Self Sabotage + Dyslexia

Have you ever felt like you’re finally on the right track and everything’s flowing smoothly, then out of nowhere you trip yourself up? It’s as if your brain says, “This is too good, slow down.” That pattern might sound familiar if you have a dyslexic or ADHD mind.

In the latest podcast episode, I open up about something that’s plagued me more times than I’d like to admit: self-sabotage. I explore how our neurodiverse brains can push us forward one moment, then hold us back the next. We’ll look at why it happens, how to spot it, and what we can do to break free of the cycle. If you’ve been there, you’re not alone.

The Strange Pattern of Self-Sabotage

All of us can have a moment where everything feels like it’s finally working. Maybe your relationship is thriving or you’ve hit a good stride at work. Then it’s like someone throws a stick in the wheel. However odd, it often seems like it’s our own hand doing the throwing.

I used to think it was just “normal” human nature. We sometimes fear success or don’t feel worthy of it. Yet I started noticing this pattern more in my life after realising how dyslexia and ADHD can add a twist. We can get hyper-focused on a goal, push hard, then lose momentum as soon as we get close to achieving it.

“I noticed how I’d be doing great in life, then I’d find ways to trip myself up. It’s like there’s a switch in my brain that flips when things start going well.”

That quote from the episode sums it up perfectly. We can feel unstoppable one day, but as soon as true progress shows, we question if we deserve it or if we can keep it up.

Why Dyslexic/ADHD Minds Are Prone to It

Self-sabotage can hit anyone, but there’s something about the dyslexic or ADHD brain that adds extra layers. We often wrestle with scattered attention. We jump in, get excited, then jump right out when it feels overwhelming. This can leave us with half-finished projects or a sense we’ll never complete anything we start.

For some, it’s the fight between craving new ideas and feeling bored with what’s in front of us. We might lose interest faster, letting the fear of consistency scare us off. Many of us carry the memory of times we struggled in school or at work. If we get success, that old fear might whisper, “What if you fail again?” So we try to avoid potential pain by pulling back.

We also can be quite creative in how we sabotage ourselves. It’s not always obvious. It might look like procrastination, or telling ourselves we can’t do something. Sometimes it appears as picking a fight with someone close or changing our goals halfway through. If you resonate with this, take heart. You’re not flawed. You’re just wired differently.

Spotting the Signs Before They Spiral

It’s important to notice what self-sabotage actually looks like in daily life. Once you know the signs, it gets easier to catch them when they creep in. Do you suddenly feel restless eyes for new projects when your current one is set to finish? Or maybe you find yourself making excuses to avoid tasks that bring you closer to your long-term goal.

Sometimes we feel a lump of anxiety in our stomach when success is in sight. We think: “This next push is so big. I don’t have the energy.” Then we vanish into binge-watching or some other escape. Knowing these patterns can help us press pause and figure out what’s really going on.

If you track your daily habits, you might see clues. Maybe you veer off your routine whenever you get closer to a target. Or you notice emotional outbursts that disrupt your momentum. When these patterns pop up, it’s a sign to look at what you’re feeling: fear, anxiety, or maybe a bit of doubt.

Strategies to Stop Jamming the Stick in Your Wheels

Many of us want actionable tips to stop this cycle before it ruins our progress. Here are a few strategies that help:

• Observe what’s happening in real time. If you feel uneasy when you make progress, label it. That awareness can simmer the self-sabotage.
• Break tasks down into smaller chunks. Overwhelm can be crippling for our minds. Tiny steps build momentum without a scary load.
• Track your wins. Write down small successes so you see the progress you’re making. This shifts your mind from fear to gratitude.
• Talk it out. Share with someone who understands these struggles. A friend or coach can give a fresh perspective and help you see when you’re slipping.
• Reward yourself. Celebrate completed tasks. Something small like a cup of your favourite tea or a leisurely walk can feel so good.

Remember that willpower alone isn’t always enough. Consistency often comes from building systems that support you and leaning on a community that understands your challenges. It might be a group specifically for dyslexia or ADHD, or a friend who’s been through it. Having people around who “get it” makes a huge difference.

Building Confidence in Dyslexia and ADHD

It’s not about trying to be someone you’re not. It’s about trusting your unique mind and knowing you can find ways to thrive. Our dyslexic or ADHD brains are often brilliant at creativity, empathy, and fresh problem-solving. The key is to harness that, rather than letting overwhelm or fear take the wheel.

That’s why I’m excited about the new class called The Confident Dyslexic. It’s designed for those of us who want practical tools to build confidence and smash through these patterns. We’ll look at how to channel your dyslexic or ADHD strengths and keep self-sabotage from ruining a good thing.

If you want to find out more, feel free to visit The Confident Dyslexic. It’s all about unlocking the potential of your neurodiverse mind. No more hiding. No more pulling back when things go well.

Takeaways

• Self-sabotage often hits hardest when we’re on the verge of success.
• Dyslexic and ADHD brains may feel extra fear due to past failures.
• Recognising patterns early helps stop the spiral.
• Breaking work into tiny steps reduces overwhelm.
• Support and encouragement keep us moving forward.

If this all sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. The podcast episode at the top of the page covers this in more depth. Give it a listen and learn how you can move away from self-sabotage and into a new chapter of confidence. You’ve got this.