How do you deal with it when most people you meet think you're stupid?

Question

Because I like to work slowly, but I tend to make a lot of mistakes. I also get rushed a lot, which makes it worse, actually.

Answer 1

Hoo boy! You are in a tough spot. Sounds like you might have some ADD, and I don't mean that mockingly. I have the same challenge. I find I have to do most things by procedure, and make sure I double check everything mentally, especially when I am dealing with numbers.
The people who are calling you stupid are most likely stupid themselves. Success and acceptance in our dumbed-down society are based on conformity, not intelligence. Therefor conformance to a stupid society is based on stupidity, not intelligence. You are not stupid for not being like everybody else.
It is amazing how many intelligent out-of-the-box people have been called stupid by the conformist drones around them. Einstein was called an idiot by his "teachers". Isaac Newton was considered a dull student. Tesla was looked down on by the "scientifical" society around him. Jesus was rejected completely by society.
Of course this is not a call to arrogance. We have to get along in this mess, and find out how we can make our brains work. Just hang in there, and do the best you can. Try to find good constructive coping mechanisms. Just remember it will be difficult, but you are not alone.

Answer 2

That can be tough. Once i saw an episode of Quantum Leap where Scott Bakula is in the body of a retarded person and although he is intelligent and has good ideas about things he is dismissed by others just because of his appearance.
Its the same way when ppl "think" you're stupid. its hard to convince them otherwise , even if its not true.
1) Don't speak too much about subjects you're not 100% sure on.
2) Be a good listener and offer an insightful question or comment after a speaker talks
3) When you speak, be sure of what you're going to say- take a sec before you open your mouth and think about how would be the best way to phrase your statement
4) Dress good and look neat and clean at all times.
5) Allow extra time to be fully prepared- begin projects early, stay late, take extra time- don't rush.
6) Use proper grammar and don't mispell words
7) Walk straight and tall and look ppl right in the eye when you're speaking- carry yourself with dignity

Answer 3

My son is autistic and I created a mantra for him - I'm smart, I'm strong and I can do this - I know it may sound silly but if you're not hearing anything good from the outside, then hear something good from the inside. Tell yourself you're smart and capable, etc. until you believe it. When you get into situations where you're stressed because of those around you, try to block them out and repeat this to yourself. Don't let anyone tell you you're stupid...only stupid people, like them, like to make others feel bad because it makes them feel better about themselves. Also, from the way you constructed your question, the way you worded it and all, doesn't sound like you're stupid to me, I'd have liked a little more info, but that isn't stupidity by any stretch of the imagination. Good luck and learn to love yourself! :o)

Answer 4

how do you know what other people think and why do you care as long as you perform ok in whatever it is that you do? If you weren't doing your job I would think you would no longer be employed. You have to try and improve your self esteem, and I sure know, from personal experience, that it's a lot easier SAID than done. Ask yourself why you would use a screen name of scarecrow with an attractive avatar. And then the next time you think about yourself think positively. I wish you the best.

Answer 5

Sometimes your best defence is to agree with them quickly as this would be the last thing they would expect and it is the most effective way to "disarm" them. It is always better to work at a pace which ensures you have done your work in a thourgh manner even if it takes a little longer. I have met people from time to time who considered that they were superior to everyone else and found the best way to handle them was to agree with them in a laid back, polite manner and this always set them wondering and also made them keep their distance as they were suddenly not so sure of their own assessment of myself. You should try this approach and watch their reaction! Good luck.

Answer 6

I had a job once where they expected me to catch on to an elaborate computer program very quickly... and I felt very pressured and made lots of mistakes. When I went more slowly, I felt their frustration and one of my colleagues insulted me for taking my time.

I quit even before I found something else, which was not a good choice, thankfully it worked out all right financially.

Life is too short to be in a job and around people who you don't value and who don't value you.

Good luck.

Answer 7

If nine out of ten people have the same impression...then something may be wrong. Identify your faults and weaknesses and develop a game plan to improve effeciency. If it's simply work related, then strive harder to become more knowledgeable than everyone else and become the subject matter expert. Once you have the knowledge, then you have the confidence. Competence and efficiency will fall into place. If that doesn't work...stay home and watch more cartoons.

Answer 8

In your off-time, practice what you do to get more proficient... if typing is involved go on line for a game called "typer shark" it is fun and helps you type faster and more accurately... if you deal with a lot of math (I do) find some math related games... puzzle games also help you to sharpen your wits and think faster. Have you considered maybe you are trying the wrong jobs for you?? find what you like to do and see if there is a job that uses the same skill sets!

Answer 9

Hi !
First off, make sure you have a positive opinion about yourself, people will believe what you believe!

Take a deep breath, don't worry about what people think about you , and focus on doing the best you can.

You might be oversensitive, and people may not think you are stupid! I think if I was you I would ignore the people around me and work on making myself better for my own satisfaction . When you are happy with you , who cares about anyone else? =)

Good luck to you , relax , be happy, and enjoy life, its to short not to!

Answer 10

it doesnt help to tell them anything, but if u can find out their weakness or what they arent good at, then everytime they make u feel that way, u can think about their incapabilities and u wont feel so bad anymore.

cz lets face it, not everyone is perfect.

u can also tell them in a curt tone that perfection takes time, so u are working slowly and methodically to get a job well done.