Show Don’t Tell... Your Mind

Ever feel like you’re talking to yourself in the wrong language? You might know exactly what you need, but your thoughts seem to bounce around until you get frustrated. This episode covers how to speak the right “language” to your mind so that it serves you better.

Think of it like ordering a drink at a busy bar. If you ask for an espresso martini but say it in French to a friend who doesn’t speak French, you might not get the drink you want. In today’s episode, we explore why we do this with our own minds and how we can get better at communicating what we really need.

Why Speaking Your Mind’s Language Matters

We all have a unique way of understanding the world. If you’re dyslexic or have ADHD, the words you use to talk to yourself can set the tone for your entire day. One slip of language can make things muddled and stressful, often leading to frustration when your mind doesn’t “get” you.

Like ordering a drink in the wrong language, we sometimes expect our minds to interpret instructions they’re just not wired to decode. When we slow down and switch to words, images, or frameworks that resonate with our brains, tasks suddenly become less daunting.

“If you wanted a friend to buy you a drink at a bar but started speaking French to them, would you expect them to get you the right drink?”

Tuning In to Your Mind’s Needs

It helps to ask: “What do I actually respond to best?” Some of us are visual thinkers, others need to talk things out, while others thrive on music or movement. Recognising your strengths can transform how you approach daily activities.

Try experimenting. If lists never seem to help, maybe voice notes will. If journalling feels tedious, talk into a recording app. Think of it like a mini science experiment where you try out new ways of giving your brain instructions and see which ones stick.

Tips to Communicate Better with Yourself

There’s no magic formula, but there are ideas you can test:

• Use shorter reminders if you dislike lengthy to-do lists.
• Record quick audio messages on your phone so you can “hear” your thoughts.
• Draw symbols for tasks if you’re a strong visual thinker.
• Speak in the first person, not the second ("I can do this" rather than "You can do this").
• Add playful elements like colour coding or stickers when planning.

These small tweaks help you align your inner dialogue with the language your mind loves. When you make your instructions feel natural, you’ll notice how much easier it is to start something new or wrap up unfinished tasks.

Putting It All Together

Once you figure out your mind’s “native language,” life becomes simpler. You’ll trust your strategies because they actually work. It’s a huge relief when the ongoing tug-of-war in your head starts to calm down. That sense of ease can spill over into your relationships too. You’re less stressed, so people around you feel that positive shift.

Give yourself permission to tweak how you communicate. It won’t be perfect at first, but you’ll discover what makes your mind light up.

• Remember that your words shape your focus.
• Experiment with multiple ways of giving yourself instructions.
• Use visuals, audio, or movement if they speak to you more than written words.
• Stick with what feels natural rather than forcing an approach that drains you.

Ready to dive deeper? Press play on the episode above and get the full story. You’ll hear practical tips, some lighthearted stories, and learn how to speak in a voice your mind truly understands.