Should I Tell My Boss I’m Dyslexic?
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Have you ever felt that tightness in your chest when you wonder if you’re really enough? It’s that heavy feeling that creeps in whenever you think about your worth or your abilities. Today’s podcast episode dives straight into that uncomfortable question and explores how we can navigate the fear behind it.
In this episode, we discuss practical ways to challenge self-doubt and create a more balanced view of ourselves. We talk about how our self-talk can sabotage our success and the need to reframe our inner conversation. We also explore common patterns that make our inner critic louder than it should be and what can help us find a healthier perspective.
Why This Question Feels So Scary
We often ask, “Am I good enough?” because deep down, we crave affirmation. We want to feel secure about who we are. Yet this question can strike terror into our hearts for a few reasons:
- It touches on our core identity.
- It questions our sense of belonging.
- It seems to link our worth to our achievements or failures.
When we tie our sense of self-worth to what we do, we place enormous pressure on ourselves. It’s like standing on a fragile platform that cracks under the weight of every misstep or perceived shortfall.
“I used to wake up every day with this question rattling in my head: ‘What if I’m not enough for what’s waiting for me today?’ It was paralysing.”
That quote hit home for me. It reminded me that this worry doesn’t discriminate. It can affect us all, especially when we’re juggling work, family, and a cluster of changing responsibilities.
Unravelling the Fear
The fear behind that question usually comes from past stories and scenarios we hold on to. Maybe there was a time when you tried something new and it didn’t work out. Maybe someone’s harsh words stuck in your mind and coloured your view of what you could accomplish.
It’s vital to detach our present identity from these old narratives. We’re not the same person we were in the past, and we don’t need to carry labels that no longer serve us. Stepping back to observe how these fears began can provide relief and help us move forward.
Our brains like to protect us by highlighting potential risks. Sometimes, though, those risks are only illusions conjured by unhelpful self-talk. Recognising that pattern breaks the chain and helps us breathe easier.
The Power of Reframing
We can’t always stop the question from popping up, but we can reframe how we answer it. Rather than letting the worry spiral out of control, we can turn it around with a calmer approach.
Try asking: “What if I have strengths I haven’t noticed yet?” That shift in language plants a more supportive seed in your mind. It suggests there’s room for growth and that your value isn’t fixed by what you doubt about yourself.
Learning to reframe can also involve pausing and naming your emotion. When you sense fear coming on, say out loud or in your head, “I feel anxious.” Consciously identifying the feeling takes away some of its power and reminds you it’s just a passing state, not your entire identity.
Small Steps to Rebuild Confidence
Thinking about big life decisions or massive goals might make your fear worse, so it helps to break them down into smaller steps. Start with something tangible and celebrate each milestone.
- Identify a simple goal, like learning one new tool or skill.
- Give yourself permission to be a beginner.
- Reflect on each small success, no matter how tiny it might feel.
- Notice how your resilience increases with each step.
Progress is rarely a straight line. The journey involves twists, turns, and a few dead ends, but each moment of growth shows you are enough to keep going.
You might consider writing a short reflection in a journal at the end of the day. Jot down one thing you did that felt encouraging or empowering. This habit helps to remind you of evidence that you’re moving in the right direction.
Nurturing Self-Compassion
Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to prove our worth, we forget to be kind to ourselves. Self-compassion is about treating yourself with the same warmth you’d give a close friend who’s feeling down.
When you catch yourself in a loop of negative self-talk, take a breath. Ask, “Would I say this to someone I love?” If not, it’s time to change your approach. Replace the harshness with understanding and remind yourself you’re human, allowed to mess up, and free to learn without shame.
One practical trick is to set a two-minute timer on your phone whenever you feel a wave of self-criticism. For those two minutes, focus on something that soothes you or brings comfort. It could be an image, a memory, or music. This mini break from your usual train of thought can disrupt negativity and bring you back to the moment.
- Speak kindly to yourself.
- Acknowledge small wins.
- Accept that perfection isn’t required.
True self-compassion isn’t about ignoring genuine issues. It’s about giving yourself the cushion to handle them without falling into despair or harsh judgment.
Key Takeaways
- This scary question often masks deeper fears from our past.
- We can reframe our doubts by focusing on possibilities rather than worst-case outcomes.
- Breaking goals into small steps helps ensure steady progress.
- Self-compassion is a practical tool, not just an abstract idea.
- We’re all stronger than our harshest doubts.
If you’re ready to hear the full conversation and explore more strategies, listen to the entire episode at the top of this page. You’ll find insights, real stories, and more hands-on tools you can use every day.
