Updatecast - Overthinking, The Podcasts Future And Boundaries

Have you ever felt your brain spinning over a simple decision? That’s exactly the kind of overthinking that Stephen Martin explores in this episode. He shares how easy it is to pile on tasks until you’re weighed down by your own to-do list.

In this episode, Stephen talks through managing big responsibilities, learning to spot your personal limits, and adapting the scope of his podcast to cover more than just dyslexia. He’s ready to set boundaries and focus on the broader neurodiversity space. If you’re seeking new ways to balance your life, keep reading.

Overthinking and Taking On Too Much

It’s amazing how quickly a busy day can become an overstuffed week. Stephen admits he sometimes takes on more than he can comfortably manage. Many of us do this because we want to help others, say yes to opportunities, or just believe we can push ourselves a bit further.

Yet the truth is, we create our own overload. By seizing every offer, we risk letting good intentions slip through the cracks. As Stephen says:

“We get to a point where we take on way too much.”

When responsibilities start to vanish into thin air, it’s tempting to blame time or lack of support. But often we just need to acknowledge that we set our own plates. Realising it’s partly our choice can feel freeing and help us be more mindful moving forward.

Setting Boundaries for Self-Care

Once you recognise you’ve stacked your plate too high, how do you reset? Stephen highlights the need for boundaries, from deciding when work really starts to choosing which side projects get your attention.

He points out that it’s wise to “pick your charity cases.” If you’re a generous person, you might feel guilty turning down tasks that speak to your heart. But spreading yourself too thin helps no one in the long run. Stephen makes a clear point that starting work at nine and refusing to budge on that can preserve your sanity and keep you productive during the day.

Creating a boundary isn’t always about being strict or rigid. It’s about consistently letting others (and yourself) know when you’re available and when you’re off-limits. That consistency is what keeps life balanced.

The Journey and Tweaking What Works

Stephen’s best advice is to avoid extremes. He’s found he’s going through a “phase of overthinking” and feels ready to tweak his workload and shift gears. He’s discovered that when something no longer feels helpful, it’s time to question it and decide if it still serves his goals.

In simple terms, if your routine or projects are weighing you down, try something new. Give yourself permission to pivot. This is especially relevant if you’re juggling neurodiversity challenges, where mental energy can be precious. Constantly check if your to-do list suits your well-being.

Stephen openly shares, “I’m kind of getting to the end of my journey with it.” Trying to force your way through a project that doesn’t spark excitement leads to burnout. Making small, consistent tweaks can keep you moving forward without overwhelming you.

Broadening the Podcast Scope

While dyslexia remains a big focus, Stephen is exploring the idea of covering more angles of neurodiversity. The idea is to talk about how ADHD, mental health, and other aspects of life can affect each other. By doing so, he hopes to give listeners more inclusive tips to live a fulfilling lifestyle.

Sharing broader insights doesn’t mean losing the core audience. It opens doors to bigger conversations that can help anyone dealing with unique thought patterns. After all, many of us with dyslexia also grapple with restlessness, focus issues, or anxious thoughts. Talking about these topics can feel incredibly validating.

Small Shifts, Big Impacts

A few changes in your day can build better habits. For instance, if mornings are overwhelming, hold the line on not starting work too early. If you find you lose interest in a task, schedule shorter sessions instead of forcing an hour. Over time, these small moves become big mindset shifts.

None of this happens overnight. Each step you take, whether it’s cutting out an unnecessary commitment or rearranging your schedule, can make you more confident in how you handle life’s demands.

• Do a quick self-audit: Are you taking on too much?
• Try setting a non-negotiable start time for your work.
• Consciously decide which tasks are worth your energy.
• Remember that it’s OK to say no when needed.
• Adjust your routine in small ways to avoid burnout.

With these methods, you’ll be able to maintain a better balance, honour your boundaries, and trust your choices.

Key Takeaways

• Overthinking can spiral when you keep saying yes to every request.
• We create our own environment by the tasks we choose to accept.
• Boundaries, like starting work at nine, protect your mental health.
• Little tweaks over time can stop burnout before it starts.
• Broadening your perspective beyond dyslexia can reveal bigger self-care insights.

Feeling the buzz of juggling too much? You’re definitely not alone. Taking a moment to regroup and draw clear lines boosts your creativity, productivity, and sanity. And if you’re keen to dive deeper, there’s a whole conversation waiting for you.

Give the full episode a listen (the player is at the top of the page). Stephen digs deeper into how to spot overthinking traps, build healthier boundaries, and expand your life in a way that suits your wiring. You can also visit truthaboutdyslexia.com or join our community on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia. If you’re ready to stop overcommitting and start living on your terms, this episode is for you.