Update Cast: My Mind Is Playing Tricks On Me!

Have you ever set a big goal, felt the initial rush of excitement, then struggled to stay on course when reality settled in? That’s a feeling I know well. In this episode, I explored the ups and downs of motivation, especially with a neurodiverse mind, and what it takes to find a healthy rhythm instead of always chasing the next big hit of excitement.

Along the way, I talked about how resting after achieving a goal can leave us feeling stuck if we don’t keep up our good habits. I also shared how I’m currently content with my personal life but want to get my fitness back on track. It’s an ongoing journey—one that involves focusing on consistency, building habits, and giving myself permission to make small steps forward.

Overcoming a Neurodiverse Mind

Being neurodiverse means my mind can bounce around like a busy pinball machine. One day, I’m hyper-focused and ready to take on the world. The next, it feels like my motivation has vanished into thin air. This all-or-nothing cycle gets exhausting, so I try to rely on small, repeatable actions instead of huge bursts of effort.

The idea is simple: small, consistent changes eventually stack up. I know it’s hard to ditch the thrill of “go big or go home,” but truly, consistency tends to bring better results than intensity. In the episode, I shared that doing ten minutes of exercise every day makes a bigger impact than sweating it out in a single, massive workout once a month.

“I sometimes pretend my lack of motivation doesn’t exist, but all that does is slow me down. Consistency is the trick—it’s not glamorous, but it works.”

Embracing the Boring Grind

The unglamorous stuff—like sipping protein coffee, drinking water, or fitting a quick walk into my day—might feel dull at the time. There’s no immediate reward, no fabulous trophy that appears the moment I finish my push-ups. The real payoff often shows up quietly and much later on, which can be especially challenging when my brain prefers exciting gems of instant gratification.

Yet, in spite of how “boring” it might seem, I’m reminded that these mundane tasks keep me grounded. It’s easier to stick with a healthy lifestyle once these tasks become second nature. I talked about how it can be hard to maintain routines when life gets chaotic or when I simply forget. But if we accept that boredom is sometimes part of the deal, it makes it a bit easier to keep our eyes on the proverbial prize.

Tools, Habits, and the Environment

If you’re like me and can’t rely on willpower alone, external tools can be a huge help. Whether it’s a reminder alarm on my phone or simply placing my trainers next to the door, small tweaks to my environment often push me in the right direction. When I notice the friction, I ask myself, “How can I reduce the energy needed to do what’s good for me?”

Aligning our space with our goals is crucial. For instance, I keep my protein powder right next to the coffee machine, so it’s easy to remember my morning routine. That little nudge saves me from forgetting and helps the habit stick. Another example is using a water bottle with a tracker, which gently encourages me to stay hydrated without me having to think too hard about it.

I’ve also learned that I don’t have to do it perfectly. Some days, I might do “just enough.” Other days, I’m feeling great and that ten minutes of exercise turns into a longer session. But without thinking of it as an all-or-nothing deal, the guilt and mental drain slip away. Little by little, I reach a sustainable pattern of movement.

Finding Balance and Freedom

Routines can feel both liberating and limiting for someone with dyslexia or ADHD. On one hand, structure provides a safety net when life gets messy. But I also value spontaneity. I sometimes enjoy going with the flow and indulging my creative whims without feeling pinned down.

In the episode, I reflected on how some people with dyslexia thrive without much routine. They love the excitement of the unknown. Others crave more predictable rhythms. The key is finding a balance that works for you. I think of it as setting a minimum standard for consistency, then letting myself be free when inspiration strikes. That way, I’m less likely to crash and burn if my passion takes a dip for a few days.

The Promise to Yourself

One of the biggest factors in all this is the promise we make to ourselves. Whether it’s committing to a daily walk or consistently stirring protein powder into coffee, those little promises can stack up. They serve as reminders that we’re capable of making better choices—even when our energy is low.

It’s a good idea to make these promises small enough to keep. Maybe you buy a new piece of workout gear or place a sticky note on your mirror. If that single reminder helps you take action, that’s a win. And if you miss one day, be kind to yourself and start again the next. We’re all human, and it’s tough enough fighting the internal battles without layering on extra guilt.

Those simple daily vows keep me moving forward, even if it’s not super dramatic. At the end of the day, I’d rather inch towards my goals than wait around for cosmic bursts of motivation. The more I stick to those little steps, the easier it gets to trust myself to follow through.

• Overcoming a neurodiverse mind starts with recognising your personal energy flows.
• Small, consistent actions beat big, sporadic efforts every time.
• Boredom isn’t the enemy; it’s proof you’re in it for the long haul.
• Supporting yourself with the right tools and environment is a huge help.
• Finding balance between routine and freedom can protect your well-being.
• Making and keeping small promises builds trust in yourself.

In this episode, I explored how to navigate the wave-like patterns of motivation while living with dyslexia and ADHD. It’s not always smooth sailing, but focusing on consistency makes a difference. If you’re eyeing better health, don’t wait for that elusive perfect moment—start small today, and let consistency be your new spark.

Ready to dive deeper? Press play on the podcast at the top of this page. You’ll hear more about how I’m tackling my own fitness goals, the practical tools I use, and the mindset shifts that keep me from quitting on myself. I hope you’ll join in and give a few of these approaches a try.