My Dyslexic Life - Three Things Done

Have you ever pictured an amazing project, then felt stumped when nothing materialised in real life? It’s a familiar moment for many of us, especially if we’re wired to dream big. In this episode, guest host Vanessa Victor explores how we can turn those vivid ideas in our heads into something tangible. If you’ve ever wondered why some concepts never leave your mind, you’re in the right place.

Vanessa fills in this week and dives into the common trait of constantly creating mental masterpieces that remain locked away. She also offers encouraging tactics for pushing past frustration. Below, I’ll share the highlights, plus a few suggestions to get your creativity off the backburner and into the real world.

Why Our Imaginations Run Wild

Many of us have unstoppable imaginations. We might daydream about the next best-selling novel or a fantastic side business. Our minds dart from one idea to another, rarely hitting pause. But when it comes to making things happen, the spark sometimes fizzles.

In the episode, Vanessa points out that this is more common than you’d think. She says a big reason is that we place huge pressure on ourselves to be perfect. When reality can’t match the vivid image in our heads, we give up before we even start. That mental pressure can be tough to break through, but noticing it is the first step.

Another culprit is fear of judgement. We may worry that if our work isn’t exactly as awesome as we imagined, then it’s not worth showing to the world. Of course that’s a trap, because perfection rarely exists, and real-world attempts usually look a bit messy compared to our mental visions. Embracing “good enough” can feel awkward at first, but it helps convert fantasy into real creations.

The Power of Starting Small

Vanessa says that one of the easiest ways to begin is to break down your big dream into smaller pieces. If you only focus on the grand picture, you’ll likely freeze. Instead, find that first move—even if it’s tiny. Maybe you can set a timer and write for 10 minutes, or record a 30-second test video on your phone. Small efforts remove the tension of a big, looming goal.

Taking incremental steps also gives you early wins. If you want to launch a video series, you can record a short intro rather than a perfect pilot. Then you’ll see actual progress, which motivates you to keep going. No matter how big your idea is, having one small result in real life can feel amazing compared to endless dreaming.

“The gap between what we imagine and what we create shrinks every time we give ourselves permission to start messy.”

It’s fine if you cringe at your first draft or attempt. Everyone’s new at something once. The important bit is that you’re moving from imagination to reality, even if the road is bumpy at times.

Getting Unstuck When Doubt Strikes

Almost nobody avoids that inevitable slump. Maybe you wrote one page last week, then lost your mojo. This is normal. When the buzz of a fresh idea fades, real work steps in. But that’s often where the gold is found. If you push through the tough middle, you might surprise yourself.

If you are stuck, it helps to do something physical:

• Write your goal on a sticky note and place it where you’ll see it.
• Walk around the block and let your mind wander—movement sparks creativity.
• Tell a supportive friend about your project. Hearing yourself speak can reignite passion.

A gentle nudge from someone who gets it can be the difference between “I’ll do it next time” and “I’ll do it today.” That’s part of why we have communities out there for people with dyslexia who want to share ideas and hold each other accountable.

Turns Dreams Into Actionable Steps

Vanessa dives into practical strategies for bridging the gap between excited daydreaming and actual results. One of her favourite tips is using a simple to-do list system. If you’re like me, you’ve tried every fancy planner or app that only gathers dust. Keep it simple.

Identify three tasks you can do this week to move the needle. Write them on a piece of paper or use our popular course technique, To-Do List Bingo. It’s a straightforward method for staying on track without overwhelming your brain. Once you see items getting ticked off, your mental blocks weaken and your creative muscle grows stronger.

Another brilliant trick is to remind yourself how good you’ll feel once your idea finally exists. If it’s a blog, let yourself imagine seeing those published posts. If it’s art, imagine hearing someone say, “Wow, that’s beautiful”. If it’s a community idea, think about the conversations you’ll spark. That emotional reward sets your motivation on fire.

Where To Go From Here

If you resonated with these insights, chances are the bigger “why” behind your ideas is strong. Maybe you want more freedom, more creative expression, or you want to support others who feel unheard. Trust that sense of purpose when self-doubt creeps in. You have everything you need to bring your dreams to life—with a bit of focus and the right tools.

You’ll hear all these strategies and more in the full episode (player above). Vanessa keeps it real, sharing her own experiences of having big visions and the struggle to make them a reality. Her tips apply whether you’re building a passion project or simply want to be more consistent in your day-to-day routine.

• Imagination is powerful, but it doesn’t guarantee action.
• Perfection isn’t the goal—starting is.
• Small tasks done consistently beat big dreams ignored.
• Physical reminders help keep you moving forward.
• Community support is a game-changer.

You’ll find more episodes like this on our YouTube channel, so give it a look if you want extra motivation to turn ideas into action. If you’d like to become a guest and share your story, let us know. You can also join the waiting list for our next course if you’re hungry for more in-depth support.

We have a friendly private Facebook group too, if you’re looking for real talk and connections—head over to our community. Here’s to turning your mental projects into breathing, living works of art. Press play on the episode above and dive in!