3 Things I Would Tell 10 Year Old Stephen

Have you ever wished you could hop into a time machine and share a few gems of wisdom with your younger self? I’ve been thinking about what I’d say to young Stephen if I could beam back in time and whisper a few secrets in his ear. In this episode, I explore three key lessons that would have saved me a load of stress and put a rocket under my self-belief much sooner.

We dyslexics are natural innovators, and I like to think maybe one of you amazing listeners has actually cracked time travel. While I wait for my turn in the time machine, I’m using this moment to reflect on what I wish I’d known back in the day. It’s all about seeing dyslexia differently, so we can free ourselves from that persistent feeling of not quite fitting the mould.

Your Brain Learns Differently, and That’s OK

When I was younger, I tried so hard to shape my brain to the typical way of learning. It felt like forcing a square peg into a round hole. If only someone had stopped me in my tracks and said, “Stephen, it’s not about fitting in, it’s about harnessing your superpower.”

I used to think my reading speed and spelling mishaps were a personal failing. I wish I’d realised earlier that:

• Your brain is designed to make connections in unusual ways.
• What feels like a challenge now might give you a unique perspective later.
• Dyslexia opens alternative paths to problem-solving.

This is where creativity, curiosity, and new ideas come from—and we dyslexics have it in spades.

Leaning Into Curiosity

Curiosity is precious, especially for someone with a dyslexic or ADHD-style mindset. It invites us to experiment and discover. There’s so much pressure early on to toe the line and do things by the book, but if you’re the type who loves shiny new ideas, that can feel stifling.

If I were to dial back the clock and say something to young Stephen, I’d highlight that chasing your interests—no matter how disconnected or random they might seem—often leads you to your sweet spot. A curious mind never wastes an opportunity to learn, even if it’s not on the standard curriculum.

Stop Trying to Do It All Alone

I spent so many years trying to outwit what I thought was a ‘weakness.’ I didn’t ask for help because I felt I needed to prove myself. But our culture and education systems often aren’t designed for those who think in pictures or who excel in hands-on learning.

Here’s another thing I wish I’d accepted sooner:

1. Get a mentor who understands your learning style.
2. Learn to lean on tools and technologies—there’s no shame in using them.
3. Be direct about where you struggle and communicate how people can support you.

There’s real strength in acknowledging what you need. A little help goes a long way toward showing everyone, including yourself, how capable you truly are.

"We are out of the box thinkers and inventors, so I thought while I wait for my turn in the time machine, I'd better gather a few tips for young Stephen."

Embrace Reflection and Celebrate Small Wins

Reflection isn’t just for gauging what’s gone wrong. It’s also a chance to acknowledge the little victories along the journey. Young me was always scanning the horizon for the next problem or trying to dodge the next embarrassment.

If I could share a final piece of advice with younger Stephen, it would be this: slow down for a moment and celebrate every step. It’s easy to jump from one project to the next without pausing to recognise how far you’ve come. Each success, no matter how small, is proof you’re on the right path.

Remember You’re Not Broken

Finally, I’d lean in and gently remind 13-year-old Stephen that he’s not broken. Schools often emphasise neat handwriting and perfect spelling. Being singled out in the classroom can mess with your confidence. But dyslexia is never a definition of your limit.

Your difference is your spark. It’s the reason you question things, the reason you create things, and the reason you’ll stand out in a great way.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s OK to learn in a different way—focus on what works for you.
• Embrace curiosity instead of moulding yourself into a neat box.
• Don’t push away support—teamwork can supercharge your progress.
• Reflect on your small wins instead of just the hurdles.
• Being dyslexic means you’re wired for unique insights and creativity.

If you’re curious to hear more of the behind-the-scenes stories, do yourself a favour and listen to the full episode. The podcast player is right at the top of the page. Take a moment to tune in—you never know, some of these reflections might spark an insight for you too.