Stop Getting Overwhelmed On The Small Things

Have you ever wondered what you’d say to your younger self? Sometimes I catch myself daydreaming about that. I imagine meeting 25-year-old me and passing on a few hard-won lessons that would spare me some frustration.

In this episode, I share those reflections and explore how dyslexia shapes the way we juggle big dreams with small actions. If you’ve ever felt torn between focusing on everything and actually doing something, this chat might spark a few ideas.

The Challenge of Memory

Dyslexic brains are fascinating. They can jump around and notice patterns others don’t see. Yet, they sometimes let us down when it comes to recalling what we did yesterday or last week. I sometimes forget entire chapters of my life, as though there’s a barrier keeping them hidden.

That’s why looking back five or ten years can feel strange. I know I was busy learning, building relationships, and just trying to make sense of work and life. But the details get fuzzy. It’s not only about misplacing car keys or mixing up words. It’s that there’s a whole patch of memory that seems off-limits.

“I sometimes like to think back to what I’d tell my younger self, but it’s like my brain blocks so much out.”

Despite the missing pieces, there’s still value in reflecting on the lessons we can recall. Each day, habit, and small win teaches us something. It might not always be crystal clear, but a tiny clue can nudge us in a better direction.

The Pull of the Big Picture

One thing I’d definitely mention to my younger self is not to get too overwhelmed by that giant future plan. It’s tempting to dream in massive colours and want everything to line up perfectly. That’s normal, especially for those of us with dyslexic minds that love large, conceptual thinking.

We see potential everywhere: in jobs, projects, or the next big idea. Our imagination runs wild. Sometimes, it’s a superpower. Other times, it leads us to do too much at once. We start feeling the weight of big goals yet don’t know where to begin.

So, I remind myself (and I’d tell younger me too) to keep dreaming but do it with intention. There’s a place for thinking big, as long as it doesn’t drown out the day-to-day actions that actually move the needle forward.

Finding the Small Steps

So how do we get from daydream to done? It’s the small, easily overlooked steps that build momentum. If you battle with dyslexia, breaking tasks into pieces is essential. We can’t always rely on memory or a tidy schedule. We need tangible markers.

For me, that might look like creating a simple visual checklist. Or it might be sticky notes pinned around my workspace. I try to keep my daily targets within sight, so I know exactly what to do next. If you share this tendency to get lost in mental clutter, try:

• Writing down one key thing you want to do today.
• Using a large diary or planner for immediate actions.
• Recording voice memos instead of just relying on writing.

Each small task feels like a stepping stone, and soon, you’re closer to that bigger goal. It’s easy to dismiss these steps as trivial, but they’re not. They add up in ways that might make you say, “Hey, I got somewhere today.”

Understanding the Dyslexic Mind

I’ve learned that dyslexia isn’t just about reading or spelling. It’s about seeing the world in a slightly different way. We’re pattern spotters and big-picture thinkers, but we can get tangled in details or short-term memory challenges.

It’s not a weakness, although it can trip us up. Dyslexia can be a blessing that fuels our creativity. It can also be a curse, especially when we need to get from Point A to Point B in a straight line.

Yet, it helps to accept that we operate differently. Maybe younger me would be relieved to hear that. I’d say: “Stop beating yourself up for not thinking or remembering like everyone else. Focus on what you can do and build systems for what you struggle with.”

Reflecting on the Journey

When my mind wanders back, I try not to judge my younger self. I think about the times I bit off more than I could chew. I remember missing small details but being praised for creative solutions. It was a strange mix.

Reflecting on that journey shows me that the real growth was in learning to balance big visions with daily progress. That balance is still a work-in-progress, and it might always be. But each year, it feels slightly easier.

Coming to terms with who you are, how your brain works, and what you need to succeed is a big part of dyslexia. It’s the ongoing conversation in my head: appreciating my wins, honouring my limits, and trusting that small steps will lead somewhere meaningful.

• Remember that it’s OK to forget or struggle with details sometimes.
• Plan for success rather than perfection.
• Lean into your natural strengths, like creativity and big thinking.
• Use external tools to track tasks and deadlines, no shame in that.
• Share what you learn with others who might be on this path too.

I wish I could’ve given myself that advice earlier. Perhaps I’d have worried less, or I’d have been more confident. Yet, every misstep shaped who I am now. That’s the beauty of the dyslexic journey. It’s not linear, it’s messy, but somehow it leads to growth.

Key Takeaways

• It’s normal for dyslexic minds to struggle with memory: Accept and adapt.
• Embrace the big picture but keep sight of practical, daily steps.
• Structure and systems can calm the mental chaos: Try checklists or memos.
• Reflections, even if fuzzy, offer a chance to learn and refocus.
• The path will always feel a bit unpredictable, but growth is a steady process.

Ready to dive deeper into this reflection on the big picture and small actions? The full episode is waiting for you. If you’re keen to hear more stories and strategies for navigating dyslexia, be sure to check out the podcast at the top of this page.