I’m This Is Going to Hurt writer Adam Kay, and this is my honest letter to my 10-year-old self

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You can be a writer!

I understand you’ve been expected to become a doctor for a long time, but there are many other career options out there. Don’t be afraid to explore paths that genuinely interest you, even if your parents don’t see them as traditional. And if you do pursue medicine, I recommend keeping a journal to document your experiences.

Don’t be ashamed to be smart

You’re not cool

The next ten years will likely be filled with worrying about fitting in, but trying too hard won’t actually impress anyone – trust me, those early 2000s hair trends are best avoided! Eventually, you’ll realize it doesn’t matter what others think, and being yourself is perfectly okay. The people who truly care about you won’t judge. You might even find yourself writing a funny TV show about embracing your differences – look out for ‘Dexter Procter: the 10-Year-Old Doctor’ in December 2025 on BBC One and give it a watch!

Adults don’t always know best

It’s frustrating when people you went to school with don’t seem to gain much wisdom as they get older – you might still not trust them with a simple task. And things change too; soon milk will only come in plastic bottles, making cartons obsolete. Don’t assume that older people always have the best advice, even though they often claim they do. Of course, I’m an exception – I’m always right!

Get your revenge

Honestly, I’ve always hated that saying about ‘sticks and stones.’ Words totally can hurt, and let’s be real, skiing is way more likely to break your bones than a stick! But there’s one old saying I actually live by: revenge is a dish best served cold. I’m a firm believer in keeping a little mental list of anyone who’s ever done me wrong, and then subtly working them into the villains of everything I write – books, scripts, you name it. It’s surprisingly satisfying!

You’re gay, by the way, and that’s fine

Life is full of little mysteries – from strange noises to confusing rules – and you’ll always have questions. Eventually, you’ll start asking bigger ones, like why you feel the way you do. The answer, for you, will be that you’re gay. This might feel scary and make you question what a “normal” life even is, but it shouldn’t. One day, you’ll find love with a man, and he’ll love you back. You might even get married and have a family – it will be messy, wonderful, and everything in between.

There are no shortcuts

You might not be a natural genius like Dexter Procter, capable of acing a huge number of A-levels. Success for you will come through consistent hard work. While some of that work will be enjoyable, and some (especially since you’re planning to become an obstetrician!) will be challenging, everything you do will contribute to reaching your goals – eventually.

Actually, maybe there is a shortcut

Okay, so if you’re feeling lazy and don’t want to do any calculations, let me just tell you – the winning lottery numbers the week I turn eighteen (apparently, they’re starting a National Lottery in the future!) are 2, 7, 10, 15, 27, and 45. Just in case it matters to anyone, you know, for a movie plot or something!

Dexter Procter is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

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2025-12-03 20:36