Learned Helplessness:
The Mental Trap that's Holding You Back
And 6 ways to overcome it
//Thread//
“ I can’t quit smoking.”
“I can’t stop eating junk food.”
“I’m bad at maths.”
“I’m not good at guitar.”
“I’m bad at remembering names.”
“Only children can learn a language well.”
If any of these sound like you, you have a case of Learned Helplessness
What Is Learned Helplessness?
A mental state that you falsely learn that trying won't make a difference
Many people develop this from failed/negative experiences or society telling you what limitations there are.
Many people trapped in this state also suffer depression
The Research
Learned Helplessness was discovered in an experiment by psychologists Martin Selignman and Steven Maier.
They tested 3 groups of dogs.
In part 1
-Group 1 weren’t shocked
-Group 2 were shocked and could escape
-Group 3 were shocked, but had no escape
In part 2, they gave a visible escape to all 3 groups – a low barrier that they could jump.
-Group 1 and Group 2 escaped the shock
-Group 3 did not
The Group 3 dogs had falsely learned that they could not escape the shock
They falsely believed that they couldn't make a difference
We all have a case of learned helplessness somewhere in our belief system.
Time to stop it
1. Define Real and False Limitations
When we blindly believe in a limitation, we are like that group 3 dog that thinks he can't stop the pain from the shock
You need to figure out which beliefs are real or false
For example, I love basketball. I'm 28, 5ft 8 and only play once a week. If I thought that I could be an NBA player I would be kidding myself.
On the other hand, I've never coded before. Just because I've never done it before doesn't mean I can't learn it and be successful
2. Change the Uncontrollables into Controllables
Your teacher doesn't affect your grade, your study does
Your customers don't affect your sales, your marketing does
Race doesn't affect your skills, your habits do
Take responsibility for your actions. Stop blaming others
3. Don't expect perfection
"practice makes progress' - @jimkwik
You're first try will never be perfect.
You're successful project will never be perfect.
Get started - stop looking for excuses
You'll get better the more that you try
4. Find Better Methods
Failed at a goal? Don't change the goal, change the method.
Working Smart can't be understated.
For example, in my teens I failed at learning guitar by myself.
2 years ago I started again, but with a teacher.
Now I can play a few songs.
5. Have a Positive Peer Group
You don't need people telling you "It can't be done", "you'll never make it", "don't waste your time"
You need people telling you "Let do it", "I believe in you", "work hard and smart"
On days you doubt yourself, this group will keep you doing
6. Seek Out Mentors
If you are unsure what to do, seek out mentors who have achieved what you want to achieve
Read biographies of successful people
Once you realize that these people are not much different to you, you will break down more false limitations
Summary:
Learned Helplessness is believing false limitations
To Overcome this
1. Define Real and False limitations
2. Change the Uncontrollables into Controllables
3. Don't Expect Perfection
4. Find Better Methods
5.Have a Positive Peer Group
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