I have a habit of thinking I'm not smart enough to do things?

Question

I have a bad habit of putting myself down. For example, when I answer a person's question, I always hesitate, thinking my answer might sounds stupid.

I don't trust myself much either..In class, during chem lab, I have to answer questions, and I always doubt my answers..I think my answers aren't good enough, and other people's answers are better than mine. It's not only in chem lab, but outside in real life also..especially I'm in a middle of making a tough decision. I don't trust my problem solving skill either..

I want to be a doctor, and here I am doubting if my intelligence is high enough to get through pre-med studies or medical school

I always underestimate myself..I guess this is low self-esteem..

What shoud I do?

My grade is okay, but I think I can improve it.

Answer 1

If you have a school counselor or attend a church, ask for resources.

Other resources: local YMCA, Catholic Charities, Family Services Agency or local university w/ training program for graduate psychology students.

Two helpful links:
http://mentalhealth.about.com/library/gl/blcouns.htm
http://www.psych.org/

You need to overcome this because such self-doubt will undermine your efforts and ability to succeed. Don't short change yourself. Take care of this now so you can do your best.

Answer 2

Do exactly what you want to do!

Doubt is one of the signs of people who are intelligent! the wording of your question alone proves that you are more intelligent than most people on Yahoo Answers... mind you that isn't saying much! Seriously, doubt is good to a point, but you must not let it hold you back. If you fail, so what? Failing does not come with a full stop. Fail 99 times and you will most likely succeed the 100th time. I'm sure I've just paraphrased something that Benjamin Franklin said or was it Edison? It doesn't matter. I probably put it better anyway, you know, considering how smart I am and everything! lol

Another of my favourite quotes is by Calvin Coolidge who said this:

"Press on! Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

Answer 3

Stop listening to the little voices in your head that tell you you aren't smart enough or capable enough or whatever. Those little voices are very powerful and will rob you of your self worth. Train yourself to think in positive rather than negative patterns. Surround yourself with people who beleive in you and support you and your life. If you have people in your life who put you down or constantly criticise you drop them, or if that is not possible, limit your exposure to them as much as you can and don't allow yourself to take their remarks to heart.

I've been there, I understand exactly how you feel. As an adult 10 years ago I cut two long time friends who always put me down and extremely limited the amount of time I spent with a particular family member who did the same thing. I have worked very hard to build positive thought patterns and now I have a good healthy self esteem and a positive outlook. You are much younger than I was when I started, and I guarantee it will make a big difference in how you feel about your life no matter what field you go into.
You may want to consider discussing this with a trained counselor, perhaps at your school. They are not emotionally involved and may have very helpful advice for you.
Good luck!

Answer 4

You need to start believing in your capabilities, 'cause nobody can do it for you. Many people suffer from self-doubt, so don't feel like you're the only one. Try looking at your accomplishments under a brighter light!

Answer 5

stop listening to yourself. and forget about your own worries for a while to try to become more confident. and try to get a lot of succeses even in small things to help your cofidence build.