Feeling Stupid And Not Speaking Your Truth

Have you ever had that nagging feeling that you’re not good enough? In our latest podcast episode (player above), we explore that critical inner voice and how it can grip dyslexics more intensely. You’ll hear how it nearly convinced me to stay quiet when I had something important to share.

This episode is about confronting the thoughts that hold us back, especially for those of us who think differently. We discuss why negative self-talk appears bigger when you’re dyslexic and how it can keep you stuck. But, more importantly, we explore ways to face it head-on and move forward with confidence.

That Nagging Inner Voice

It’s easy to think that voice is just telling you the truth. “You’re not smart enough,” or “You’ll sound silly.” But is it always right? The answer is usually no. That voice tends to exaggerate our fears and push us towards silence.

In the episode, I share how I nearly let it stop me from speaking a truth I knew I had to say. I was worried people might judge me or think I was making a fuss. Have you been there too?

“I nearly let that voice stop me from sharing a truth I needed to say.”

These doubts can feel crippling. Yet we can learn to recognise that negative self-talk and gently question it. That moment of awareness often helps us realise it’s not always grounded in fact.

How Dyslexia Amplifies Self-Doubt

Dyslexia can magnify those sneaky thoughts because many of us have felt misunderstood or judged in the past. We can remember times when we got words mixed up or our ideas didn’t come out smoothly. Those experiences can linger in our minds, ready to pop up whenever we try something new.

Here are a few reasons why self-doubt might stick around:

• Past struggles in school or work environments
• Fear of spelling or reading errors
• Sensitivity to criticism or teasing

We can waste loads of energy on worry, which leads to procrastination. Then we feel guilty for not taking action, which feeds the inner critic even more. It’s a vicious cycle, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Embracing Your Inner Truth

Sometimes speaking up is tough, even when you know it’s important. In the episode, I talk about the internal debate I went through. Part of me said, “Stay quiet. Don’t rock the boat.” Another part insisted, “This matters.”

Dyslexics often have big hearts. We care about the impact of our words, and we don’t want to cause trouble. But if there’s a truth that could help others or change your life for the better, it’s worth the discomfort.

So, what can help you do it anyway?

• Practice self-compassion. Remind yourself that mistakes are part of learning.
• Talk to a trusted friend. A different perspective can calm your worries.
• Use notes. If anxiety takes over, having bullet points to refer to can help you stay on track.

Turning the Volume Down on That Critical Voice

Telling yourself to “just be confident” rarely works. Confidence grows when we realise that negative thoughts aren’t always facts. Instead of trying to eliminate doubts completely, you can turn their volume down and focus on taking small steps forward.

We mentioned a few techniques in the podcast:

1. Observe the voice – Notice when those thoughts creep in. Labelling them as “that old critic” reminds you they’re not necessarily true.
2. Reframe your thoughts – If you make a small mistake, try saying, “I’m learning,” rather than “I’m a failure.”
3. Celebrate small wins – Each time you speak up, make a note of it. A quick bullet point in a journal can remind you of how far you’ve come.

These steps don’t promise an instant fix. Yet they build resilience over time, and you start to trust your voice more each day.

Practical Takeaways

If you’re pressed for time, here are the key points we covered:

• Everyone has an inner critic, but it can be louder for dyslexics.
• Self-doubt thrives on past misunderstandings and fear of mistakes.
• Sometimes you have to speak up, even when you’re afraid.
• Refocusing on small actions can help shift negative thoughts.
• Bravery grows when you challenge the voice, not when you ignore it.

We explored these in more detail in the full episode, digging into personal experiences and strategies that actually work, rather than empty motivational talk.

Ready to dive deeper into how to quiet that nagging voice? Give the episode a listen. It’s right at the top of this page, waiting for you. You’ve got this.