Coffee Chat - Dyslexia, Confidence & Self Esteem
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Have you ever felt a quiet voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Truth About Dyslexia, Stephen and Vanessa sit down with a coffee each and talk about their own struggles with self-esteem.
They uncover why self-doubt can creep in when you least expect it and share times they’ve been stopped in their tracks by negative thoughts. They also explore smaller actions you can take every day to nudge your confidence in the right direction. It’s honest, heartfelt, and a gentle reminder that many of us walk this path.
Why Self-Esteem Matters
Self-esteem dictates how we show up in the world. It can affect how we approach friendships, careers, and personal goals. Many of us with dyslexia or ADHD carry a few extra bags of doubt—maybe from mistakes at school or times we felt misunderstood.
When you take a moment to notice those internal voices, you can catch them before they run wild. With awareness comes choice, and with choice comes the chance to rewrite your own narrative.
Picking Apart Negative Thought Patterns
Stephen and Vanessa spoke about mental loops that feel like a spiral. One tough day at work might lead you to think you’re useless, then you recall past mistakes, and suddenly your self-esteem is on shaky ground. Sound familiar?
Changing this isn’t always quick or simple, but it can be done. Here are a few ideas:
- Name your inner critic: Giving that negative voice a silly name makes it easier to spot.
- Challenge assumptions: Ask yourself if your doubt is based on fact or fear.
- Practice kind self-talk: Swap “I’m a disaster” for “I had a bad day”.
During their chat, Vanessa shared a moment of reflection:
“I realised I’d been waiting for permission to believe in myself. It hit me that no one else can give that to me. It has to come from inside.”
Small Steps that Count
Grand gestures are glorious, but sometimes you just need quick wins that keep you going. Stephen and Vanessa break down some small steps you can take to boost confidence daily. Even small habits can grow into strong foundations over time.
Instead of trying to fix everything at once, focus on one or two small shifts, like adding a five-minute journalling session to your morning or sending yourself a voice note of encouragement. The tiniest tweak can help you see yourself in a kinder light.
Practical Tools Worth Trying
The podcast also touched on tools you can put into practice right now. Their suggestions include:
- Gratitude Lists: Jot down three positive things at the end of each day.
- Mindful Moments: Pause to breathe and notice your surroundings, especially when stress threatens to overwhelm you.
- Talk It Out: Share struggles with friends or a support group. Hearing someone else say, “I’ve been there,” is a relief.
It’s worth trying a handful of approaches to find what genuinely clicks for you. Some methods will feel more natural, so don’t worry if you need to experiment a bit!
Main Takeaways
- Self-esteem is shaped by the stories we tell ourselves.
- Small, consistent tools help break down doubts over time.
- Lean on others who understand dyslexia and ADHD challenges.
- There’s strength in speaking kindly to yourself.
- You’re allowed to grow at your own pace.
Curious for more? Make sure you listen to the full episode with the player at the top of this page. Stephen and Vanessa share real-life insights that could spark new ways to see yourself. Go ahead and give it a try—you might pick up something helpful for your own journey.
