Working Out What You Want? (For Dyslexics)

Struggling to figure out what you truly want can feel exhausting. If you keep picking the wrong goal, you can end up frustrated or chasing something that never feels right. In this episode, I share how I used to stumble along in confusion and what helped me turn that stuck feeling into something more empowering.

This discussion dives into why we struggle to define our desires and how that confusion can lead down a painful path. We also talk about easy shifts in thinking that make a big difference. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running in circles, this episode will remind you you’re not alone—and that clarity is closer than you think.

Why We Struggle to Know What We Want

We often assume we know exactly where we’re headed, whether it’s a career move or a personal goal. Yet many of us keep second-guessing ourselves. Why does that happen? Sometimes, we’re listening to what everyone else says we should do. Other times, we’re trying to fit into a box that simply isn’t meant for us.

When you have dyslexia or ADHD, your thoughts can bounce from one idea to the next at lightning speed. It’s easy to get caught up in different directions. One day you might be sure you want to start a side hustle, then the next you’re convinced your true calling is something entirely different.

I’ve personally found that much of the confusion comes from thinking there’s a single, perfect solution. But there isn’t. Our lives are collections of curiosity, learning, and growth. Realising that took a weight off my mind and gave me space to explore.

The Pitfalls of Guessing Wrong

It’s one thing to not know what you want. It’s another thing to guess—then run headfirst down the wrong path. That’s what this episode highlights, because many of us know that sinking feeling when we realise we’ve gone too far to back out easily.

You might invest money, sign contracts, or commit your precious energy to a project that doesn’t light you up. It hurts. It can also eat at your self-confidence and leave you wondering if you can trust your own decisions.

“One day I realised I’d spent years aiming for a goal I never really chose, and it was one of the hardest wake-up calls of my life.”

Feeling like you’ve wasted time is tough. But remember you’re not alone. Many of us have put ourselves in tricky spots by not being sure of our direction. The good news is that once you spot the pattern, your next step gets easier.

Changing the Way You Pick

This is where I talk about shifting how you approach your choices. Instead of treating every idea as all-or-nothing, try breaking it down into smaller, testable steps. That might mean having a quick chat with someone in the field you’re considering. Or maybe you volunteer for a short project before diving in completely.

When you give yourself advanced permission to explore, it’s simpler to let go of what doesn’t feel right. It’s also easier to notice when something truly clicks. That’s what happened for me once I realised I could look around in a more intentional way.

You don’t have to commit for life to see if something suits you. There’s power in experimentation. More than that, taking small steps keeps you from going too far off track. If you decide you still love it, great. If not, step away before it drains you.

Practising Clarity in Everyday Life

Clarity doesn’t happen only in dramatic moments of insight. Sometimes, it’s about noticing day-to-day feelings and patterns. When you feel energised by a certain topic, keep track of that. When something drains you big time, that’s a clue too.

The more you observe your own reactions, the better sense you get of what you truly enjoy. This is especially helpful for those of us with dyslexia or ADHD, because our attention can switch in a flash. Logging what boosts your mood or sparks curiosity is a solid way to begin trusting your instincts.

Give yourself permission to say, “I’m not sure yet, and that’s OK.” You’ll find there’s no set deadline for figuring it all out. Approach your interests like a gentle scientist: test, watch, and learn.

• Check in with how you feel about current projects.
• Break goals into smaller experiments before fully committing.
• Remember there’s no perfect answer—only paths you can explore.
• Notice your energy flow: does something light you up or wear you out?

Over time, these small pieces of data form a bigger picture. From there, you’ll have a clearer roadmap of what resonates with you.

A Few Key Takeaways

• You’re not alone if you’ve felt uncertain or overwhelmed when choosing a path.
• Guessing wrong isn’t the end of the world. It teaches you valuable lessons.
• Experimentation helps you avoid going too far in a direction that doesn’t suit you.
• Clarity grows from daily observation, short tests, and honest reflection.

If you want the full story behind these insights, check out the full episode above. I share my own stumbling blocks and the lessons that helped me make better decisions. Give it a listen and let me know what resonates most for you!