I Broke On Friday

Ever feel like you followed all the right steps, yet life decided to rewrite your script? That moment when everything spins sideways can be frustrating and enlightening. This episode of Truth About Dyslexia dives into one of those times and reveals how we grapple with the unexpected.

In this conversation, we explore how plans fall apart. We also look at why that failure can be a catalyst for something better. There’s an honesty here that might strike a nerve if you’ve ever tried to keep all those plates spinning. It’s a gentle reminder that even with the best intentions, real life tends to have its own agenda.

When Plans Derail

We often create mental checklists, hoping they’ll guide us step by step. Yet plans have a way of twisting out of shape when we least expect it. Sometimes we miss a step or get lost in overthinking, which can lead to missed opportunities.

So what do we do when everything goes wrong? We pause, breathe, and reflect. Fears and doubts might creep in, especially if past experiences left us bruised. The key is recognising the need to adapt. Our ability to pivot can reveal hidden strength and creativity we never knew we had.

“These are the hardest podcasts to recite, but I feel the most valuable. Talking about when something did not go to plan. You may relate to this.”

Turning Setbacks into Lessons

In this episode, I open up about a situation that didn’t match my hopes. I’d done the prep work, I’d shared my vision, and I was ready to forge ahead. Then everything seemed to crumble. In that moment, it’s tempting to throw in the towel.

But that sinking feeling can offer new perspectives. Maybe the idea wasn’t as clear as you thought, or perhaps you needed to slow down and let your brain catch up. Dyslexic and ADHD minds work in brilliant yet sometimes chaotic ways. We race forward, but we also need a clear roadmap or we spin in too many directions at once.

Finding Growth in the Unexpected

When a plan goes off track, it’s easy to feel disappointed. Yet this is where growth happens. Some of my best breakthroughs came from the rubble of botched projects and half-finished ideas.

If your plan didn’t work out, resist the urge to beat yourself up. Pause to ask, “What can I learn here?” Each setback puts a spotlight on areas for improvement. Think of it like adjusting your sails in a storm. You can’t stop the wind, but you can change direction.

Practical Steps for Bouncing Back

The lovely thing about moments that don’t go to plan is they open space for creativity. Our minds can jump to fresh approaches and safer ways to test ideas. Here are a few practical tips:

• Reflect: Write down what happened and spot the patterns.
• Regroup: Talk it through with someone who gets it. Sometimes a single chat sheds light on solutions hiding in plain sight.
• Experiment: Try fresh methods. If your mind thrives on visuals, use mind maps. If structure helps, block out time in small bursts.
• Celebrate Little Wins: Not every step has to be huge. Being consistent with small steps creates momentum.

It often helps to challenge your assumptions too. Our dyslexic or ADHD brains can jump to the worst-case scenario or rely on old habits long after they’ve expired. When things break down, take it as a cue to update your mental software. You might discover a simpler approach that sticks.

How It Ties Back to Dyslexia and ADHD

Let’s face it, if you’re dyslexic or ADHD, overthinking might be a constant companion. We can be hard on ourselves for not meeting our own expectations. That’s why this episode highlights the value of perspective.

It’s not just about failing then dusting yourself off. It’s also about noticing your triggers. Did you overcomplicate the plan? Did you rely on old routines that no longer work? Recognising these patterns can help you replace them with strategies that align with how you function best.

We discuss the sense of relief you get when you realise you don’t need the perfect plan. You just need a willingness to adapt. You gain confidence once you trust your ability to shift direction when life decides it’s time for a plot twist.

• Plans fail for all sorts of reasons, often revealing new paths.
• This episode walks through a personal story of unexpected setbacks.
• Turning failure into an experiment can spark real insights.
• Celebrating small wins fuels motivation and keeps you moving forward.
• Dyslexia and ADHD traits can lead to innovative solutions, if you give them space.

Curious to hear the full story behind these points? The podcast player is right at the top. Have a listen and let me know how it resonates with you.

Takeaways to Keep in Mind

• Failure isn’t the finale, it’s an invitation to innovate.
• Dyslexic or not, adapting beats sticking to a broken plan.
• Learn from setbacks and fine-tune your approach next time.
• Sharing the journey with a friend or a supportive group helps you see things differently.
• Nurturing a flexible mindset reduces stress and boosts creativity.

By the end of this episode, you’ll see how messy detours can become stepping stones. Embrace the chaos. It may guide you to a solution that’s even better than what you first imagined.

Ready for the full story and more insights? Feel free to hit play above and join me for the complete episode of Truth About Dyslexia.