You Are NOT Broken

Have you ever felt like you were just wired wrong? You’re not alone. So many with dyslexia or ADHD believe they’re broken before they even get a chance to explore their gifts. That’s why this episode exists—to remind you there’s more to the story than feeling “less than.”

In this episode, I talk about the powerful idea that we’re not doomed to feel defective. It’s all about how society’s expectations clash with our natural thinking style. You’ll hear about common struggles, plus tangible ways to shift the narrative in your head. If any part of you has felt bruised by labels, this one’s for you.

Where These Feelings Come From

When people first discover they have dyslexia or ADHD, it’s often a relief. They finally have a reason for what they’ve been going through. Yet that relief can quickly morph into self-doubt. Maybe they did poorly in school or struggled to read out loud. Maybe they spaced out so often that people labelled them lazy.

That’s where the fear begins. We hold onto negative experiences that stack up over time. Then we start believing we’re inherently flawed and can’t function in a “normal” world. Listen to how I put it in the episode:

“I hear this from dyslexics and those with ADHD. People feel like they were born broken, wrong, or even the D word. I don’t buy it, but I get why people do.”

That quote is a core theme here. Feeling broken isn’t unusual. We hear it, we see it, we sometimes live it. But it doesn’t mean we have to stay stuck there.

Understanding Dyslexia and ADHD

Dyslexia affects how the brain processes language. ADHD often involves impulsivity or inattention. Both can make everyday tasks harder. But these labels don’t define your worth. They’re snapshots of how your mind is set up. Nothing more, nothing less.

Yes, it may take longer to read documents or follow certain steps. You might obsess over details others breeze through. But dyslexia and ADHD also bring creative thinking, bold ideas, and a unique perspective on life. Schools and workplaces don’t always highlight these strengths. They tend to focus on what you can’t do instead of what you can.

The key is to see the broad picture. Don’t buy into the idea that a difference in wiring means you’re any less. It might be messy to see how you fit in. Yet with each new day, you can learn more about what motivates you and where you truly shine.

Breaking Down the “Broken” Myth

We throw around the word “broken” like it’s a casual label. But it cuts deep. It can make you feel trapped in a loop of negativity. I believe these beliefs often arise from misguided conversations and a lack of understanding. We see a snapshot of someone struggling, and we leap to conclusions. We forget that dyslexia or ADHD can come with a hefty side of anxiety and self-doubt.

If you’ve been told you can’t learn or you need to try harder, the “broken” myth might lodge in your brain. It’s tempting to think, “I’ve got a diagnosis, so there must be something permanently wrong with me.” But that’s only half the story. The other half is the untapped power of these conditions. They can help you connect dots others don’t see.

I encourage you to question that myth whenever it pops up. Ask yourself: Where’s this belief coming from? Is it based on fact, or is it tied to someone else’s opinion? Challenging your own thoughts can be a turning point on your journey.

Shifting Your Mindset

It’s one thing to know you have a different learning style and another thing to accept it. Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up. It means recognising how your brain works and playing to its strengths. If your mind wanders during a lengthy lecture, try using a sketch pad or bullet points to stay engaged.

Shifting your mindset also involves setting boundaries with yourself. Notice how you talk to yourself when you make a mistake. Do you jump straight to “I’m useless” or do you say, “That’s one slip-up, let’s keep going”? Tweaking that self-talk offers enormous returns.

The episode covers the idea of emphasising progress over perfection. For example, a child who used to hide at reading time but now picks up a book with mild curiosity has taken a big step. That shift in attitude is the real prize. It’s not about reading 50 pages a day. It’s about daring to start.

• Replace “broken” with “wired differently.”
• Create an environment where your strengths can flourish.
• Break tasks into smaller chunks if your focus drifts.
• Seek out communities who understand dyslexia and ADHD.

It might sound simple, but these little tweaks can change your entire outlook.

Practical Suggestions

If you want to start seeing yourself as capable rather than “broken,” here are a few ideas:

1. Team up with a mentor or coach who specialises in neurodiversity.
2. Try out different note-taking or work systems that align when your energy is highest.
3. Celebrate small wins: finishing a chapter, organising your workspace, or meeting a deadline.
4. Schedule a weekly check-in to spot progress and set fresh goals.

When you approach each issue with kindness and curiosity, you’ll notice how your mindset shifts from frustration to possibility.

• It’s OK to question outdated beliefs about dyslexia and ADHD.
• “Broken” is not your identity. Challenge that label.
• You get to define success. Celebrate every win, big or small.
• Small steps forward often lead to huge breakthroughs later.

There’s so much more to you than a label. You can feel it, right? You are worth the effort it takes to reframe your perspective.

Key Takeaways

• You’re not malfunctioning—you’re just a different flavour of brilliant.
• Labels can feel heavy, but they don’t tell your whole story.
• Mindset matters: the words you use to describe yourself shape your reality.

It may be a process that lasts a lifetime. Still, every day you spend shifting your mindset is a day you get closer to untangling that sense of feeling broken.

If you’re ready to dive deeper, the podcast’s player is included above. Listen to the full episode and let’s keep exploring what it looks like to step out of that “broken” mindset once and for all.