Shaving, Overthinking And The Final 10%

Ever find yourself having a random lightbulb moment during the most ordinary task? That happened to me while I was shaving the other morning. Something clicked, and it made me think about how simple routines can hold surprising insights.

In today’s episode, I talk about what I learned that day in front of the mirror. It’s a short story about paying attention to those small moments that often breeze by. If you’re dyslexic or have ADHD, these little pockets of realisation can be game-changers. Keep reading for all the details, and then be sure to check out the podcast’s player at the top of this page if you want to hear the full conversation.

Shaving: A Surprising Teacher

The morning shave isn’t something I usually think about. It’s one of those tasks you do on autopilot, right? You put the foam on your face and run the razor over your stubble. But the other day, my mind woke up mid-shave and started to notice every stroke and every splash of water.

It was strange and unexpected. I realised I’d been going through the motions for so long without questioning what was happening in my head. I paused and asked myself, “What if there’s more to learn here?”

"I was standing there in front of the mirror, foam all over my face, when I suddenly had this realisation... it's these everyday moments that hide powerful lessons."

The Power of Everyday Moments

One big takeaway was how easy it is to overlook details that actually matter. I thought about how shaving forces you to be precise. You can’t just wave a razor around without focus, or you’ll end up with cuts. That focus is something we often switch on only when we think we need it.

But what if we tried to tap into that awareness more often? We might notice patterns or ideas we’ve been missing. Routine can also be a springboard for creativity. When your hands are busy, your mind is free to wander. Suddenly, an idea you’ve been chasing appears out of nowhere.

Lessons for Dyslexics

This small shift in perspective can be especially beneficial for dyslexics. We often find our best thinking happens in unexpected places. That’s because our brains aren’t wired like everyone else’s. We see connections and patterns others might miss.

If you’ve ever found yourself doodling during a meeting, washing dishes, or wandering around the supermarket and then—bam—an idea arrives, that’s exactly what I’m talking about. It’s how our minds process information, even when we’re not actively trying. With dyslexia, these aha moments can appear at the oddest times.

Embracing Imperfections

Shaving isn’t perfect; you might miss a spot or get a nick. Our minds work the same way. Sometimes we don’t catch every detail, or we misunderstand something. But that’s part of the process. A slight miscue can make us look again and learn something new.

Instead of beating yourself up when life gets a bit messy, treat these moments like gentle reminders. They can help you slow down and see what’s really going on. It’s easy to hide mistakes, but noticing and embracing them is how we grow.

Practical Ways to Tune In

Everyone has a different way of paying attention. For me, the morning shave did the trick. For you, it might be something else. If you want to find more moments that spark insight, try one of these approaches:

• Mindful Tasks: Pick an everyday job like washing up or folding laundry, and let your mind wander.
• Timed Breaks: Set a timer for short intervals during your work to pause and observe your thoughts.
• Brain Dumps: Grab a notepad when an idea hits, even if it feels random.
• Purposeful Pauses: Actively stop what you’re doing once in a while, and ask yourself what’s on your mind.

These small practices can make a big difference for those of us who think outside the box. You never know when a breakthrough might happen.

• Everyday tasks can trigger deep thoughts—be open to them.
• Observing your own mind can help you spot hidden gems.
• Dyslexia often reveals itself in these surprising moments.
• Imperfections are catalysts for growth—pay attention to them.

If you want the full story of my morning revelation, tune in to the podcast at the top of this page. I dive deeper into why this kind of thinking helps us handle life's daily challenges. Give it a listen and see if a small shift can make a big change in your day.