5 Lessons From Steven Bartlett (4 Is Gold!)

Ever feel like you’re juggling a thousand things and still craving a sense of direction? Me too. Recently, I soaked in a talk by Stephen Bartlett, the well-known entrepreneur and podcast host, who dropped some brilliant insights on how to handle life’s uncertainties. In this episode, I share some of his best tips and how they can help those of us with dyslexia or ADHD find a path that truly suits us.

Bartlett’s approach isn’t stuffed with buzzwords or complicated charts. It’s honest, straightforward, and surprisingly relatable. If you need practical ways to navigate anxiety, refine your skill set, or embrace your personal quirks, you’ll find something that resonates here. Let’s explore the highlights.

The Power of a Personal Mission Statement

Have you ever asked yourself, “What’s my real purpose?” It’s a question that can keep some of us up at night. According to Stephen Bartlett, forging a personal mission statement can be the perfect guide. Think of it as a compass that points you where you need to go, even when life feels messy.

Bartlett shared that what often trips us up is not simply a lack of drive or passion, but a lack of clarity. Having a personal mission statement means getting specific about who you are and what’s important to you. When big decisions come up, you hold them against this statement and see if they fit. This saves you from those “why on earth did I do that?” moments.

In his words:

“We all hate second-guessing ourselves. When you know your mission, decisions feel more certain, and you don’t waste energy on what ifs.”

Overcoming Anxiety by Understanding Loss

Many of us have heard that uncertainty is what triggers our anxiety. But Bartlett flips this idea. He suggests the real problem is our aversion to loss. We get anxious because we dread losing something—time, money, relationships, or even our sense of self.

This is especially relevant for adults with dyslexia or ADHD, who might worry about losing credibility or being misunderstood. Our challenge is to accept that we’ll sometimes lose bits and pieces along the way, and that’s okay. Failure and loss are part of growth.

So, how do we handle it? Bartlett believes we should shift our long-term perspective. Instead of obsessing over small losses, keep your eyes on your broader mission. Ask yourself if what you’re losing is crucial for your end goals. Often, it’s not as big a deal as it seems in the moment.

Skill Stacking for the Win

Have you ever thought, “I’m no master at one thing, so how do I compete in the world?” I’ve been there too. Bartlett’s concept of skill stacking says you don’t need to be the best at just one thing. Instead, combine a variety of complementary skills to create your unique advantage.

For instance, if you’re halfway decent at public speaking and also know how to design a simple webpage, those two skills can mesh incredibly well. This might open better opportunities than if you poured all your time into just one area. For those of us with dyslexia, skill stacking can be a fun and flexible way to stand out, because we often have unique ways of solving problems.

It’s also a great confidence-booster: you get to celebrate all your bits of expertise rather than worrying that you’re not the absolute best in one field. If you haven’t tried jotting down all your random capabilities, start now. You might spot unique ways they can intersect.

The Value of Collaboration

One of Bartlett’s biggest tips is to speak up and involve people who can help you. Whether it’s a therapist for anxiety, a business mentor for that entrepreneurial spark, or a friend who’s already doing what you want to do—collaboration shortens the path to success.

Many of us with dyslexia or ADHD grew up feeling we had to solve everything on our own. We might’ve heard that we process thoughts differently, or that we’re “too slow” at certain tasks. Bartlett breaks that mindset by showing how it’s not about doing it all alone. It’s about doing it right by leaning on those who can share their expertise.

He also reminded us not to get obsessed with being “right.” Often, there’s more than one way to get a job done. If someone else’s route is quicker, simpler, or more effective, it’s worth trying. The goal is working toward success, not clinging to your own method just because you came up with it.

Why It’s OK to be Loved and Hated

Deep down, most of us want to be liked by everyone. But Bartlett made a surprising point: if you’re genuinely standing for something, chances are some folks will love you for it... and others might truly dislike you. Paradoxically, that can mark real success.

He believes that making bold choices and voicing your message always comes with mixed reactions. It’s normal to want widespread approval, but playing it safe all the time usually results in being forgettable. Instead, be clear about your mission, share your opinions, and accept that it won’t land perfectly with everyone.

That’s okay. If you’ve got a handful of people raving about what you do, you’re doing something right. Lean on that support system and keep refining your approach. Eventually, those who resonate with your work will become your biggest advocates.

Key Takeaways to Remember

• Craft a personal mission statement to guide your decisions.
• Recognise that your fear of loss can cause anxiety more than uncertainty itself.
• Combine skills to create a unique competitive edge (skill stacking).
• Embrace help from those around you—don’t go it alone.
• Aim to be successful, not just “right” all the time.
• If some folks hate your boldness, you’re probably on the right track.

If you’d like a deeper dive into these insights, make sure you listen to the full episode. The podcast player is at the top of the page, and trust me, it’s worth your time. After you’ve listened, you’ll walk away feeling more focused, less anxious about the future, and better equipped to handle whatever life throws at you.

Ready to learn more about dyslexia or ADHD in adults? Visit truthaboutdyslexia.com. You can also join our supportive Facebook community at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia. We’ve got your back.

Until next time, stay curious, keep learning, and remember that every small step counts.