My Direction In 2020 - My New York

2020 has so much potential. Sometimes a fresh year is just what we need to reset our mindset and aim for something that feels bigger and bolder. In this episode, I talked about the directions I'm taking, why I'm heading to New York, and how that shift in scenery might inspire your own adventure.

We covered the excitement that comes with new opportunities, the jitters of leaning into change, and the spark that lights up when we find what truly drives us. You’ll also hear about my plan to weave dyslexia insights into this journey, especially as I settle on the next chapter—New York City. If you’re looking for fresh motivation or a nudge in a bold direction, this might be it.

My Vision for 2020

When a new year begins, I think about what I truly want. For a while, I’ve had an itch to break away from the usual routine. If you’re anything like me, monotony can stifle your creativity and limit your drive to push forward.

I decided 2020 would be the year to shake up my environment. So I’m making a leap to New York. It sounds big, maybe even a bit scary, but it feels like the place I need to be to explore my evolving ambitions. I want to feel energised by my surroundings, and New York does that with its buzz.

"Maybe it will help inspire your 2020."

Why New York?

New York is somewhere I’ve always wanted to experience for more than a quick holiday. That city brims with diverse people, endless possibilities, and a sense that you can start fresh at any moment.

Even if you’ve never been, you’ve probably heard about how powerful the energy is. Walking through Times Square, listening to the honk of yellow taxis, and just soaking in that instant feeling of possibility can be a serious motivator.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what I’m looking forward to:

• Meeting new people from all corners of the globe
• Exploring different neighbourhoods and cultures
• Challenging myself to adapt to a faster pace
• Drawing on the city’s creativity to refine my own ideas

Embracing Dyslexia Insights

Dyslexia is a big part of my life, and it plays a role in how I shape my plans. It can feel like a challenge sometimes, but I’ve found it offers a fresh perspective. I want to continue sharing that perspective with you.

In the podcast, I talked about realising that dyslexia is more than difficulty with reading. It influences how I see the world, solve problems, and create connections. That’s why I’m excited to see how New York’s environment intersects with my unique viewpoint.

When I think about dyslexia, I see creativity at work. We often grow up learning that certain struggles mean we’re defined by what we can’t do. But I’m reminded each year that our uniqueness is a massive strength once we learn to direct it. Long story short: it’s about focusing on what we do well.

Practical Steps for the Year

A vision is only as good as the steps that bring it to life. Instead of diving in without direction, I’ve got a rough plan. Feel free to adapt these ideas for your own goals if something clicks.

1. Confirm the Move – Don’t let fear hold you back. If you have a place in mind, research it and make the commitment.
2. Create a Loose Timeline – I avoid rigid structures, but I do set general deadlines. It keeps you from drifting too much.
3. Embrace Learning – New city, new habits. I’m excited to try local classes, pick up tips from new friends, and push my comfort zone.
4. Stay Open to Surprises – Even the best plans change. I’m giving myself permission to pivot when things don’t go as expected.

When you break things down, large goals become more manageable. Turning them into steps helps you see progress as you tick them off. This is especially important for me as an adult with dyslexia, because I find that tangible milestones keep me from getting lost in the swirl of ideas.

I’ll also be documenting my experiences. I know what it’s like to crave a bit of guidance or even validation when we’re attempting something unfamiliar. I hope my journey will shed some light—on both the highs and the inevitable challenges.

• Share stories of new connections
• Talk about any big dyslexia wins (or slips!)
• Look at how changes in scenery affect creativity
• Keep it real and honest

My intention isn’t to say New York is the answer for everyone. It’s just that a unique environment might unlock the motivation you’ve been searching for. Sometimes the real mission is about discovering what energises you and going there, literally or figuratively.

Key Takeaways

• Use the new year to realign your goals, but keep it simple so you don’t overload yourself.
• Recognise that dyslexia can be a powerful tool for innovation when you lean into it.
• Consider a change of environment, even on a small scale, if you feel stuck.
• Make a plan but leave room for surprises.
• Document your journey—it can help clarify what works (and what doesn’t).

Choose what resonates with you. If something sparks an idea, don’t ignore it. Sometimes we don’t need an elaborate strategy; we just need to trust that small push in our gut telling us, “Hey, this might be good.”

Curious for more detail on the stories, challenges, and personal insights about moving to New York and setting the tone for 2020? Have a listen to the complete episode. You’ll find the podcast player at the top of the page—hit play, and let's explore this together.