Games Not Goals Update

Have you ever set a big, exciting goal, then found yourself drifting off by week two? You’re not alone. In today’s podcast, we dug into a simple way to make goals playful and achievable, especially if you’re dyslexic.

We explored the 3-month goal principle—turning that distant mountain peak into a fun, doable game. In this episode, you’ll hear why gamification can help you keep focus and stay motivated. Below, I’ll share the highlights, along with tips and personal insights.

Why Gamify Your Goals?

Many of us with dyslexia like things that feel tangible and interesting. When a project or goal seems too far off, it’s easy to leave it in the “one day” pile. Gamification changes that. It adds rewards, competition (with yourself), and fun. Instead of pushing through a boring list of tasks, you get to track points—or level up.

When we link a goal to a game, we start to see progress in a way that feels good. It’s a bit like playing with Lego blocks. Your tower gets bigger one step at a time, and there’s a sense of immediate achievement. You don’t have to wonder if you’re doing well, because you can see it right there.

“Keep it simple, keep it fun, and your mind will stay engaged.” – from this week's episode

The 3-Month Goal Principle

Short-term goals often work best for dyslexic minds. Twelve months can feel like a lifetime. But three months is more like a season. You can see the end in sight, and it doesn’t feel too far away. That’s when momentum really kicks in.

In the podcast, I explained how the 3-month principle keeps you from overwhelming yourself. For instance, if your goal is to write a short eBook, tackle it in three months. Break it down into weekly or even daily plays. Maybe each week has a target, like drafting a chapter or editing a section.

Then, reward yourself. This is critical. Celebrate each small win. It can be as simple as taking a moment to say, “I did it!” or scoring a few extra points on your personal tracker.

Setting Up Your Personal Game

To put the 3-month principle into action, try creating a game sheet. List out the tasks that lead to your bigger goal, and then decide on a points system. You might:

• Assign points for completing each task.
• Include bonus points for tasks done a day early.
• Build in penalty points if you skip a task without a good reason.

Get creative. If you’re writing, it might be 10 points for finishing 500 words, or 50 points for revising a chapter. If you get stuck, try a time-based approach—like 5 points for every 25 minutes of deep work.

Another idea is to visually chart your progress. If you’re a pen-and-paper fan, use colourful stickers or a simple bar chart. It helps you see how far you’ve come even if you don’t feel it that day.

Overcoming Mindset Blocks

Sometimes we fizzle out because we overthink. If things don’t go perfectly, it’s tempting to quit. But perfection isn’t the goal. Effort is. You’ll hear in the podcast how crucial it is to give yourself grace.

If you fall behind for a few days, don’t scrap the whole plan. Just restart. The game approach makes it easier to see that it’s not the end of the world if you miss a turn. You can jump right back in.

1. Forgive yourself quickly after a setback.
2. Revisit your main reason for setting this goal.
3. Look at your progress chart or points system to see what’s still achievable.
4. Adjust the plan if necessary and keep going.

Mindset is everything. But when you give your mind that sense of fun, you’ll be more likely to stay focused.

Maintaining Momentum Beyond the Game

After three months, look at what you’ve achieved. You might be amazed. The best part is that you can do it all over again with a new goal or a new level of the same one. It’s like finishing a round of your favourite video game and then moving to the next stage.

You’ll also notice your confidence grows as you rack up those wins. That confidence can spill over into other parts of life. Suddenly, you’re not just a person who sets goals; you’re someone who accomplishes them.

Keep these questions in mind:

• What worked best in your game system?
• What didn’t spark enough motivation?
• How can you make it even more enjoyable next time?

The more you refine it, the more powerful it becomes. You’re turning goal-setting into a personal art form that suits your unique brain.

Key Takeaways

• Shorten your goal timeline to three months for better focus.
• Turn goals into games with points, charts, or fun challenges.
• Celebrate small victories like you would in any other game.
• Don’t dwell on slip-ups. Restart and carry on.
• Reflect on wins and lessons every step of the way.

Ready to dive deeper? Check out the full episode to hear real stories, extra advice, and a dash of humour. Our podcast player is right at the top of this page, so give it a click and find out how you can make your next three months truly count.