Picking Goals For Dyslexics

Welcome to another chat about thinking differently. If you’ve ever chased a goal then wondered if it was even yours, you're not alone. This episode got me reflecting on a gem of wisdom I recently heard: “Is your ladder up against the right wall?”

During the podcast, I explore how we can climb so hard and fast we forget to check if our direction suits who we are. I also chat about ways dyslexia and ADHD can shape our goals and why it’s wise to pause and bookmark what we really want. It’s about noticing if our dream is still ours or if it’s just a borrowed idea.

Why This Question Matters

So many of us feel pressure to achieve success but rarely stop to ask if the definition of success we’re chasing is even ours. In the episode, I talk about how our minds can latch onto other people’s expectations. It’s like we’re climbing a ladder without realising the wall belongs to someone else.

If you sense a bit of confusion about your future, it can help to do a quick scan of your current goals. If they're the ones you actually care about, you’ll discover a spark of excitement inside. If they feel like a weight, you’ll know it’s time to shift direction.

Pausing to Check Your True North

We sometimes push ahead on autopilot, especially when we have skills that let us adapt fast. But pausing is vital. When we do, we get the space to see if our ladder is still pointed at the right wall. In the podcast, I mention:

“Most of the time, we’re climbing upwards because everyone is, and we never question it. That’s exhausting when your ladder is on a wall that’s not even yours.”

Questions can be helpful for those of us who've got scattered minds or who like to dream big. Ask yourself:

• Am I feeling excited about the direction I’m heading?
• Who gave me the inspiration for this goal?
• When was the last time I actually wanted this?

If the answers surprise you, it might be time to redefine your next steps.

The Role of Dyslexia and ADHD in Goal Setting

We’ve got wildly creative brains that can latch onto fascinating ideas, then drop them for new ones in days. That can lead to confusion if we don't track what we truly want. You may connect with things that feel incredible in the moment. It’s an advantage at times, but it also means your ladder could swing wildly between different walls.

In the podcast, I discuss how acknowledging our neurodiversity is key to picking the right direction. Instead of forcing ourselves to stick to the “normal” route, we can use our unique ways of thinking to shape goals that actually make sense for us. We don't always have to do things the same way as everyone else. The right wall for you might look strange to others, but that doesn't matter if it’s truly yours.

Steps to Realign Your Ladder

If you’re ready to see if your ladder is up against the right wall, here are a few ideas:

1. Reflect Often: Jot down what you want from a project or dream. Check if each step still feels like yours.
2. Ask for Insight: Chat with a friend who knows what you’re like when you’re passionate. They could spot if your current path seems off.
3. Embrace Flexibility: Goals change. Let them. Simple as that. Life rarely stays the same, so it makes sense to shift with it.
4. Seek Inspiration, Not Pressure: Learn from others, but notice if you’re copying their goals. Adapt ideas to fit your own life and style.

Sometimes realigning your ladder means taking a rest or exiting a project. That can be awkward if you’ve invested time or energy. But an occasional reset is healthier than spending years climbing something you don’t actually care about.

Moments of Realisation and Adjustments

In the episode, I share stories of times when I found myself stuck on someone else’s ladder. I recall moments of frustration, followed by a rush of relief once I admitted it wasn't truly for me. If you catch that realisation early, you can pivot faster. That might feel scary but it’s less scary than the regret of investing years in the wrong pursuit.

Adjusting your goals can be as simple as taking a weekend to brainstorm. Jot down the goal you’re aiming for, note what tasks it involves, and see if they energise or bore you. Ask yourself if there's a spark or if you’re just going through the motions. You might also discover new angles you never considered.

Key Takeaways

• Take regular pauses to confirm your goal is truly y ours.
• Use your dyslexic or ADHD superpowers to innovate and adapt.
• Don’t fear changing direction, even if you’ve committed lots of time.
• Listen to how your heart responds, not just what people expect.
• Reflect, share, and adjust whenever you feel out of alignment.

Feeling curious to learn more? The podcast player is right at the top of this page. Go have a listen and explore how to check your direction while giving yourself grace along the way. For more resources and stories about dyslexia, ADHD, and personal growth, head over to Truth About Dyslexia.

I hope it sparks new ideas for your journey!