Creating Deep Change Not Just Surface Level Stuff

Do you ever feel like you’ve just scratched the surface of dyslexia? Maybe you’ve heard a few tips that sound good, but when you try them, they only work for a while. This episode dives into why it’s important to dig deeper, rather than settling for those quick fixes.

In the podcast, we explore common challenges in dyslexia Facebook groups. Many people new to dyslexia feel excited by every insight they stumble upon. But there’s more to this journey than those early aha moments. The episode shines a light on why deeper understanding is far more effective than snack-sized solutions in the long run.

Why Surface-Level Solutions Can Be Misleading

When you first discover your dyslexia, it’s easy to get carried away with simple tricks. Maybe you write big to remember information or use a colour-coded system. These are fine as a start, but relying on them forever might leave you feeling stuck.

We all know that new strategy buzz, that excitement we feel when we see immediate improvements. Then we wonder why it doesn’t solve every problem. It’s tempting to keep searching for one magic solution, but we miss the chance to work through deeper emotional or mental layers.

Even the best hack fades if we haven’t learned what our dyslexic mind truly needs. As mentioned in the podcast, “They are like the candy bar you buy at the checkout. It seems great for a moment and then ... nothing.”

The Facebook Group Experience

I’ve spent time in various dyslexia Facebook groups, watching people share their questions, fears, and occasional wins. It can feel comforting to see others go through the same hurdles, whether it’s trouble spelling or mixing up numbers.

But many posts only cover the smallest part of the story. Folks ask about new apps, glowing e-book readers, or the perfect pen. While it’s great that people share ideas, it’s important to ask yourself if these tools truly fix the core challenge, or if they just offer a momentary High Five to your brain.

When you dig deeper, you learn how your unique dyslexic mind processes information, how to handle stress triggers, or how to build self-esteem. These insights lead to lasting change in a way that no fancy gadget ever will.

Going Beyond the Quick ‘Win’

Let’s be honest, there’s a place for quick wins because they give us hope. A diet tweak or using big Post-it Notes can be great. Here’s the catch: if your deeper insecurities or doubts aren’t being addressed, the positivity fades.

Think of it like a tree. The visible bits—your reading speed, your ability to remember phone numbers—are just leaves and branches. The mindset, self-esteem, and emotions hidden below the surface are the roots. If you don’t nurture those roots, the leaves won’t stay green for very long.

For many of us, it’s about learning how to be more forgiving towards ourselves. It’s about discovering why we feel anxious in certain social situations, or why a small slip-up can ruin our day. Real growth happens when you explore the swirl of thoughts under the surface and learn to handle them with compassion.

Practical Ways to Start Digging Deeper

If you’re ready to move beyond the surface, here are a few suggestions you might find helpful:

• Ask Better Questions: Instead of “Which pen is best?” try “Why do I struggle with handwriting, and how can I approach it holistically?”
• Reflect on Daily Wins: Keep a journal of what you do well each day. It’s easier to see your own growth when you track tiny improvements.
• Talk to Others on the Same Path: Find a supportive community (online or offline) where people discuss how dyslexia impacts self-esteem, emotions, and relationships, not just reading speed.
• Seek Professional Help: This might be through a counsellor, coach, or therapist. Getting advice on your specific challenges can help you move forward faster.

Tools are helpful, but mindset changes are the real game-changer. You deserve more than band-aid solutions and half-hearted tips. If you feel like you need that deeper personal shift, stop focussing on instant answers and invest time in building a rock-solid foundation.

Embracing Long-Term Fulfilment

Deeper transformations are not always as flashy as a brand-new phone app. They might take time to sink in. Maybe it’s learning self-awareness, or simply forgiving yourself for mistakes you made before you understood your dyslexia. These quiet breakthroughs have a lasting impact.

It’s also about trusting your journey. Give yourself room to experiment, fail, and try again. New tools and tricks might light your path at first, but reflecting on your own thought process can help you figure out what truly works. That’s far more fulfilling than the short-lived thrill of a “perfect” tool that only scratches the surface.

As the saying goes, you can’t build a house on shaky ground. When you focus on digging deep and identifying your core needs, you create a stable base for ongoing success. Every hack, trick, or quick solution then becomes a bonus rather than a crutch.

• Start small and stay curious.
• Celebrate the subtle shifts in perspective.
• Remember that growth takes time, patience, and self-compassion.
• Keep notes on what works, but also how it makes you feel.

The difference is massive once you do the inner work. You feel calmer, more confident, and less likely to be derailed by the next challenge. It’s a bit like stepping off a rollercoaster and moving onto solid ground, where you can clearly see where you want to go.

Takeaways to Remember

• Quick fixes can help at first, but don’t rely on them forever.
• Deeper self-awareness leads to lasting change.
• Spend time understanding your unique dyslexic mind.
• Tools and tricks should support your growth, not replace it.

If this resonates with you, make sure you give yourself the chance to dive deeper. Observe what’s beneath your immediate struggles and figure out how to address them head-on. That’s when you’ll unlock a sense of empowerment that lasts.

To hear the full conversation and get more insights, play the episode from the podcast player at the top of this page. You’ll learn why those early basics, while exciting, are only the first few steps on a much richer journey.