Copy & Paste: How Watching And Doing Can Get Us In Trouble.
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Ever feel like there’s something deeper than reading, writing, and spelling that shapes your dyslexia experience every day? This week’s podcast episode broke open a challenge that feels like a hidden force in our lives: how we learn to operate in the world. When I spoke to two dyslexics recently, this exact theme surfaced for both of them.
Our conversation explored why this challenge can be both helpful and tricky, and how it weaves itself into moments we often think are unrelated to dyslexia. Let’s dive into the highlights and examine the ways we can embrace this mindset for good, while making sure it doesn't hold us back.
The Challenge
We often hear that dyslexia is about reading and writing. Yes, that’s the classic story. But there’s another layer most people don’t talk about: our unique way of learning to navigate the world. It’s almost like we have a constant puzzle to solve in our heads—figuring out how to fit in, get stuff done, and put ourselves out there.
During the podcast, I made a note of how it feels when you realise your day-to-day thinking doesn’t match what others expect. I asked my guests if that created pressure. They confirmed it did, describing how they sometimes have to “fake it till they make it” just to keep pace. It’s not about intelligence but about feeling in sync with how things operate around you.
“I see this as probably the most challenging aspect of dyslexia outside the standard reading, writing, and spelling.”
This statement from the episode struck a chord. Our environment often demands a quick, linear approach, yet our brains are wired for creative, big-picture thinking that bends in non-linear directions.
When the Dyslexic Mindset Helps
Plenty of people with dyslexia discover that their unique perspective can be a superpower, especially in creative or problem-solving roles. When you’re able to see patterns others miss, it becomes a real advantage. You can often:
- Find unexpected shortcuts or solutions
- Visualise concepts in a way that clarifies tough ideas
- Pitch creative angles that spark fresh thinking in teams
- Stay resilient when ideas shift direction
In the episode, one of my guests shared how his mind constantly scans for possibilities. This helps him brainstorm new projects that can improve his business. He’s rarely stumped by a tricky concept because he sees problems from different angles. That spark of creativity is worth celebrating.
When It Doesn’t Help
Our mental spark isn’t always welcomed in certain environments, though. We might get labelled as daydreamers or be told we’re not doing it “the right way.” That’s where frustration creeps in. We can also run into challenges when:
- We overthink simple tasks because we see a million ways to do them
- We try to force our natural style into a rigid structure
- We spend so much time improvising we forget to plan ahead
- We don’t speak up when we feel misunderstood
One guest mentioned how that improvisational spirit sometimes leads him to drop projects altogether. He switches direction too quickly, and the people around him can’t follow. For him, learning to slow down and check in before changing lanes made all the difference.
Adapting Our Approach
So how do we navigate a world that's built around a more standard approach to learning and doing? The good news is that many dyslexics manage this brilliantly once they find what works. Here are a few strategies that came up on the podcast:
- Self-Awareness: Knowing your strengths and triggers helps you catch yourself before you spiral. Recognise when your creativity is helpful or when you’re simply stuck in a loop of overthinking.
- Communication: Sometimes you need to let people know how your mind works. A quick heads-up can smooth many misunderstandings and build trust.
- Tools and Tech: Find apps, workflows, or daily routines that support your way of thinking. Calendar reminders or voice notes might keep you on track, letting you leverage your creative abilities without losing the thread.
- Accountability: Have someone—friend, colleague, or coach—who gently nudges you back to focus when you shoot off on tangents. A simple prompt can get you back in gear.
These simple shifts help turn our different way of operating from a stumbling block into a real advantage.
Looking Ahead
It’s not about changing who we are. Our minds are brilliant, dynamic, and full of surprises. What helps is learning how to channel that natural creativity into the world around us. We can adapt without hiding our gifts. And we can share what we see with others, making sure we navigate everyday challenges in the most authentic way.
Whether you’re grappling with this right now or simply curious to confirm you’re not alone, know that your way of operating isn’t broken. It just takes different routes to get to the same destination, and sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed.
- Awareness leads to acceptance.
- Communication helps others understand our style.
- Tools and support make daily tasks easier.
- Our uniqueness is a strength, not a weakness.
None of this is a one-size-fits-all fix. Everyone’s path looks different, but it’s worth exploring which ideas resonate most. The conversation on the podcast goes deeper into these real stories—how people use that adaptive mindset to flourish and when it causes bumps in the road.
If this resonates for you, I’d love for you to dive into the full episode. You’ll hear the honest ups and downs from fellow dyslexics who have been there, plus more tips to apply in your own life. Don’t miss it; you might pick up practical insights you can use straight away.
Have a story to share? Click here to let me know and you might be featured on the pod. Feeling ready to strengthen your confidence? Join the waiting list for our next course. Connect with our supportive community in our Private Facebook Group, and consider supporting the show on Patreon too. While you’re at it, Subscribe to ‘My Dyslexic Life’ on Youtube for more videos.
Enjoy the podcast at the top of this page to hear all the details—happy listening!
