This article was co-authored by Donna Novak, Psy.D and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Dr. Donna Novak is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Simi Valley, California. With over ten years of experience, Dr. Novak specializes in treating anxiety and relationship and sex concerns. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a doctoral degree (Psy.D) in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University-Los Angeles. Dr. Novak uses a differentiation model in treatment that focuses on personal growth by increasing self-awareness, personal motivation, and confidence.
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You can be your own worst critic. Maybe you said the wrong thing to someone, you made a mistake at work, or you feel like everyone's smarter than you at school. This doesn't mean you're stupid—everyone feels this way at some point! To help you turn your negative thoughts around, we've come up with positive suggestions that you can start trying today.
Steps
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References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/art-and-science/201801/identifying-your-feelings
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2020/06/how-to-overcome-your-fear-of-making-mistakes
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2020/06/how-to-overcome-your-fear-of-making-mistakes
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-power-of-positive-thinking
- ↑ https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2020.00080
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/12942-fostering-a-positive-self-image
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2018/05/the-surprising-power-of-questions
- ↑ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20150422-how-not-to-be-stupid
- ↑ https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-psych-010416-044022
- ↑ Donna Novak, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 8 December 2020.
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
About This Article
Whether you made a mistake at work or you’re struggling with your grades in school, it can be easy to get down on yourself. But everyone messes up or faces challenges sometimes, and it doesn’t mean that you’re stupid. Challenge negative thoughts about yourself and replace them with something more positive and realistic. For example, if you did poorly on a test, remind yourself that everyone has to start somewhere and that you probably just need more practice. It can also help to make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Even if you struggle in one area, there’s probably something else that you’re really good at! And if you’re having trouble understanding something, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes all you need is a fresh perspective.