Coping Strategy #14: Understanding Why

Curiosity has followed me for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I’d question everything, asking “why” at every turn. It wasn’t until much later that I realised this constant need for answers had a lot to do with dyslexia, and it shaped the way I learn and stay motivated.

In this episode, I share personal experiences about how that childhood curiosity led me to discover more about my own mind. We explore why asking “why” isn’t just a child’s habit but a powerful way to unearth strengths, passions, and better strategies for managing adult life with dyslexia.

The Early Curiosity

When I was at school, I was that kid who couldn’t accept an answer without knowing the backstory. The teacher would say, “This is the rule,” and I’d follow up with “Why is it a rule?” or “How does it work?”. Instead of seeing it as a good thing, I often got labelled “the class chatterbox.”

In reality, it was my brain trying to connect all the dots to make sense of the world. For many of us with dyslexia, surface-level explanations just don’t stick—especially if they don’t feel relevant to our day-to-day lives. We crave context. We like to link ideas into a bigger picture so they become memorable and easier to use later.

I remember moments when I felt silly for wanting more details. I’d look around, see everyone else nodding at the teacher, and wonder if I was the odd one out. Yet, that curiosity often revealed new angles no one else thought about. It felt like a superpower in some ways, even though I didn’t know it was related to dyslexia at the time.

Why Understanding the “Why” Matters

Questioning the world feels natural to many dyslexics. If something doesn’t fit your mental puzzle, you tend to keep digging until you find the final piece. The need to understand the motive or the reason behind something can spark an inner drive to keep going, even when tasks grow more challenging.

This is especially true when faced with something that might otherwise seem dull. For example, if you’re learning a new skill or software, you might struggle initially unless you can see how it could be useful to you. Once you see its value, your brain says, “Let’s do this!”.

When I look back, it’s clear that knowing “why” gives our dyslexic minds a sense of direction. It transforms an abstract concept into something real and exciting. Like putting on the right glasses, understanding the “why” sharpens our view and unlocks extra energy for learning.

“I used to be the kid who always asked why. I did not understand that was a dyslexic thing.”

That’s exactly how I felt growing up. Now, I see how vital those early questions were for my personal and professional growth. It’s a simple principle that can lead to major insights: you engage when you know the reason behind the task.

Discovering Dyslexia’s Influence

Everything clicked when I finally discovered I had dyslexia. It shed light on why I processed information differently and needed extra context. That realisation was liberating. Instead of blaming myself for not conforming to everyone else’s learning style, I started embracing a more fluid approach that worked for my brain.

Understanding dyslexia’s influence helped me decipher how I tackle challenges. I noticed that when I dug deeper into subjects—recognising the reasons and stories behind them—I became far more motivated. I’d set small goals, then celebrate progress step by step, using my thirst for “why” to fuel each phase.

There was also a shift in how I related to other people. I used to think my curiosity annoyed others. Once I realised what was happening, I became more confident about speaking up. People often appreciate a little extra insight, and I’d even find ways to help them catch on to interesting details they might have missed.

It’s not that dyslexia magically makes you ask better questions; rather, being dyslexic encourages you to look for connections that others might skip. That can be an advantage in problem-solving, creative tasks, and brainstorming, as long as it’s channelled the right way.

Motivation Through Self-Awareness

If you want to harness curiosity to stay motivated, start by becoming more self-aware. Reflect on moments when you naturally ask “why” and see how that can be a spark. There’s a freedom in knowing you don’t have to do everything by the book. You can learn and problem-solve in your own style.

For example, break down a big task into smaller questions. If you’re working on a new project, ask yourself: “Why is this project important?” or “How does it fit into my broader goals?”. Even if you’re going about a routine chore, think about why it benefits you or others. That mental shift often transforms mundane tasks into purposeful actions.

You can also share your approach with family or friends. Sometimes, they’ll help clarify the missing pieces you need. Your ability to ask the right questions can strengthen relationships, because it invites collaboration and deeper understanding. It’s not about being the loudest person in the room; it’s about fueling a shared curiosity that benefits everyone.

For me, going deeper is a blessing and a curse. It’s easy to get distracted when you find too many fascinating details. Self-awareness helps me spot the warning signs of scattered focus, so I can reel myself back in. I still enjoy exploring tangents, but I’ve learned to set gentle limits, so I don’t vanish down endless rabbit holes.

Takeaways

• Your natural impulse to ask “why” can be a strength—use it to find relevance and meaning in tasks.
• Context is everything; it transforms abstract concepts into powerful tools.
• Self-awareness helps you sharpen your focus and spot when curiosity turns into procrastination.
• Embrace dyslexia’s influence on your thinking—your perspective can spark new ideas in any group.
• Share your insights and questions with others; it often leads to better connections and teamwork.

If you enjoyed these highlights, you’ll love the full episode. The podcast player is at the top of the page, where you can dive into our longer discussion about dyslexia and the power of curiosity. You’ll hear even more stories and strategies for staying motivated.

Before you go, I invite you to support the podcast by visiting our Patreon page. You can also take our quiz and connect with others in our Facebook group by going to TruthAboutDyslexia.com. These resources are there to help you explore dyslexia, build confidence, and find community. So hit play on the full episode, and remember you’re not alone on this journey.