Is it normal to talk down to yourself at a subject?

92% Normal
3 Comments

I can't decide whether or not I like chemistry. I took general chem I and now I'm in gen chem II and throughout both I constantly talk down to myself. Especially about labs. Like "You're not good at this. You're too stupid for this lab. Give up now, it's pointless. Other people are WAY smarter than you." So this constant negativity is really distracting and has prevented me from deciding if I like the subject itself.
In gen chem I, the final exam average was a 61% and I got an 86%. On the thermo exam the average was a 65 or something and I got a 96. So apparently my exams say I'm NOT STUPID. Yet I constantly feel like I am slow to the point of retarded during labs. My negativity makes me dread labs for days in advance, even though my lowest lab score has been an 80 or so. How can I improve my self-confidence about chemistry?

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92% Normal
Based on 13 votes (12 yes)
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Comments ( 3 )
  • Wyomingite
    10 years ago

    The best way I know of to change how you talk to yourself is to argue with yourself. I know that sounds crazy, but the next time you think something negative, you literally have to think back, "No, that's not fair, I worked hard and I got a good grade. I'm smart. I can do this."
    Eventually, the negativity will get better, and even if it doesn't, you're still forcing yourself to think positive.
    By the way, I wish I could get B's in chemistry. Hot damn!

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  • [Old Memory]
    10 years ago

    I absolutely hate labs. I enjoy chemistry and learning, but suck at applying the concepts and find it extremely difficult. I feel quite negative about my math class, almost like how you feel about chemistry.

    Visiting with a math tutor reassured me that I was doing the problems right, and that boosted my self confidence. And honestly, other than that, my grades were all the reassurance I needed.

    In my chemistry class I got together with a study group. I felt relieved knowing I would have other people to take some intellectual weight off of me. So basically:

    Visit a tutor (optional)
    Be reassured by your grades
    Form a study group with chem wizes

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  • GreatArt
    10 years ago

    It'd be freakn hilarious to hear u do that. Maybe your pessimism is helping you to try harder and that's how u get great grades. Just think that if I'm feeling stupid, just imagine how those idiots next to me must feel...worked for me

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