The Biggest Thing That Holds Me Back

Ever feel like there’s one simple thing you know helps, yet you avoid it at all costs? Today’s episode is all about that one chore most of us put off, only to realise it can do wonders once we finally sit down and do it. We explore why it’s so easy to resist, how to make it less of a slog, and ways it can change your entire day.

In this episode, I share my personal struggles and a few tips I’ve picked up over the years. You’ll hear how something as small as dedicating five minutes a day can genuinely shift your mindset and improve your focus. There’s a reason many of us with dyslexia or ADHD look for a quick fix – we want to see and feel results fast. But sometimes the key is simply getting started with that little action we keep postponing.

Why We Put It Off

It’s funny how aware we are that this task makes a huge difference, yet we battle with avoiding it. Often, we tie negative feelings to starting anything that resembles effort or structure.

When you live with dyslexia or ADHD, mental friction can crop up at every turn. The brain wants novelty or comfort, so anything that feels repetitive might get shoved aside. We tell ourselves, “I’ll do it later, it’s fine,” but later never comes. Sound familiar?

The Transformative Power

“It’s incredible to see how five minutes can literally switch your mindset and reset your day.”

Sometimes it only takes five minutes of journaling or reflection to reset my day.

In the podcast, I highlight how those tiny pockets of time can have a ripple effect on your entire morning or evening. It brings clarity and calm, even if you don’t see immediate results on the first try.

Sticking with it for a few days straight opens your eyes to how powerful simple habits can be. Consistency builds momentum. And once it clicks, you might wonder why you ever resisted it in the first place.

Breaking Down the Mental Barriers

It’s tempting to blame lack of time or energy. But more often the real block is fear of imperfection. We might worry we won’t do it “right,” or we’ll feel silly scribbling down our thoughts or making a plan for the day.

Another hurdle is the voice that says “you’re only doing this because someone told you it would help.” That stubborn streak can be strong, so the key is to find a way that feels natural. Make it your own. Experiment with approaches until you find a style that works.

• Give yourself permission to do it badly. Scribble, doodle, or write single-word entries if that’s all you can manage.
• Keep it accessible. A small notebook or notes app can be a game-changer.
• Limit your time. You don’t need to spend an hour. Even a few minutes is progress.

Making It Part of Your Routine

Finding a spot for it in your day is half the battle. Attach it to something you’re already doing, like your morning coffee or evening wind-down, so it becomes a natural next step.

If you have ADHD, routines can feel restrictive, but they don’t have to be. It might help to set a reminder on your phone or leave a visual cue on your desk. That triggers you to write or reflect before you hit the next item on your to-do list.

One trick I talk about in the episode is giving yourself a one-week challenge. Set a timer for five minutes each day, then see if you notice a difference. The first few days might feel forced, but by day three or four, you’ll sense a subtle shift in your mood.

Small Wins That Add Up

When you stick with it, you notice the impact in other life areas. Maybe you feel calmer reading emails, or you have an easier time remembering something for work. The mind can relax because you’ve taken a moment to unload some of your busy thoughts, or clarify a task that’s been swirling around.

Over time, these small wins stack together. The stress you felt around unknowns might shrink. You can see patterns in what sets you off and what lights you up. That’s the real magic: once you see your triggers clearly, you know how to handle them better.

• It reduces the mental clutter weighing you down.
• You become more aware of how you feel and why.
• It keeps track of tiny triumphs you’d otherwise forget.
• It lowers the overwhelm, turning chaos into clarity.
• You create a sense of purpose and direction in daily life.

Feeling motivated yet? If it sounds too simple, that’s the beauty of it. Give yourself permission to start small and grow from there. We’re all busy, but we can all find a spare moment, right?

Key Takeaways

• Identify what you’re resisting and challenge those negative beliefs.
• Small doses, like five minutes, can create enormous shifts.
• Make it personal and fit it into your daily rhythm.
• Track your progress to see how one small habit improves other areas.

Ready to give it a try? Listen to the full episode in the player above for a deeper look. There’s plenty more insight about embracing these tiny habits and busting through the walls our dyslexic brains like to build. Click play, and let’s see what happens when you give it a go for a few days straight.