Fear And The Dyslexic Mind

Ever have a moment when doubts don’t just tap you on the shoulder but knock you flat to the ground? That’s exactly what happened to me. I hit that familiar wall of fear, which can feel all too real for those of us with dyslexia, and I decided to share how I’m working through it.

In this episode, I talk about facing uncertainty head-on and why it was so tempting to stay frozen until something else forced a shift. I also unveil two simple tools that have helped me get unstuck and keep me moving when my anxious mind wants to pull me down a spiralling rabbit hole.

The Tangle of Doubt

We all know those moments. One minute you’re walking along, feeling fine, then suddenly you trip on self-doubt. It’s like a hidden crack in the pavement that you never saw coming. As dyslexics, it’s easy to overthink or overanalyse every little twist and turn.

This episode focuses on the struggle that shows up when we’re unsure whether to move forward or wait for outside forces to push us. That tug of war can leave us tangled in our own thoughts and second-guessing every decision.

“Fear bubbled up as it does with my dyslexic mind. Rabbit holes open up, uncertainty, and the idea of just staying still until something external broke and forced the change.”

Where Fear Sneaks In

Fear doesn’t announce its arrival or wait politely for a better time. It can jump out from behind old worries, making you question if you’re really capable of change. And if you’re dyslexic, there’s a chance it’s got a whole family of ‘what ifs’ ready to tag along. Suddenly, you’re faced with doubt about everything from your talents to your decisions.

The feeling might not be new, but every time it shows up, it tries to convince you this is the “one” you need to worry about most. You might think you’ve grown past it, but negative self-talk lurks. So, how do we quiet that noise and keep cooking with gas? That’s what I dive into in the episode.

Tools That Are Helping

When those spirals appear, it’s important to have a few solid tools in your arsenal. Here are two that I rely on:

• Brain Dump: Grab a notebook or open a blank note on your phone and let your thoughts flow. Write down everything that’s rattling around in your head. It doesn’t need to be neat or pretty. The goal is to free up mental space so you can see worries for what they are: often smaller than they feel.
• Connection Time: Call a friend, talk to a mentor, or chat with someone who’s been where you are. Verbalising your fears helps you process them differently. Hearing another perspective can remind you you’re not alone, and that makes it easier to keep going.

These two simple steps can work wonders. They might take some practice, though. You might feel resistance at first, especially if you’re used to carrying everything around in your head. But trust me, letting it out matters.

Stepping Forward

Staying stuck isn’t a great option, even when it feels oddly safe. Sometimes you need a jolt of action. Rather than letting external events push you, you can choose to move first. That’s where the two tools above come in, and also a reminder that you can have more than one plan of attack.

We all have moments when we need a breather, but action doesn’t have to be huge. It could be as simple as writing down your next step or phoning a friend to talk through ideas. Small steps add up in big ways.

• Stepping out of doubt often starts with clarifying your thoughts.
• Fear might bark loudly, but it doesn’t have to run the show.
• It’s OK to pause briefly—just don’t let pause turn into paralysis.

Key Takeaways

• Moments of doubt can appear suddenly, knocking you off your feet.
• Recognising fear doesn’t make it vanish, but it removes its power to surprise.
• Writing stuff down (Brain Dump) and talking to others (Connection Time) are powerful tools.
• Small actions count—don’t wait for outside forces to do the work for you.

If you want to hear the full story and these tips in more depth, check out the podcast player at the top of the page. Give it a listen, and see how my own stumble with doubt might help you navigate yours.