Self Control.. An Oldie But A Goodie

Ever found yourself fighting that urge to grab an extra snack or spend hours scrolling through your phone, even when you know it’s not what you need? In this episode, we revisit a lighthearted story recorded three years ago that explores the ups and downs of trying to keep self-control. It will remind you that we all slip sometimes, especially when life tosses us a curveball.

You’ll also discover why it’s so important to show yourself compassion when you stumble. You can learn a lot about your own habits and how to gently shift them. If you’re looking for practical steps to manage those impulses and direct your energy in more positive ways, stay tuned.

A Nostalgic Reminder of Our Growth

Something magical happens when we hear a story from our own past. We catch how much we’ve grown, or where we still need a nudge. In this episode, I listened back to a story from three years ago and found myself smiling. It was all about that tug-of-war between knowing what's “right” and doing what’s tempting.

"I am still away on a bit of a brain rest but wanted to bring back this story I recorded 3+ years ago. It made me smile listening to it. I think it is important to realise how hard self-control can be for us, especially when external situations throw our mind around a bit."

Hearing a past version of yourself can be funny. Times change, but the lessons learned often stick around. We all have moments of weakness and it’s easy to be hard on yourself, so let this story serve as a gentle and humorous reminder that you’re never alone in the battle.

Why Self-Control Is Challenging

Self-control takes a lot of energy. Maybe you’ve noticed that when the world starts spinning with chaos, your ability to stay in control weakens. This can show up as binge-watching, procrastinating, or forgetting tasks. It’s not just about willpower, it’s about how we process the chaos swirling around us.

For dyslexics and adults with ADHD, external factors like noise, stress, or changes in routine can rapidly drain mental resources. We can feel whiplash from demands flying in from all sides. This is why it’s key to recognise that you aren’t lacking discipline or being “lazy.” Your focus is simply being pulled in multiple directions.

What External Triggers Do to Our Minds

When things ramp up, your brain might try to retreat to instant comforts. Food, TV, or social media become easy escapes. External events don’t just disrupt your schedule, they ramp up your inner tension.

Here’s how it often happens:

• Your day gets derailed by unexpected changes.
• Stress piles up, so your mind hunts for a quick fix.
• Another shiny distraction appears—goodbye plan!
• You realise you’re off-track and feel even more stressed.

In truth, you’re not lazy. You were blindsided by the emotional drain of juggling too many inputs. Once you understand this, you can approach self-control from a kinder, more practical angle.

Simple Approaches for Better Self-Control

It’s tough to keep everything in check, especially if you have a busy or creative mind. Some steps you can try are:

• Make a short daily plan (like a to-do list) that’s easy to follow.
• Notice your triggers—particularly times of day or certain environments that derail you.
• Build short breaks into your schedule to release tension before it becomes overwhelming.
• Keep a small reward ready. It’s easier to resist temptation if you know a treat awaits you later.

Little by little, these strategies help you shift from feeling swept away to feeling grounded. If you need a boost, our new mini-course can help you build effective, dyslexia-friendly to-do lists that keep you on track.

Find Support and Next Steps

If you’re seeking more guidance, we have multiple ways to help you out:

• New Mini-Course: The To-Do List For Dyslexics
• Share your dyslexia story on the podcast
• Get on the waiting list for our next course
• Join our private Facebook Community
• Subscribe to watch 'My Dyslexic Life' on YouTube

Choosing one or two supportive tools can make a big difference. Don’t try to overhaul your life all at once. Find one method that clicks and keep it simple.

• Recognise that self-control is a skill, not a moral issue.
• Understand external triggers so you can handle them better.
• Take small steps to build better routines.
• Give yourself grace when you slip.

Ready to hear the full story and laugh along with me? Be sure to check out the podcast episode at the top of this page. You’ll find tips, insights, and plenty of real-life moments that show how we’ve all been there.