh air.

Want the full story? The podcast player is right at the top of this page, so be sure to give it a listen. Nothing beats hearing the energy, candour, and real-life examples firsthand. It might just spark a change in how you handle your own balancing act. Check it out, and see if you can find that little hinge in your life, ready to swing a pretty big door.