My 3 Goals

Do you ever feel like your brain is swimming in a sea of ideas, yet none of them seem to stick? In this episode, I explore how my dyslexic mind navigates goal-setting. You’ll see how a bit of strategic chaos can become an advantage if you let it.

The conversation introduces a simple framework for finding your “why” behind every target you set. I talk about the stumbling blocks that crop up when your brain doesn’t think in a straight line. You’ll learn how I decided which projects were worth chasing and which were just shiny distractions.

Why goal-setting feels different when you’re dyslexic

Many of us with dyslexia think in pictures or bursts of inspiration. This can make goal-setting tricky because a single idea can spark five new ones before we even finish the original task. Sometimes you set a goal, then immediately wonder if there’s something better.

Still, that difference is not a curse. In fact, it allows us to connect seemingly unrelated pieces of information and forge new paths. That’s why it’s valuable to have a system that respects creative thinking without letting it run off the rails.

How my dyslexic brain decided what I want

I knew I needed clarity. The problem was how to generate it without snuffing out my creative spark. Truth be told, I tried every method under the sun—diaries, vision boards, journaling, and random to-do lists. Most of them ended up half-finished, or they felt too rigid.

“Working with my dyslexic brain was never straightforward, but it was always interesting. I had to allow space for chaos while staying grounded in what mattered most.”

Tapping into that tension helped me realise I could pick two or three major goals at a time. If I aimed for more, I’d crash and burn. If I only chose one, I’d get bored or feel caged in.

The steps I used to set my goals

Instead of a fancy system, I found a few guidelines that worked for how my head is wired. They might spark ideas for you:

1. Begin with a brain dump. Write down everything you want, from financial targets to life experiences. Let it all pour out without judgement.
2. Group similar ideas. If you notice multiple items about personal health, group them under “well-being.” If you see business ambitions, place them under “career.”
3. Pick the top three areas. Narrow your focus to the three categories that resonate most deeply. It might be health, relationships, and creativity. Or it could be something else entirely.
4. Define one clear objective per area. Make it specific enough that you’ll know when you’ve reached it. Ambiguity is the enemy of progress.
5. Use visual cues. Sketch a rough image or symbol that reminds you of your goal. Stick it in a place you’ll see every day.

When I followed these steps, I uncovered what lit me up and what was just a passing whim. My brain dump helped me spot hidden patterns in my thinking, and focusing on three areas kept me from feeling stifled.

Building a relationship with your goals

It’s tempting to set the perfect goal, sit back, and wait for the stars to align. That rarely works. If you have a dyslexic or ADHD brain, you might lose interest or jump to a new idea. So it’s crucial to maintain momentum by checking in with your goals regularly.

I treat my goals like I treat my friends. I catch up with them often, make small adjustments, and celebrate wins. If a goal becomes irrelevant, I won’t force myself to keep it on life support. There’s no shame in pivoting when it’s not right anymore.

You can build this habit by creating a quick weekly review. Spend a few minutes noting any progress, challenges, or new insights. Even if you decide to change direction, at least you’ll know you made that choice consciously.

• Block out time for a tiny check-in each week.
• Reward yourself for milestones you’ve hit.
• Reflect on what’s working, then tweak what isn’t.

Don’t overcomplicate it. The main point is to see your goals as living things that need your attention. This tip alone has saved me hours of beating myself up for “failing.”

Takeaways

• Start broad and let your ideas flow without judgement.
• Group goals by theme so you can spot patterns.
• Narrow down to three focus areas to avoid burnout.
• Check in with your goals often and be willing to pivot.

You’ve now got a peek into how my dyslexic brain finds clarity (with a dose of positive chaos). There’s a lot more in the full episode, where we dive deeper into each step. Give it a listen while it’s fresh on your mind.

If you’re ready to explore these ideas further, the player at the top of this page has the complete conversation. Press play and join me on this journey.