Dyslexia Daily Habits (+ How Hard It Is To Stick To Them!)

Ever feel bombarded by those “5 daily habits to transform your morning” or “10 steps to improve your life”? You’re not alone. Dyslexic minds often struggle to pick through the endless advice out there.

In this podcast episode, I dive deep into how these lists can frustrate us and which bits truly help. I also share tiny insights from my own day-to-day. My hope is that you’ll walk away with a clearer mind and fewer to-dos.

Why Many Lists Feel Overwhelming

We’ve all seen the blog posts or Instagram carousels that promise wonders if you follow each step. But for dyslexics, switching tasks quickly can be like changing TV channels without a remote. It gets chaotic.

If you’ve ever tried a new routine only to give up halfway, know you’re not a failure. It’s the way our minds process (and sometimes ignore) instructions. Checklists might be helpful for some, but for many of us, those long lists can spark anxiety.

In the podcast, I share how I’ve made peace with the fact that I can’t tick every box. The truth is, we need space to be flexible and playful in how we develop habits.

Challenging Common Dyslexia Myths

Some of the popular resources about dyslexia are packed with “facts” that never felt right to me. Plenty of advice focuses on reading speed, spelling, or memory training. But dyslexia isn’t just about words and letters.

We’re often creative thinkers. That can mean we’re drawn to big ideas, leaving smaller details in the dust. So, when a “Top 10” list tells us how to do everything step by step, we might resist. In the episode, I talk about busting the myth that dyslexics must change who we are to succeed.

One line from the show sums it up best:

“We’re wired differently. We don’t need to become someone else, we just need to learn how our own brains work.”

Adventures in Tangents

I’ll be honest, I go off on a few tangents in this episode. To me, that’s part of the dyslexic magic. When I’m chatting about habits, suddenly an idea about creativity pops up. Then that leads to a story about how I forgot my keys last week, which connects to another insight. It’s how our brains link topics in surprising ways.

In my experience, tangents aren’t wasted time. They help us see connections between different parts of our lives. If you often find yourself drifting from one idea to the next, don’t panic. Lean into that curiosity and see where it takes you.

What Truly Helps Me

Instead of following every step in a generic list, I focus on smaller approaches that keep me motivated. These are habits that stick because they align with how my dyslexic mind works:

• Shortening Todo Lists: Rather than write 10 items, I aim for 2 or 3 key tasks. It’s easier on my head, and I get them done.
• Using Visual Triggers: Sticky notes on my laptop or random sketches in my notepad help me remember things far better than lines of text.
• Scheduling Play: I plan in time to play with ideas or do something that doesn’t feel like “work.” That breathing space fuels my creativity.

Every dyslexic mind is different. Experiment. It might mean doodling your shopping list or recording voice notes instead of scribbling them down. What works for one person may not work for you, so don’t be afraid to try something completely new.

• Keep It Simple: If you can’t manage 5 new daily habits, pick one or two that feel easy and go from there.
• Remember Downtime: Your mind can’t be in work mode all the time. Make space for rest or fun activities.
• Connect With Others: If you’re feeling stuck, lean on other dyslexic adults. Share wins or struggles. You don’t have to do it alone.

Key Takeaways

• Generic self-help lists can overwhelm creative minds.
• Don’t reduce dyslexia to reading or spelling alone—embrace your own strengths.
• Tangents aren’t distractions, they’re pathways to new ideas.
• Seek practical routines that match the way your brain works.

Want to dive deeper? In this episode, I share a few personal stories and talk about the myths around dyslexia and habit building. You’ll hear how I discovered what truly sticks—and what I had to toss out. The podcast’s player is at the top of this page, so just press play and enjoy the ride.

If you’re keen to build your confidence as a dyslexic adult, consider joining me on The Confident Dyslexic waitlist for January. You can also connect with teens and adults like you in our private Facebook community. Or, check out our other courses for more personalised support. And if you’d enjoy short video insights, subscribe to My Dyslexic Life on YouTube.

Thanks for reading. Happy listening, and remember to create your own path.