Priorities Are A B#*@*

Ever find yourself wrestling with what comes first: health, relationships, work... or maybe just a decent nap? It’s a tough spot when your head is spinning with 25 other people’s needs plus a few dogs and cats. In this episode, we dive into why our priorities can feel muddled and how our dyslexic minds might need a special approach.

We’ll explore how emotions affect our decisions, why prioritising can lead to burnout, and what to do if you feel stuck. If you’ve ever questioned whether your feelings matter more than other people’s, or if your job should outrank your well-being, you’ll love these insights from the podcast.

Why We Struggle With Priorities

Our brains seem to work on overdrive whenever we try to figure out what matters the most. Is it the task in front of me, my friend who needs support, or that new idea for a side project? It’s often not a simple checklist. Instead, it can feel like an internal tug-of-war.

“Priorities have always been painful for my dyslexic mind.”

That single sentence sums up how many of us feel. We start out determined to do the right thing, then get swamped by conflicting thoughts or the nagging worry that we’re making the wrong call.

How Emotions Influence Our Decisions

Emotions can be the silent decider, especially when you’re dyslexic or have an ADHD brain that’s wired to hyper-focus on feelings. You might ignore logic because your heart says otherwise. Or you disregard self-care for weeks because you’re chasing a feeling of achievement.

If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Our emotions:

• Often overshadow facts or rational thought.
• May push us to say “yes” to more than we can handle.
• Can make us second-guess decisions we’ve already made.

Still, emotions are not the enemy. They’re just small signals telling you what to pay attention to. By noticing them without letting them rule everything, you can strike a healthier balance.

Making the Big Stuff Manageable

When you’re drowning in possibilities, it helps to shrink them. Focus on smaller steps first. Big, cosmic questions like “Is wealth more important than health?” can tie your brain in knots.

Try this simple approach:

1. Pick one priority at a time, like deciding on your health routine for the week.
2. Write down pros and cons for each task so you see them clearly.
3. Give yourself a time limit for thinking, then make a call.
4. Move on and don’t obsess. If you need to adjust later, you can.

The key is limiting how long you get stuck in decision mode. Overthinking is your Kryptonite here.

Setting Boundaries to Protect Your Peace

Sometimes we forget to protect our minds and let everyone else’s needs come first. Boundaries are your shield. They’re not about rejecting people, but about recognising what you can handle before you burn out.

At work, let your team know how often you can realistically meet. At home, let family know when you need quiet time to unwind. If you openly communicate these boundaries, you’ll discover most people understand. You matter too.

Being Kind to Yourself

When we talk about dyslexia or ADHD, we often focus on adapting to the world rather than adapting the world to us. That’s where self-compassion comes in. You deserve the same empathy you’d give your best friend.

If your priorities slip one day, don’t beat yourself up. Focus on what went right, then plan a different approach. One off day doesn’t define you. Remember, it’s all a learning curve, not a measure of your worth.

• Self-check: Are you giving yourself rest breaks?
• Gratitude break: What’s one thing you did well today?
• Reflect: Which priority can you simplify or postpone?

Key Takeaways

• Our dyslexic and ADHD minds can struggle with prioritising, but that’s normal.
• Emotions are powerful but not our foes. Acknowledge them without letting them run the show.
• Focus on small, practical steps to avoid overwhelm.
• Boundaries protect your mental energy and boost overall well-being.
• Show yourself kindness. You’re human, and mistakes are part of growth.

Ready to learn more? Check out the full episode, linked above, and hear a deeper discussion on how to keep your sense of balance when setting priorities. You won’t want to miss it.