Opening Yourself Up To Change

Life has a way of keeping us on our toes. We think we’ve got things sorted, then a new challenge arrives and shakes things up. In this episode, I explored what happens in our minds when we get older and less open to change, and how that process can either help us grow or hold us back.

I chatted about the importance of recognising unhelpful thought patterns, especially for those of us with dyslexia, and how to ease ourselves into new perspectives. There’s a surprise realisation at the end that left me quite excited about my own ability to shift gears, so let’s dive in.

Changing Mindsets as We Age

One thing I’ve discovered is that, as the years pass, it’s harder to switch from one way of thinking to another. We get set in our routines. The idea of trying something new might feel like a chore because it doesn’t fit our neatly organised puzzle. Yet the world doesn’t stop moving.

If you’re like me, you might find stretching your comfort zone a bit painful or frustrating. You think, “I’m supposed to have this figured out by now.” Then you realise life isn’t that simple. There’s always something waiting around the corner that demands a fresh mental approach. I call this the “change conundrum.” We know we need it, but we resist it at the same time.

Why Our Minds Resist Change

I’ve often asked myself, “Why does my brain make this so hard?” It’s like the older we get, the more layers of experiences, beliefs, and assumptions we pile on. They stack up neatly, and shifting them feels like toppling a Jenga tower.

Our minds prefer comfort. We’d rather rely on the mental shortcuts we spent decades building than start again. And for those of us with dyslexia, our minds have worked double time to build ways around everyday challenges. It can feel exhausting to reorganise those systems. During the podcast, I said:

“It’s like keeping your body in shape changes as you get older, and so does how your mind works.”

It’s an insightful truth. Bodies lose flexibility, and it takes more focused exercise to keep fit. The same goes for thoughts. We’ve got to stretch, test new angles, and trust that the discomfort will lead to growth.

Real Growth Takes Time

Changing our mindset isn’t a quick fix. It requires patience and determination. This process might be slower than we like, so a few strategies can help smooth the bumps.

• Start with reflection: We don’t need to jump into drastic changes. Taking a moment each day to think about our limiting habits can bring clarity.
• Use small steps: If big leaps into new territory scare you, try a small step first. Dipping your toe in often builds confidence.
• Talk it out: Sharing your thoughts with a friend or in a support group can give you different lenses on the same problem.

These sound simple, but they’re powerful. Each small shift adds up, and before you know it, you’re on a new mental path without overloading your brain.

The Surprise Realisation

At the end of this episode, I had a bit of an epiphany. It was like I’d stumbled on a hidden door in my own thinking. I realised my reluctance to change wasn’t just about age, it was about fear. Fear of losing what I’d built in my head over many years. Fear of letting go of strategies and routines that kept me safe, even if they no longer served me.

I began to see that letting go of one belief doesn’t mean I’m throwing away every single coping mechanism. I can keep what still works and simply make room for something better. It’s not a full reset, it’s more like an upgrade. That became my big takeaway: real growth can be gentle. We can let ourselves try new ideas, learn from mistakes, and still hold onto the parts of our identity that matter.

It’s an inspiring thought, and one that makes “change” feel less intimidating. If you’ve been pushing away those nagging questions about what’s next, you’re not alone. We’re all trying to find the right balance, especially with the unique twists of dyslexia in the mix. One day we might sail through changes, then the next day we’re stuck in our own heads. That’s normal, so breathe.

• Listen to your gut when it’s nudging you to try something new.
• Give your brain time to adapt and celebrate small wins.
• Remind yourself that you’re never too old to learn a new trick.

If you’re curious to explore this further, it might help to keep a journal where you jot down moments you notice yourself resisting something. Often, just being aware of those moments is enough to crack the door open to a different mindset.

• Awareness means change is possible.
• Dyslexia offers unique ways to see the world.
• Repeating new habits is the key to rewiring your thinking.
• Enjoy the process, even the messy parts.

Key Takeaways

• Mindset shifts can feel tougher as we age, but small steps help.
• It’s normal to resist change because our brains value comfort.
• Being aware of limiting beliefs is the first step to growth.
• Fear of losing old strategies might be at the root of our reluctance.
• Real growth is gentle, and we can keep parts of our identity intact.

I’d love for you to join me on this journey. Check out the entire podcast episode, where you’ll hear more details about my discovery and get extra tips on shifting your mindset now and in the years ahead. Listen, reflect, then let me know what changes you’re planning to make. You’ve got this, my friend.