New Year, New You? Or…New Pressure?
As the new year begins, it feels like the world is shouting at us to plan better, set bigger goals, and achieve more.
Social media fills up with planners, vision boards, and declarations of fresh starts.
But for many of us—especially those who are neurodivergent—this relentless focus on productivity and goal-setting can feel more like pressure than inspiration.
If you’ve ever started the year with the best intentions, only to feel overwhelmed or like you’re failing before you’ve even begun, you’re not alone. The truth is, many of the systems, tools, and strategies we’re told to use weren’t designed with neurodivergent brains in mind.
✨ A New Approach: Tuning into YOU
Instead of forcing yourself into systems that don’t fit, what if you started the year by asking: What do I need?
This isn’t about ignoring goals or growth—it’s about recognizing that your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It’s okay to go at your own pace, honour your energy, and create systems that align with your unique strengths.
✨ Introducing the RADIATE Model
This is exactly why I created the RADIATE Model, which I share in my book, Permission to Be Different. RADIATE is a framework designed to meet you where you are, helping you build an aligned, balanced life that works for you.
The RADIATE Model focuses on:
- Reflection: Understanding where you are and what you need.
- Acceptance: Embracing your unique strengths and challenges.
- Discovering values: Identifying what truly matters to you.
- Innovation: Creating solutions tailored to your brain and energy.
- Advocacy: Building supportive environments and advocating for your needs.
- Transformation: Growing in a way that feels authentic.
- Empowerment: Thriving on your own terms.
This model is designed for anyone who feels like traditional systems of success and growth just don’t fit. It’s especially powerful for us neurodivergent folks who want to step into the new year with a sense of empowerment and authenticity, not overwhelm.
✨ Permission to Be Different
If the pressure of the new year feels heavy, I encourage you to give yourself permission to be different. You don’t need to follow someone else’s blueprint. You have the power to design your own, one that aligns with who you are and what you need.
💡 Ready to start your journey?
📖 You can explore the RADIATE Model in my book, Permission to Be Different:
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Let’s RADIATE into the new year together, not by following the crowd, but by embracing what makes us unique.