Big Lessons From 2025 (3 Must Dos In Jan!)

Sometimes we look back on our lives and realise it’s been a rollercoaster. This past year has tested my limits in ways I never saw coming. I found new challenges, achieved things I didn’t think I could, and had my fair share of slip-ups. In this episode, I share what I’ve learned from managing my neurodiversity, messing about with different diets, and figuring out how to set kinder goals for myself.

During the conversation, I talk about the techniques I’ve tried to keep burnout at bay, how reflection and gratitude changed my outlook, and the reasons I want to detox from the stuff that pulls me down. In a world where we carry so many responsibilities, it’s easy to ignore our health. I hope my story inspires you to slow down, appreciate small wins, and approach each new challenge with a little more kindness.

Looking Back on a Challenging Year

I knew this year wasn’t going to be a walk in the park, but I was determined to make progress with my neurodiversity. Staying consistent can be tough when you have ADHD, dyslexia, or other different ways of thinking. Sometimes, it feels like life is going at full speed while you’re still lacing up your shoes.

But that’s part of the journey. Reflecting on the past twelve months made me realise how important it is to acknowledge even the smallest wins. As I said in this week’s episode:

“I often achieve more than I give myself credit for.”

When things get hectic, we tend to focus on what we haven’t done. It’s helped me a lot to flip that script and look at what’s gone right. Keeping a gratitude list goes a long way towards shining a light on those good moments.

The Power of Recognition

Self-reflection can feel unnatural. We’re often used to pushing ourselves to do more, faster, better. When we don’t meet those ever-rising expectations, we can fall into self-criticism. That’s when gratitude lists become powerful.

These lists are simple: jot down what you’re glad you did today or this week. It might be that you finally replied to that important email, finished a book you’ve been meaning to read, or stuck with a new routine for a day or two. I still have days where I convince myself I’ve done “nothing,” then I look at my list, and it proves me wrong.

Being honest with yourself about your achievements means you can create realistic goals. Setting a goal to “change the world” in a week is great in theory, but not so hot when it comes to mental health. Our minds need time and space to breathe, especially when we deal with neurodiversity.

Food Choices, Health, and Neurodiversity

Diet has been a big conversation in my life this year. I tried the keto diet as a way to tackle my energy issues and try something new. For a while, it seemed to help with focus, but it wasn’t a complete fix. I had some benefits, and at the same time, it revealed how much my body craves certain nutrients.

Identifying the right balance isn’t just about weight or how we look in the mirror. It’s about how we feel day-to-day. When you add the complexity of ADHD or dyslexia, it can be even harder to notice subtle shifts in mood or energy until they become a problem. Personally, I discovered I need to detox from things that don’t serve my health, whether that’s junk food, negative routines, or mindless scrolling.

We each have to find what helps us focus, what makes us feel healthier, and how we can maintain some consistent energy levels. Everyone’s path will be different, but it’s worth experimenting to figure out your unique blend.

Burnout and Setting Boundaries

One thing I discuss in the episode is burnout. Taking on too much at once can leave our brains feeling fried. There’s a delicate balance between a healthy challenge and a meltdown. If you don’t take breaks or set boundaries, you’re likely to be on a bullet train to exhaustion.

I realised how vital it is to say “no” sometimes. If you never slow down, the stress will build. With ADHD, there’s often an urge to do everything at once, but that can lead to projects getting half-baked or entirely forgotten. Be mindful of what you can realistically manage.

Taking a moment to look at everything you have on your plate is a big part of figuring out what’s causing that burnout sensation. This self-awareness can help you avoid repeating old patterns that hold you back.

Setting Goals for the Coming Year

Looking ahead, I want to carry forward these lessons. I’ll keep up my gratitude list, reflect on what worked and didn’t, and try not to overload myself with unrealistic goals. That doesn’t mean aiming low. It just means focusing on what genuinely matters and tackling it in manageable steps.

Understanding how others perceive us is also powerful. It’s not about letting external opinions run our lives, but sometimes it reveals blind spots in our thinking. We all have a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to our own behaviour, and getting an outside perspective can spark real growth.

So, as I stroll into the new year, I’ll keep experimenting with food, keep up the healthy routines, and remember to pat myself on the back for every small win.

• This year has tested me more than expected.
• I’ve learned to appreciate my achievements, big or small.
• A keto diet offered some perks, but it wasn’t a magic bullet.
• Reflecting on the past is vital for personal growth.
• Burnout often follows taking on more than I can handle.
• Detoxing from harmful habits is essential for overall health.
• Realistic goals help keep my stress levels in check.
• Gratitude lists show me how far I’ve come.
• Looking at what didn’t work prevents repeating mistakes.
• Outside feedback can prompt fresh insights.

I hope this sneak peek has given you a taste of what’s in the full episode. The podcast player is right above this post, so go ahead and give it a listen. For more resources on neurodiversity and dyslexia, check out truthaboutdyslexia.com and join our Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia.

If you’re looking to take things further, you can join the club at rightbrainresetters.com. And if you’re after a health boost, I’ve got a treat for you: get 20% off your first order at addednutrition.com.

Don’t forget to hit play on the full episode above. You might just find a few tips that spark your next breakthrough.