Dyslexic Goal Setting Case Study

Dyslexic Goal Setting Case Study

Have you ever felt like you're juggling ten things at once while trying to make steady progress? This episode of “Truth About Dyslexia” shares a raw snapshot of my life. I open up about what’s clicking for me, what’s falling apart, and how I’m inching closer to my goals each day.

I dive into real stories, not polished theories. The aim is to give you honest insights into how I’m navigating challenges in mindset and organisation. Whether you’re tackling career changes, personal growth, or new creative ventures, you’ll find a bit of yourself in this update.

A Reflective Start

I began this journey eager to see quick results. A few weeks in, I realised it’s a marathon, not a sprint. I’m not running at super-speed, and that’s alright. The plan has evolved from trying everything at once to focusing on small, doable steps.

Reflection has become a key part of my daily life. I’ve a simple notebook by my desk where I jot down what I did well and what I’d like to improve tomorrow. It’s not about beating myself up; it’s about noticing where my energy flows best and how I can replicate that rhythm.

It feels good to track progress in writing, even if it’s just one or two lines. The practice gives me immediate feedback on whether I stayed true to my intentions. Sometimes I’ll spot a pattern right away: maybe I’m flat-out ignoring my health goals or burying myself in busywork. Having a quick daily reflection helps keep denial at bay. It’s honest and real.

What’s Working

To my surprise, the changes that have stuck weren’t the big, dramatic attempts. Instead, little shifts are creating consistent momentum. Here are a few actions that feel rock-solid:

  • Morning Checks: Checking my plan each morning sets the tone for my day. I note urgent tasks first, then see what time remains for personal projects.
  • Friendly Accountability: Chatting with a friend about my weekly goal helps me remember it. It’s not a formal meeting. It’s more like a quick update, which meets my need for connection too.
  • Smart Downtime: Being dyslexic, I seek mental breaks. I’ve realised that recharging with a walk or quiet music makes me more productive in the long run.

I’ve also noticed how small routines guide me forward. I’m more deliberate about picking tasks that matter instead of drifting along. If I sense I’m stuck, I revisit my notebook. Usually, the simple act of flipping back through previous entries reveals a clue about what to do next.

I said on the podcast,

“Routines become our silent allies. They guide us when our minds get too loud.”

That sums up why small habits end up transforming entire weeks. They anchor my days in a gentle but firm way.

Where I’m Struggling

Despite the wins, I’ve had some face-plant moments. My biggest challenge is trying not to chase shiny new ideas when I’ve projects waiting in the wings. It’s so tempting to switch gears whenever my energy shifts. I have this constant tug of war between wanting that new excitement and needing stability.

Time management has also been tricky. I find myself over-committing, saying yes to too many invites. The result? My schedule bursts at the seams, leaving my mind spinning. I’ve been working to set boundaries, but it’s an ongoing task, not a quick fix.

Tech distractions are another issue. I’ll start a task, then an app nudges me with a notification. Before I know it, 15 minutes have gone in a direction that adds zero value to my day. Turning off notifications helps, though I’m still building that discipline to keep them off.

How I’m Succeeding Anyway

Even with those challenges, I’m actually closer to my goals than I was a month ago. Sounds contradictory, but I’ve found a few ways to keep going:

  1. Accept Imperfection: I’m learning to forgive myself for slip-ups. Beating myself up only saps more energy.
  2. Use Simple Tools: A small notepad, a reminder on my phone, and a single Excel sheet are enough to track progress. No fancy apps needed.
  3. Reward Progress: I treat myself to something small when I hit a mini-milestone. A little recognition goes a long way.

I’m also giving myself permission to rest without guilt. One day a week, I do nothing related to my main goals. Instead, I’ll watch a film or go for a walk with no sense of pressure. That reset keeps me from burning out. By Monday, I’m excited to get back on track.

Hope has a strange power: once you see a bit of traction, you want more. That’s what’s been happening here. Each small success spurs me to keep going, even if I stumble along the way.

Main Takeaways

  • Daily reflections can reveal progress or spot slip-ups.
  • Small tweaks, not giant leaps, often create lasting change.
  • It’s easy to get overwhelmed by new ideas, so set gentle boundaries.
  • Tech is a double-edged sword, so learn to manage your notifications.
  • Rest and downtime aren’t optional. They fuel your next burst of creativity.

I’m loving how these steps bring me closer to the life I want. By mixing curiosity, consistency, and self-compassion, I’m finding my own rhythm for personal growth.

If you’d like to hear all the stories and a deeper dive into what’s really happening behind the scenes, check out the podcast episode at the top of this page. You’ll get the full scoop and maybe a few tips you can use in your own journey.

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