The Dyslexic Race Track Theory

Have you ever felt like you're racing around in circles trying to make progress with your health or personal goals? In this episode, we explore a racetrack approach to success that might help you see your journey differently. We discuss how a simple shift, borrowed from other areas of life, could transform how we tackle our health this year.

Today’s episode dives into a theory I’ve tested in one part of my life, and now I’m applying it to my well-being. We talk about the mindsets, habits, and tiny one-percent improvements that might help us keep momentum. The racetrack image is central here, because life is rarely one straight highway. We circle back, we pit-stop, and we keep going until we cross the finish line.

Why a Racetrack Approach?

I’ve always found traditional goal-setting a bit rigid. You set a finish line, but forget it’s a continuous journey. On a racetrack, you get multiple laps. Each lap gives you room to adjust your pace, check in with how you’re feeling, and see where you can push a bit harder. That’s closer to real life.

If you’re someone who’s tried those all-or-nothing health challenges, you’ll know they can feel overwhelming. The attraction of a racetrack mindset is that there’s always another lap. You don’t beat yourself up for not being perfect on the first circle. You refine. You experiment. You try again.

Testing the Model in Real Life

There’s a sweet spot between pushing yourself and managing your energy. When I applied this racetrack idea to other areas of my life, I discovered that consistent laps, with planned intervals to refuel, felt much more realistic than one giant sprint.

I’ve been working on myself and my health for a long time and wanted to just work through a theory I’m playing with, that I’ve proven in another part of my life.

It shifted my perspective. I stopped seeing challenges as failures, and instead recognised them as corners on the track. I’d slow down, clarify my approach, then accelerate again. That little shift in mindset changed how I measured progress.

Adapting It to Health

Now I’m taking that same mindset and applying it to my health goals. This means planning breaks, being kind to myself when I need a pit-stop, and celebrating small wins—like extra water breaks or a short walk at lunch.

• Break your goals into laps rather than marathons.
• Schedule mini evaluations after each lap—what worked, what didn’t?
• Remember, each corner on the track is a chance to pivot, not to quit.

It’s hard at first, since it’s easier to pile on guilt when our progress stutters. The racetrack helps remind us that laps are normal. You’re expected to go round, revisit the same milestones, and see if you’re improving.

Small Steps, Big Progress

One key lesson is that success is rarely built on one dramatic move. It’s usually many small steps that add up. A pit-stop might give you time to reflect on your diet or sleep routine. Maybe you’ll see where you could improve by one percent and find quick wins.

Consider these ideas:

1. Have a quick checklist before starting each day, like a miniature lap plan.
2. Note any tight corners—those moments you typically slip. Plan a better approach next time.
3. Know when a pit-stop is due. Don’t push yourself until you crash.

Rinse and repeat. Keep lapping. That’s the mindset we’re practising in this episode.

Takeaways

• Life is rarely a simple straight line—think of it as repeated laps.
• Forgive yourself for slowing down. Pit-stops keep your engine going.
• Play with small changes that build momentum over time.
• Use each corner in your journey to adjust, not to abandon your goal.

If you’d like to hear me unpack these ideas in more detail, check out the podcast episode above. The player is at the top of the page, ready for a listen. I hope this simple shift in perspective inspires you to catch your breath, refuel, and keep racing toward better health. You’ve got this.