They Dyslexic Comfort Zone

Have you ever felt guilty for staying where you feel safe? Lots of experts say we should smash through our comfort zone every day. In this podcast, we challenge that idea. We look at whether constantly pushing our limits is healthy or if there's another way.

In this episode, we talk about how a gentler approach might be more sustainable for some. We question the idea that you must always be in a state of discomfort to grow. We also share personal stories, especially from a dyslexic or ADHD standpoint, about when stepping outside feels right.

Why Are We Obsessed with Leaving Our Comfort Zone?

So many motivational speakers insist that real growth happens on the edge of fear. They say that if you're not constantly scared, you're not evolving. But is that a universal truth? Some of us need more stability. We can't be on a roller-coaster every day, especially when juggling dyslexia or ADHD.

My personal journey taught me that pushing too hard can backfire. Anxiety, burnout and a sense of failure can creep in fast if you never take a breather. There's a difference between learning something new and forcing yourself into situations that feel overwhelming or even unsafe.

"I used to believe you needed to hustle 24/7, but I've learnt it's a recipe for meltdown, not greatness."

A Balanced Strategy for Growth

I'm not saying never challenge yourself. We do grow when we step forward. The trick is finding that sweet spot where we have enough capacity to explore without drowning. This episode dives into what that balance might look like, especially if your mind is wired a bit differently.

It's easy to compare yourself to high achievers who claim you must be bold every single day. But maybe they're wired for intense hustle. Or they're leaving out the emotional toll. For many of us, it's far more helpful to take structured, smaller, consistent steps that build confidence over time.

After all, real growth doesn't happen in one dramatic leap. It's more like building muscle. You do a few sets, you rest, and then you do another round. If you tried to train the same muscle seven days a week, you'd get injured. Our minds also need time to recover.

When It Makes Sense to Push Hard

There are moments when a big push can serve as a catalyst for change. Sometimes you reach a tipping point in life or you see a new opportunity. This is when taking a calculated risk might be worth it, even if it feels scary.

Yet, you want to be sure the timing is right. Planning can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. For instance, if you're already dealing with personal stress, it might not be the best day to tackle your biggest fears. Listen to your instincts because they're good at spotting when it's right.

One trick I shared in this episode is to check your energy first. If you're already exhausted, pushing beyond your comfort zone could leave you in a tailspin. But if you feel steady, a stretch goal can re-energise you. It's more about self-awareness than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Daily Life vs Occasional Challenges

Should you strive for daily discomfort? Maybe not. We talk about how life is already full of little challenges, especially if you're navigating dyslexia, ADHD or other differences. Simply reading instructions or planning your day might be a challenge in itself. That counts as stepping outside your comfort zone.

So it's good to reflect on what you're already doing that's challenging. It doesn't have to be bungee jumping or starting a massive business. Maybe it's opening your inbox when you're worried about what's inside. Or asking for help at work because you're not sure how your boss will react.

This podcast episode encourages you to see your daily life as filled with mini leaps of faith. Recognise them, celebrate them and know that you don't have to go big every time. There's real power in acknowledging the small steps you take and building from a place of self-trust.

Here are some highlights from the chat that might guide you in finding your own comfort zone sweet spot:

• Growth doesn't need to be painful to be effective.
• Balance your comfort zone push with rest and reflection.
• Listen to your energy levels before deciding to do something big.
• Incremental steps often lead to lasting change.
• Acknowledging everyday challenges can help boost your confidence.

Ready to dive deeper? The podcast player is at the top of this page. Listen now and explore how you can honour your natural rhythms while still moving forward. You might discover that smashing your comfort zone daily isn't always the path to success, especially if your brain works differently.