Long Term Goals Vs Daily Activity

Sometimes bridging short-term tasks with big, lofty goals can be a puzzle. One moment you’re excited about future plans, the next you’re overwhelmed by the sheer volume of steps. In this episode, we explore that roller-coaster feeling and how to manage it, especially if you’re dyslexic.

This podcast dives into practical tips and real-life examples. We talk about what keeps us stuck in a cycle of procrastination, and how to get back on track with some simple strategies you can start today. If you’ve ever felt torn between dreaming big and actually getting things done, you’re not alone.

Why We Struggle With Long-Term Goals

Many of us love to dream. We set all these brilliant end goals, imagining how amazing it’ll be when we get there. Then reality sets in. We realise we have to do lots of smaller tasks that don’t always match that initial spark of excitement.

Motivation can drop when your brain feels like it’s juggling a dozen jobs. You’re not sure which step should come first or how to pace yourself. With dyslexia in the mix, you might also get tangled in everyday distractions or find it tough to keep your attention locked on one thing.

You’re not alone if you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I just focus?” That frustration is pretty normal, and it’s often about how our minds process information. Understanding that it’s part of the learning journey can be a big first step.

Bridging the Gap Between Now and Later

To get from point A to point B, it helps to break big goals into clear milestones. But that might feel easier said than done. That’s where creative thinking and a bit of playfulness can help.

In the episode, we chat about how to make the process more fun, like using games or setting mini timeframes that push us forward. It’s about finding ways to keep your energy levels up without burning out.

Sometimes it’s okay to let the goal shift a little. You might discover new directions along the way. As you learn more about yourself, you can fine-tune what your big picture will look like. Give yourself permission to adapt your plan.

Balancing the Fun and the Overwhelm

One week you might be full of excitement, buzzing with ideas and to-do lists. Another week you could be hitting a mental wall. Both states can exist side by side. So how do you strike a balance?

“Sometimes bridging short tasks with our bigger vision feels like chasing a moving target — fun one moment, frustrating the next.”

For many of us, it helps to be honest about our energy patterns. Recognise when you’re in a good mental space to tackle more and when you need to slow down. That way, you won’t judge yourself too harshly on the off days.

And remember, support matters. You don’t have to navigate it all alone. Finding a mentor, friend or coach who understands dyslexia can make a world of difference. Talking ideas through can spark fresh insights and help you re-energise when you’re stuck.

Practical Ways to Stay on Track

Sometimes we just need real, no-nonsense tactics that keep us moving. Here are a few that came up in this episode:

• Use visual reminders: Kanban boards, colour-coded lists or mind maps can make tasks less intimidating.
• Create mini-deadlines: Breaking the project into chunks with small targets keeps momentum steady.
• Reward yourself: Celebrate the little wins, whether it’s a quick coffee break or a mini dance party.
• Embrace variety: If you’re bored, switch tasks for a while to keep things fresh.
• Track progress: Tick off each step you complete, so you see how far you’ve come.

These aren’t miracle cures, but they work wonders when you actually try them. Sometimes even the simple act of ticking a box can give you a mini confidence boost.

Enjoying the Process

The journey from short-term task to long-term goal isn’t just about arriving. It’s also about who you become in the process. Learning to manage your focus, using practical tools and finding a rhythm that fits your unique mind can be surprisingly rewarding.

Give yourself credit for experimenting. When you treat each try as a chance to learn, you’ll build more trust in yourself and your abilities. That trust then multiplies and helps you push further next time.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about honest progress, no matter how small it seems in the moment.

• Big goals need small steps — but you get to decide how those steps look.
• Fun and overwhelm can happen in the same week, and both are normal.
• Support systems and simple tools can turn chaos into clarity.
• Adapting your plan is allowed and sometimes even essential for growth.

Ready to hear more about harnessing both the excitement and the overwhelm? Listen to the full podcast episode, where we dig into these ideas and share some real-life stories on how to juggle everything. The podcast player is at the top of this page, so hit play and dive in!

When you’re done, explore these resources to keep the momentum going:

• Kick Off The Year Strong – The To-Do List For Dyslexics
• Want to share your story on the pod? Click here.
• Get on the waiting list for our next course
• Join our private Facebook community
• Watch 'My Dyslexic Life' on YouTube

We hope this helps you see that you’re not alone in wanting to marry short-term tasks with long-term dreams. They can exist in harmony with a few mindful tweaks and a sense of humour along the way. Press play on the podcast now and start exploring new ways to make it happen!