Standardise Before You Optimise - A Secret To How We Set Habits

Ever felt like your mind is bouncing around trying to form new habits, but it never quite sticks? The latest episode of the podcast dives into shaky habit-building patterns and how dopamine—a chemical messenger in the brain—plays a role in keeping you motivated. We explore how a dyslexic mind can use these insights to create and maintain momentum.

In this episode, you’ll learn practical ways to build dependable habits without getting overwhelmed. If you’re on a quest to boost focus, manage distraction, and tap into your natural curiosity, this one’s for you. Below is a quick breakdown of the key points that came up.

Dopamine and Our Dyslexic Brains

Dopamine has become a bit of a buzzword, but it’s more than just a chemical that drives pleasure. It’s also tied to attention, motivation, and that rush of excitement when something clicks. For those of us with dyslexia, dopamine can be especially powerful for boosting engagement and creativity.

When we’re absorbed in tasks that spark curiosity, our brains reward us with extra dopamine. This feel-good hit makes it easier to stay on track. But if we rely on random bursts of interest, our progress can stall. That’s why setting up simple, repeatable habits is so vital.

Why Small Habits Matter

You might be tempted to overhaul everything at once, but tiny steps often work best. Stacking one small action on top of another eventually builds momentum. Plus, these mini victories keep your dopamine flowing, firing off positive signals that encourage you to continue.

In the podcast, I said:

“I found that focusing on one habit at a time was a game-changer, especially for my wiggly, dyslexic brain.”

That one tweak can be enough to make your day-to-day tasks clearer and less overwhelming.

Practical Ways to Start Building Better Habits

If you’ve tried before and given up, don’t worry. It happens to everyone. Here are some simple steps to help you begin again without feeling stressed:

• Choose a single habit to focus on for at least one week.
• Reward yourself after each success, even if it’s just a small mental high-five.
• Track progress briefly in a notebook or phone app.
• Ask a friend or family member for support when you start to lose steam.

Consistency is more powerful than perfection. The goal is to train your brain into expecting a positive outcome each time, which keeps dopamine levels steady.

Embracing the Changing Brain

Your mind is constantly adapting. As you practise new habits, you’ll find they get easier and feel more natural. This frees up mental energy for bigger goals. It also reduces the frustration of starting from scratch every day.

Don’t worry if your journey looks different from others. Everyone’s path is unique, especially when dyslexia is in the mix. Adapt gradually, be kinder to yourself, and let your brain adjust at its own pace.

• Small habits leave space for creativity instead of clutter.
• Dopamine helps amplify focus and drive.
• Tracking tiny wins helps you keep momentum.
• One habit at a time often works better than drastic change.

Ready to hear more of the discussion on dopamine, habits, and how to keep your dyslexic mind energised? Tune into the full episode at the top of this page, then pick one habit to try out right now. There’s no rush—just let it all soak in and see where it leads.