Motivation... What Is The Biggest Driver

Ever wake up feeling like you can conquer the world, then watch it fizzle out the next day? It happens to many of us. In this podcast episode, we dive into what keeps dyslexics motivated in those inspired moments, and how to keep that flame burning when our brains want to drift off. We cover practical tips, relatable stories, and a fresh take on self-kindness.

The chat explores why motivation can be so elusive for dyslexics. We discuss how small habits can anchor anyone looking for consistent success, and how harnessing community support plays a big role. There’s a good mix of personal anecdotes and research-based ideas sprinkled throughout the episode.

The Ups and Downs of Motivation

Motivation can feel like an on-again, off-again affair. One day you’ve got energy to burn. The next day it’s hard to get out of bed. This rollercoaster is common among people with dyslexia.

We often assume motivation is just something you either have or don’t. The truth is, it flows in waves. Recognising that pattern is key. If you know motivation has its highs and lows, you’re better able to ride those waves and manage them when they come.

“You can wake up feeling unstoppable, but everything can shift by the afternoon. Instead of fearing that shift, learn to work with it.”

Understanding the Root Causes

Part of why motivation gets slippery for dyslexics is the mental load of daily life. We juggle our creative strengths with reading challenges, memory issues, or organisational struggles. That juggling act drains mental energy fast.

Sometimes it’s not that we lack motivation. It’s that we have too many loose ends in our heads. When there’s too much to remember, our brains go offline. This can cause that “where did my mojo go?” feeling. In the episode, we share stories of how small steps can help untangle that knot.

Practical Tips to Keep the Fire Lit

There’s a myth that motivation itself is the secret sauce. People often think you should wait to feel motivated before starting a project. In reality, taking action can spark motivation. Even simple steps matter. The key is consistency, not perfection.

• Create tiny habits: Focus on something so small you can do it without much thought, like reading five pages a day.
• Reward progress: Treat yourself after finishing a tough task, even if it’s just a short break or a quick mental celebration.
• Stay accountable: Share your goals with a friend and ask them to check in on you. A supportive nudge can keep you moving.

These tips help convert fleeting motivation into reliable progress. When your mind knows there’s a simple plan, it’s less likely to throw up excuses.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

Mindset plays a big role, especially for dyslexics who might have battled self-doubt or fear of failure. If you’ve been told you’re lazy or just not trying hard enough, it can sap your spirit.

Yet we know dyslexia is not a sign of laziness. It’s a different wiring that can spark creativity, tenacity, and problem-solving skills. Recognising your strengths is vital because it shifts your thinking from “I can’t do this” to “It’s possible with the right approach.”

Building a growth mindset means you see challenges as chances to learn. You start to appreciate the progress you’ve made rather than obsessing over slip-ups. That shift in perspective does wonders for long-term motivation.

Finding and Leaning on Community

It’s easy to feel alone when you’re dyslexic, as if nobody else gets the frustration of losing motivation so quickly. In the episode, we highlight the power of connecting with people who understand. That might be local dyslexia meetups, online forums, or even close friends who share your journey.

Community support helps in three big ways:

1. Shared Experiences: You realise you’re not the only one feeling stuck on certain days.
2. Peer Accountability: Friends can keep you on track with gentle reminders and a bit of friendly pressure.
3. Celebrating Wins Together: Small successes feel bigger when friends cheer you on.

When you lean on a community, your motivation becomes more resilient. You have a safety net of people who rally around you when you’re in a slump.

Key Takeaways

• Motivation ebbs and flows, and we can learn to work with it instead of fighting it.
• Small habits build momentum more reliably than big leaps.
• Your mindset influences how you handle your highs and lows.
• Don’t feel you have to ‘go it alone’: community support is powerful.
• Actions often spark motivation, not the other way around.

Ready to dive deeper? The player at the top of this page has the full podcast episode. We share extra insights about dyslexia, real-life examples, and practical steps you can apply right away. Give it a listen and see how these simple techniques can transform your view of motivation.