Dyslexia, Change & A Picture Of A Carrot
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Have you ever felt like you’ve overcorrected when trying to make a positive change? One moment you’re fighting a bad habit, and the next you’re on the other end of the spectrum, wondering how you got there. In this episode of the podcast, we explore the Over/Under effect and why it’s so common for those of us with dyslexia.
The Over/Under effect happens when we go so far in one direction that it’s hard to recognise when we should slow down or switch gears. We might push ourselves too hard, or retreat when we need to step forward. In the episode, we dig into why this happens, what it does to our mental state, and what we can do to discover more balance in our lives.
What is the Over/Under Effect?
The Over/Under effect is a fancy way of saying we’ve gone too far in our attempts to improve something. Maybe you decide it’s time to be more organised, so you spend hours creating colour-coded charts and lists. Suddenly, planning everything becomes more stressful than the clutter you started with.
It’s easy to fall into these extremes when you’re dyslexic. Our natural energy, enthusiasm, or anxiety can pull us to push every limit. This can be exciting at first, but it’s not always sustainable. We might even feel guilty if we can’t keep up the pace.
“We sometimes overcorrect, and it can take a nudge before we realise it's safe to ease back a little.”
This episode breaks down why you’re not alone if you find yourself swinging from one extreme to another. A lot of people with dyslexia experience the same pattern.
Why We Swing Too Far
We’re trying to improve, but we don’t always know the finish line. If you’re dyslexic, you probably have a strong desire to do your best. Sometimes this leads to ‘all or nothing’ thinking, where if you’re not perfect, you feel like you’ve failed.
Our brains can also get trapped in hyperfocus when we find something we’re passionate about. We might dive in and ignore signs that we should slow down. By the time we realise it, we've burnt ourselves out or created new stress.
Yet this isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s often a reaction to feeling misunderstood or worried you’re not meeting your potential. The Over/Under effect can be a coping mechanism, though it might leave you feeling unbalanced.
- Fear of not doing enough
- Hyperfocus on a new approach
- Trying to fix everything at once
- Feeling pressured by comparisons
Finding Your Own Balance
Balance is personal. What works for me might not work for you. If you’ve noticed you swing to an extreme, start by checking in with yourself more often. Ask, “How am I feeling?” and “What’s driving me right now?”
It also helps to set small boundaries or goals. Instead of trying to tackle your entire weekly routine, focus on one area you want to improve for a day or two. That way, you’re less likely to burn out and more likely to enjoy the process.
If you do find yourself going overboard, it’s OK to take a step back. No one method or routine is the ‘right way’ for everyone. Explore what works, celebrate tiny wins, and let yourself adjust if it stops feeling good.
- Check in with your energy levels daily.
- Set small, specific goals (not ten big ones!).
- Celebrate small wins, even if they seem minor.
- Listen to your body’s stress signals.
- Try different strategies until you find a comfortable spot.
Remember You’re Not Alone
Dyslexia can make you feel like you’re on an island, fighting battles that others don’t see. The truth is, many of us deal with these swings between overdoing and underdoing. This is normal, and it’s part of your unique wiring.
It’s important to stay connected with people who get it. Share your experiences, even the frustrating ones. Join online communities or local groups if you can. The more open conversations you have, the less isolated you’ll feel.
If you want to learn more, we’ve organised a special webinar that dives deeper into this topic. It’s designed to help you make sense of your overcorrections and find peace in your day-to-day life. If you haven’t signed up already, do it here: https://go.truthaboutdyslexia.com/webinar.
- Being dyslexic doesn’t mean you’re broken. It just means you learn differently.
- Your highs and lows don’t define you, but they do shape your path.
- There’s power in sharing successes and struggles with a supportive community.
Take it from me: if this resonates with you, you’re far from alone. The Over/Under effect isn’t a permanent state. It’s a pattern many of us are learning to manage one step at a time.
Key Takeaways
- The Over/Under effect is when you overcorrect and swing to extremes.
- It’s common to do this when working on new habits or routines.
- Balance is about small steps and checking in with your emotions.
- Don’t worry if you stumble. It’s all part of the learning curve.
- Community support makes the journey easier.
If you want to hear more about how to handle the Over/Under effect, click play on the podcast episode at the top of the page. You’ll get practical tips and personal stories from people who’ve experienced the same thing. Once you’re done listening, let me know your thoughts and any insights you found helpful. We’re all in this together.
