Being diagnosed with dyslexia or suspecting you have dyslexia takes some getting used to. Like all neurodiversity and Special Learning Differences (SpLD), there can be stigma, fear, embarrassment or discrimination that stops you being upfront or proactive.

Then there is the usual pressure of school, with deadlines, tests as well as all the different learning happening in class.

One minute, you feel in control and find the work rewarding. Then, with no warning, the feeling of overwhelm kicks in, as more and more is required from you. Think of it like pop corn that pops slowly to begin with and then suddenly all at once.

So how do you stay motivated and stop overwhelm?

As a former teacher, I recognise the part I played, unconsciously, to mounting pressure in my students when deadlines were approaching. So what can YOU control when you feel everything is getting too much all of a sudden?

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Here are some practical tips for you to try. First though, pause, find the trigger, if you can, then:

1. Talk to Someone

Your tutor, a teacher, friend, parent or carer. Don’t keep this to yourself, share it.

2. Break It Down to Build It Up

The “5-minute rule” (start with just 5 minutes)

Chunking an assignment, for example into smaller parts

3. Find Your ‘Power Hours’

Identify your best focus times

Work with your natural rhythm, not against it

4. Establish Your Toolkit for Tough Days

Audio alternatives when reading feels too much

Text-to-speech apps that actually help

Study buddies

5. Create a Motivation Reset Button

Learn to recognise signs when you’re heading towards overwhelm

STOP, have a break

Quick reset activities (5-minute dance, breathing exercises, get fresh air, power poses)

Create a ’done list’ instead of a ‘to-do’ list

6. Create your Dyslexia Wins Journal

Track your progress (big and small wins)

Keep “proof of awesome” (screenshots of good grades, positive feedback)

Build your confidence library

Success tip: Have weekly celebration

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Remember, your progress isn’t always a straight line! Sometimes taking steps backwards is part of the journey.

Progress is often messier than expected – and that is ok.

How to keep things under control?

Do just one thing at a time

Make a simple plan

Don’t over-commit

Keep your to-do list short and sweet

Your Next Step: Pick just ONE tip from above and try it with your schoolwork today. Start small, celebrate progress, and build from there!

For more information about working with me, client testimonials and my fee structure have a look at my page here

 

December 2, 2024