Momentum & Feeling Like You Are Jumping Out A Plane
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Have you ever started a new project or relationship only to pull away the moment things began to pick up steam? It can feel unsettling, like your brain is whispering “this isn’t for you” right as you gain ground. In this podcast episode, I dive into that feeling and why it pops up for many of us with a dyslexic mind.
We explore the excitement of beginning something fresh, and the creeping doubts that convince us it’s time to exit before it all goes wrong. By sharing my experience, I hope to show you what it looks like from the inside, and how you can navigate through it. It’s all about understanding the pattern and taking steps to build trust in yourself.
The Pattern of Starting and Stopping
One pattern I noticed was the adrenaline rush of an exciting new idea. I’d throw myself in with energy, only to become restless once it appeared to be working. Rather than riding the wave, I’d jump ship, wondering why my excitement turned to dread.
This could happen with anything, from a job to a personal project. The root cause was often tied to self-doubt and the fear of being ‘found out’ if something went wrong. My mind would rather quit than risk failure.
“Ever felt like you start something... a business, job, relationship... or something else and just as it starts to build momentum you jump out?”
Figuring Out Why We Jump Ship
Dyslexia brings unique perspectives. It also brings challenges in how we process pressure. When the brain senses something might go off track, it rings alarm bells. Here’s what I realised:
- I was terrified of success turning into failure.
- I feared letting others down if I messed up.
- I got bored once the novelty wore off.
- I misunderstood normal nervousness for a sign that I should quit.
I’d see a small hurdle and assume a bigger one was hiding right behind it. Recognising these mental triggers was a wake-up call.
The Inner Voice Shift
Learning to trust the process didn’t happen overnight. I had to shift my inner voice from “but what if it all goes wrong?” to “how might I keep going and see what happens?” This change helped me ride the wave of momentum instead of bailing too soon.
On the days when my dyslexic thinking felt overwhelming, I reminded myself it was just a moment in time. I practised speaking kinder words to myself, celebrating small wins, and looking for evidence that I could succeed. That mindset shift became a game-changer.
Taking That Next Step
Embracing the journey means accepting discomfort as a sign of growth, not a reason to quit. A few tips that helped me:
- Break projects into tiny steps. Each step feels easier to face when it’s not too big. Small steps add up fast.
- Celebrate milestones. Even minor wins build your sense of capability and help you see progress.
- Find a sounding board. A friend, mentor, or online community can remind you to keep going when fear creeps in.
- Sketch a vision. Write down where you’d like to be in a few months, then check in with that vision often.
Most importantly, don’t panic if you feel like running away. It’s normal to get overwhelmed, especially with a dyslexic mind. Give yourself grace to take a breath, step back if needed, and then re-enter with fresh eyes.
- Recognise your triggers and name them.
- Accept discomfort as a growth sign.
- Practise self-compassion and calm your inner critic.
- Seek support before you quit.
Key Takeaways
- You’re not alone if you start strong then want to bail when things get real.
- Dyslexia can magnify fears but also fuel creativity.
- A little reflection on your inner voice can stop knee-jerk reactions.
- Small decisions build momentum, and momentum leads to confidence.
Ready to find out more? In the full episode, I share my personal stories and more practical advice for tackling those ‘runaway’ moments. If you’re keen to discover how to ride this unique dyslexic rollercoaster, listen now and take a step toward trusting yourself more fully.
Feel free to explore The Confident Dyslexic resource. You can even ask me a question there. Your next big win might just be around the corner.
