Experiments That Lead To Experiences: Changing The Dyslexic Mind

Have you ever tried to study for hours on end, only to get distracted by the slightest thing? That feeling can be so frustrating, especially when you really want to learn but your brain just won't behave. In this episode of the Truth About Dyslexia, we dive into why traditional study methods often fail some of us and what we can do instead.

We explore how the need for hands-on experimentation can make learning stick. If you’ve felt like you’re constantly hitting a wall, this episode offers tips, mindset shifts and practical examples for getting out of your own way. Below, you’ll discover a new way of thinking about change, plus guidance for turning experiments into experiences that last.

The Problem with Long Study Sessions

Long hours in a quiet room sound productive. In reality, your mind wanders, your phone starts pinging and the frustration level skyrockets. Dyslexic or not, our brains aren’t built to focus relentlessly for huge chunks of time. We need breaks and variety.

Many of us feel guilty when we can't concentrate the “normal” way. But there's nothing wrong with you. Often, it’s just that typical methods don’t respect how your brain likes to learn.

Why Traditional Study Techniques Let Us Down

Think of the last time you tried to force yourself to memorise facts you didn’t care about. It probably didn't stick. Dyslexic minds thrive on curiosity, creativity and real-world connections. Making yourself sit for hours with dull repetition usually backfires.

When you choose tasks that spark your interest or tie into your life, you’ll absorb the information more naturally. Instead of reading the same line over and over, look for ways to see, hear or do something with the topic. Those are the moments that help you remember and feel more confident.

Experiments Create Experiences

Here’s a valuable quote from the podcast:

“Changing habits or truly learning something new comes from experiments that lead to experiences.”

That’s the heart of this episode. We don’t change because someone told us to or because we read a single book. We change when we try something out then notice how it works in the real world.

Instead of setting out to study, aim to experiment. If you’re having trouble focusing, switch up your environment. If you're studying something practical, actually do it with your hands or see it in action. Try new tactics like mind maps or short sprints of reading across separate sessions. Each experiment helps you learn what clicks and what doesn’t.

Spotting Self-Sabotage

Even though we want to improve, many of us end up doing things that derail our progress. This is often a pattern of self-sabotage. You might decide to watch videos on your phone instead of getting started on that important project. Or maybe you keep telling yourself you'll do it “tomorrow.”

Becoming more aware of these habits is your first step to changing them. Take a moment to look at where you keep hurting your own progress. Are your goals realistic, or are they too big? Are you simply bored, or is there something else going on? Identifying these triggers is a powerful way to stop the cycle.

Moving from Idea to Action

Once you’ve identified how to experiment and caught yourself in self-sabotage, the next step is simple: take action. It’s easy to keep reading or listening to tips, but practical growth starts when you do something with that knowledge. You might:

• Test out a new study routine with 25-minute sprints and short breaks
• Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to switch tasks
• Book a study session with a friend so you stay accountable
• Play around with recorders or speech-to-text for quick note-taking

These small steps can lead to big changes in how you learn.

• Experimenting beats forcing yourself to study all day.
• Traditional methods can fail a dyslexic mind.
• Self-sabotage often comes from not spotting bad habits.
• Action is key—turn insights into real experiences.
• Short sprints and variety keep the brain engaged.

Ready to dive deeper? The podcast episode’s player is right at the top of this page. Hit play and let me guide you through practical steps for making your learning experiments fun and effective.

Want to share your own story and inspire others? You can be on the pod by visiting this link. If you’re interested in deeper training, join the waiting list for our January course. We also have a private Facebook community where you can connect with fellow dyslexics, plus there’s a Patreon page if you’d like to support the pod and get extra videos.

Check out My Dyslexic Life on YouTube as well if you prefer videos. Remember, a single insight can change everything—even if it’s just one small experiment at a time.