I Can Be So Stubborn

Ever found yourself so stubborn you're practically welded to your chair, but then other times you fold like a freshly dried towel? You're not alone. In the latest episode of “Truth About Dyslexia,” I explored this puzzling flip-flop between unyielding determination and complete surrender, especially for those of us with dyslexia.

We looked at why this trait might be tied to the dyslexic mind, how it can actually help or hinder us, and more importantly, how to regain control when our stubbornness or pliability starts to run the show. There’s a sweet spot between digging in your heels and throwing them in the air. Learning to spot these extremes is the first step to finding it.

Recognising Your Stubborn Streak

Some days, it feels like we’re on a one-way train headed to Stubbornville. We refuse to let go of that one idea, perspective or task, even when it’s not serving us. The question is, why do we do this? A lot of it has to do with how the dyslexic brain processes information and solves problems.

We often lock onto something and then it becomes our anchor. That can be awesome when we’re chasing a challenging goal, but it can also be a stumbling block when our focus blinds us to new opportunities or solutions.

“I can be so unreasonably stubborn, then other times I fold like a towel straight out of the dryer. Is this a dyslexic thing?”

It’s easy to brush off these extremes as just personality quirks. Yet people with dyslexia tend to have vivid imaginations and strong emotional attachments. When we decide, “This is my path,” it can feel like we’ve carved it in stone.

Why We Sometimes Fold Under Pressure

On the opposite side, it’s not unusual to find ourselves giving in too easily. Maybe you’ve run out of mental energy, or you’re overwhelmed by all the details in front of you. With dyslexia, everyday tasks can take more work than they do for others, so by the time you face your tenth challenge of the day, you might just say, “Fine, you decide.”

It’s not weakness or lack of will. It could be your brain saying, “Enough is enough.” The trick is recognising the warning signs before you reach that tipping point. Notice the subtle mental fatigue that starts to creep in. Our minds can be brilliantly resilient, but we do need breaks to keep from crumpling at the slightest breeze.

Three Ways to Combat the Extremes

If you often ping-pong between stubbornness and folding fast, here are three proven ways to find more balance:

1. Pause and Breathe: When you realise you’re digging your heels in, hit the “pause” button. It only takes a few seconds. Focus on your breathing and count to five. This tiny reset can be enough to close any emotional floodgates and give you time to rethink.
2. Seek a Quick Sounding Board: If you’re stuck in “Nope, not changing my mind!” mode, find a friend or colleague for a quick chat. A fresh perspective can snap you out of tunnel vision. Ask someone you trust, “Am I being stubborn, or do I have a good reason to stand firm?”
3. Set Micro-Limits: If folding too quickly is your downfall, set a limit before you break. For example, tell yourself, “I’ll look up two more solutions before I give up.” That small boundary can help you stand your ground a bit longer.

These aren’t magic bullets, but they do help you become more mindful of how your dyslexic brain reacts in different situations. It’s easier to manage these feelings once you spot them earlier in the process.

The Value of Self-Awareness

Getting to know how your mind works is a massive advantage. When you understand the “why” behind your stubbornness or your quick surrender, you can catch yourself sooner and experiment with better strategies. Self-awareness is about noticing patterns, so that next time you feel yourself refusing to budge, you can ask, “Is this my stubborn streak talking, or do I genuinely believe in this direction?”

Likewise, if you sense you’re about to yield too soon, give yourself permission to try one more time or explore a different approach. Small tweaks might sound insignificant, but they build real momentum when you start applying them each day.

By balancing these extremes, you can protect your energy reserves and make room for the value your unique dyslexic thinking brings to the table. Experiencing both ends is part of our charm—it’s just about learning to harness it so it boosts our lives rather than derailing them.

• Stubbornness can be a great motivator—until it stops you exploring new ideas.
• Folding under pressure isn’t failure; it’s often a signal you’re too drained and need rest.
• Simple breathing exercises really do help when you’re overwhelmed.
• An outside perspective can help you see if you’re overvaluing your current path.
• Mindfulness is your secret weapon for catching yourself early.

Key Takeaways

• Our dyslexic minds can latch onto ideas or give up without warning.
• Identifying fatigue signs gives us opportunities to pivot before we fold completely.
• Small pauses or seeking a quick opinion can help us shift stubbornness into healthy determination.
• Self-awareness is the foundation that keeps these two extremes in check.

Curious to hear all the details and personal anecdotes about this unreasonably stubborn vs. folding-like-laundry dilemma? Check out the podcast player at the top of this page. Give the episode a listen and see how these tips could fit into your day-to-day.

If you enjoy the content, share it with a friend who might need a little reminder that being wonderfully dyslexic means finding balance in the quirks that make us unique.