Careers, Dyslexia And Getting A Promotion

Have you ever felt that rush of excitement when you see a promotion opportunity, then suddenly your mind races with doubts? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, I dive into the fear, worry and uncertainty around going for a promotion, especially when you’ve got a dyslexic mind that loves to run down rabbit holes.

The podcast (player at the top of the page) explores what it’s like to navigate that inner chatter telling you you’re not ready or that someone else is better suited. You’ll hear insights on how to shift your mindset and feel more confident moving forward. Let’s break down the key points and put them into action.

The Jitters Before Promoting Yourself

It’s natural to get hot and flustered when considering a bigger role. The stakes seem high and the unknown is daunting. Maybe you start comparing yourself to colleagues who appear more qualified. Or you worry about letting people down if you don’t live up to expectations.

But the truth is, many of these worries come from inside your own head. Our dyslexic minds can magnify problems until they feel insurmountable. Fear often feeds on half-truths and speculation. If you can step back and see where the stress is coming from, it becomes easier to handle.

How Dyslexia Amplifies Fear

Dyslexia brings amazing creativity but also a tendency to spiral into overthinking. Our unique perspectives can lead us to consider every possible “what if” scenario. This might be good for planning, though too much of it can morph into doubt.

When I sat down to record this episode, I realised how our minds play tricks, making small worries feel monumental. As I said in the podcast:

“There’s a voice in our head that keeps reminding us of all the times we tripped up in the past, and it stops us from focusing on the times we soared.”

It’s important to remember that fear is often a sign you’re on the brink of growth. Don’t let it hold you back.

Adopting a Growth Mindset

We rarely remind ourselves of how far we’ve come. Maybe you’ve overcome reading challenges you once believed impossible. Or you’ve found new ways to communicate brilliant ideas. The promotion could be the next step.

The key to progress is adopting a growth mindset. Instead of picturing the worst outcome, visualise yourself excelling. Think about the times you tackled challenges and ended up stronger. Try these shifts in perspective:

• Focus on learning rather than immediate success.
• Celebrate small wins that show you’re heading in the right direction.
• Stay flexible. Mistakes don’t mean you’re failing.

Practical Steps to Set Yourself Up for Success

Action can soothe anxiety. Start by mapping out the steps you need to take. Get clear on why you want this position and where you can add real value. Draw on your strengths, whether it’s big-picture thinking or creative problem-solving.

Try these practical ideas:

• Seek advice from someone already in the role or who has done it before.
• List out your top skills or past achievements. This reminds you of what you bring to the table.
• Consider a mentor or coach who understands dyslexia and can guide you.

You don’t have to have every detail planned out. Even small, consistent steps can push you past the initial worry.

Keeping Things in Perspective

Finally, it’s worth asking what’s the worst that can happen. Most likely, you’ll learn something new, gain respect for trying and grow your network. This is how you build skills and confidence. If it doesn’t work out this time, you’ll be better prepared for the next opportunity. No effort is wasted, especially if it expands your comfort zone.

Sometimes the biggest step is letting yourself believe you’re worthy of the new challenge. When you back yourself, others will follow your lead.

• Don’t let fear close the door before you even put your name forward.
• Practice telling yourself a new story, one where you succeed.
• Give yourself permission to dream big and go for it.

Key Takeaways

• Recognise fear as a normal part of growth, not a sign to stop.
• Channel your dyslexic strengths: creativity, perspective and resilience.
• Break down the process into manageable steps.
• Seek help or advice from others who’ve walked a similar path.
• Remember you have value that’s waiting to shine through.

If you’re ready for more insights, don’t forget to listen to the full episode. It’s right at the top of the page—press play and relax. You deserve that promotion, so get curious, get prepared and head toward your next big step.