Salad Changed My Habit

Ever thought a simple salad could shift your day? It sounds odd, but that’s exactly what we’re exploring today. If you’ve ever wondered why the smallest things can have such a huge impact on your thinking, you’ll want to keep reading.

In this episode, I talk about why dyslexics often develop intricate habits from seemingly tiny experiences, and I share a few tips on how to start untangling those habits. The salad itself is an example of how our brains sometimes latch onto details that reinforce larger patterns. It’s not really about lettuce, but rather how we can become stuck in cycles that shape our decisions.

How a Salad Sparked Deeper Reflection

It might seem funny to call a salad life-changing, but I had a lightbulb moment when I realised a quick meal I’d thrown together influenced my mindset. I noticed I felt calmer afterwards and wondered what was really going on in my head. As dyslexics, we often link simple daily routines to complex emotional responses without noticing.

“Somehow, that plain salad reminded me of who I wanted to become more than any motivational quote ever has.”

This idea strikes a chord with many of us. Sometimes, we attach our progress to big leaps or fancy solutions when something modest can be the key to cracking a code in our behaviour.

Why Dyslexics Develop Complex Habits

Dyslexia can make life feel like a puzzle. We tend to find workarounds for tasks that others do without thinking. Over time, these adaptations create layers of habits. In some ways, it’s a fantastic survival skill. The brain is always trying to protect us from feeling left behind.

But what happens when a workaround starts limiting us instead of helping? That’s when the “simple salad effect” turns up. We realise a tiny habit might reflect a much bigger story: how we deal with stress, how we perceive our abilities, or how we react to everyday triggers.

Uncovering Your Personal Patterns

Have you ever noticed yourself avoiding certain tasks because of a fear you can’t quite describe? Maybe you find yourself distracted or overcompensating in areas that don’t really matter to you. Let’s be honest, most of us do it.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to uncover those invisible patterns:

• What everyday routines do I rely on without realising?
• Do I feel anxious or calm when I do them?
• Have these routines contributed to or hindered my progress?

It’s a bit like rewinding a film. You look back, see the pattern, and can press pause to decide if it stays or goes.

Taking Simple Steps to Change

Shifting repetitive behaviours doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small. The salad moment was just one meal, but it opened my eyes to bigger changes I needed to make. It’s about noticing that point of difference when something feels lighter.

Try focusing on one new habit at a time. If you find you’re avoiding tasks like reading an email or scheduling a meeting, tackle just that. Put a time limit on it. Then reward yourself with something positive, like a break, meditation, or even another tasty meal. This approach keeps it manageable and gives your brain a clear message: “We’ve got this.”

Reframing the Journey

It’s easy to live on autopilot, especially if you’ve developed creative workarounds over your lifetime. The real shift happens when you start questioning those shadows in the background. They might be comforting, but they can also keep you from reaching bigger goals.

Don’t underestimate the power of small wins. I truly believe something as unassuming as a bag of lettuce can remind you to take charge of your life. Over time, you’ll notice that each little nudge counts.

• Recognise the hidden triggers in your daily routine.
• Forgive yourself if you’ve built up unhelpful habits; they served a purpose once.
• Experiment with minor tweaks and note how they make you feel.
• Focus on a single change rather than overwhelm yourself with a complete overhaul.
• Celebrate every small victory—often, it’s the small moves that lead to real progress.

Ready to hear more about this and dive deeper into understanding how your own mind works? Listen to the full episode at the top of the page. It’s a chance to explore these ideas in detail and discover how to begin transforming your daily habits into something truly empowering.