How To Take The Stress Out Of Interviews And The Like.

Ever pictured the worst-case scenario before you’ve even begun? It happens more often than we’d like. Whether it’s a job interview, a drivers test, or a big moment on stage, our dyslexic minds can spin us into wild imaginations of failure. In this episode, we explore how to keep your thoughts in check and build the confidence you need to show up at your best.

You’ll discover how to untangle overthinking loops, harness your creativity for good, and give yourself the best chance of standing strong when the pressure’s on. We talk about strategies that you can put into action right now. If you’ve ever felt like your head was racing in ten directions, this one’s for you.

Overcoming Overthinking

Our minds love to race. It’s part of what makes us great at problem-solving. But sometimes it gets in the way. You might play out different scenarios and assume they’ll all go horribly wrong. That’s where awareness can help.

Stop, and name what’s happening. Notice your thoughts, but don’t let them set the stage. A quick mental check-in can help give you breathing space. Picture an imaginary “pause” button and actually press it in your mind.

Once you pause your thoughts, you can swap unhelpful scripts for supportive ones. Think of it like changing the channel on your inner TV. If you catch yourself imagining your car swerving off the road during a test, switch to a calmer scenario or gently remind yourself of a time you drove well.

Quieting the Inner Critic

We all have that nagging voice saying we’re not ready, or not good enough, or destined to fail long before we’ve taken any real steps. If you’ve got dyslexia, this voice can speak up louder when you’re under stress.

Talk back to that critic with kindness and curiosity. Ask yourself, “Is that really true?” or “Where’s the proof?” Often, you’ll catch the critic spinning stories that aren’t fact. It’s important to question those stories, not just accept them.

“I used to spiral just thinking about that exam,” one listener shared. “My head would race with all the ways I’d blow it. But I realised it was a story, not reality.”

Try focusing on what you do well. Revisit your wins, whatever they may be. Even the small victories can remind you that you’ve succeeded before, so there’s no reason to think you won’t again.

Planning Your Battle Plan

Preparation doesn’t mean obsessing over every detail. Instead, it helps you feel secure and calm when the big moment arrives. Think of it as building a simple map, not a 100-step manual.

• List three key strengths you bring to the table. Keep them visible in your mind so you don’t forget them when nerves kick in.
• Have one or two success stories ready. If you’re heading to an interview, these are brief examples you can lean on. If it’s a test, recall a time you nailed a practice run.
• Decide on distractions to avoid. That might be your phone buzzing or a random negative thought. Identify them and set up a boundary.

Think about the basics too, like what you’ll wear or how you’ll travel. Simple tasks can reduce last-minute panic. When you feel prepared, your mind is less likely to wander off into dread territory.

Using Imagination for Good

One of the unique gifts of dyslexia is our imagination. We can see possibilities everywhere. The flip side is that we also see worst-case scenarios just as easily. So if we get to choose how we use our imagination, why not make it serve our success?

Visualise yourself succeeding. That doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it does shift your mindset. If you catch yourself imagining the cringe moment of stumbling over your words, adjust the visuals. Picture delivering your lines smoothly. Imagine the smile of the examiner or the crowd. It might feel strange at first, but it can create a more positive mental backdrop.

You can also lean on your imagination if you start to panic in the moment. Focus on how you’d comfort a close friend if they were in your position. Then apply that same compassion to yourself. Our minds can be quite kind if we let them.

Keeping Your Cool On the Day

The big day is here and your nerves are singing. Breathe. That’s the simplest way to find your centre. Try a quick breathing exercise—four seconds in, hold for four, then let it out in four. Do it a few times until you feel your body relax.

Bring a few mental cues: “I’ve prepared for this, I know my value, and I can only do my best.” Repeat them before you walk in (or click that Zoom link). Tune in to your strengths, not just your worries.

If doubt tries to sneak in, notice it like a cloud passing by, then refocus on the present. Remind yourself you’ve had tough moments before and pulled through. Chances are you’ll do it again.

• Take a deep breath before you speak.
• Write down a short mantra, keep it in your pocket.
• Remember you’ve managed other challenges—this is just one more.

Be patient with yourself afterwards. It’s easy to replay everything a hundred times. But each “big moment” is a chance to learn, not a final verdict on who you are.

• Preparation leads to clarity, so you don’t get lost in overthinking.
• Your inner critic can be challenged—don’t accept its stories as truth.
• Plan simple routines to keep anxiety at bay.
• Use your imagination to picture success, not just doom.
• A few deep breaths can calm spinning thoughts instantly.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into these ideas, go ahead and listen to the full episode. You’ll get a more detailed look at how to transform your thinking and face those big moments with confidence. Give it a try, and see if it helps you take that next step forward.