For example, if you received a bad grade for an assignment because you didn’t read the instructions or did it too quickly, these are factors that you can easily control. Accept that the mistakes were your responsibility and make sure to learn from the experience. [2] X Research source Taking responsibility for your work also means knowing when it is strong, regardless of feedback. For example, if you get negative comments on an essay that you believe makes a strong argument, evaluate the comments objectively. You may find that you disagree with some of them, and that’s okay. Because so much academic work is interpretive and subjective, interpretations may differ. You are not automatically wrong simply because someone says you are.
On a piece of paper, list anything that causes you anxiety academically. Read the list and check off those items you can actively change. For example, if writing assignments, such as essays or even articles, are a source of frequent criticism, this may cause you anxiety. Writing is a learning process and something that you can always improve at. The more you practice, the more you will gain academic confidence. [4] X Research source
For example, if you are a graduate student, it is not likely that you will publish a study that completely re-envisions your field. If you can accept this fact, then you can focus on developing yourself as a young scholar and making contributions to your field. [5] X Research source Accept that no student or scholar is perfect. No one can be great at every aspect of academics, so focus on your strengths and develop your weaknesses as you can. [6] X Research source
Whenever you get negative feedback that undermines your confidence, learn from it by talking to your teacher or professor. Then implement suggestions and move forward. [8] X Research source Don’t dwell on bad grades, negative feedback or negative people. This will only further shake your academic confidence.
By focusing on your own academic performance and developing your abilities, you won’t be tempted to compare yourself with another classmate or student. If you have a hard time not comparing yourself, try to think of something you do better academically than the other person. For example, you may write better essays or be better at taking tests.
If classmates or colleagues make comments about academic failures, disregard the comments and focus on yourself and what you can do to improve. Many people are competitive when it comes to academic elements such as grades, awards, or publications. Not getting caught up in the competition will help you maintain your confidence and continue to build it based on your own accomplishments. If you can’t remove a person from your life entirely, or you don’t want to hurt him, limit your exposure to him. You can also counteract negative feedback or viewpoints by pointing out the positive in the person’s commentary.
Feeling like you’re a fraud. You may feel like you don’t deserve the success or respect that you have earned. You might have thoughts such as, “People don’t understand how little I know about my subject” or “I just look competent, but I’m really not. " Feeling like you’re just lucky. You might think that getting that publication or grant was just “luck,” failing to acknowledge that many people submit essays or grant proposals and do not get accepted. Discounting your successes. You may feel pressure to downplay your successes, such as saying “Oh, everyone does that” or “It’s really not a big deal. " This type of thinking is usually due to a cognitive distortion, or unhelpful thinking habit, that focuses on your weaknesses without acknowledging your strengths. For example, if you are a graduate student, it might be natural to feel like you really don’t know anything about your field when you compare your body of knowledge to someone who’s been doing research for a decade or two. However, this discounts what you do know: after all, you would not have gotten into a graduate program without having promise, and you have probably learned a great deal that you’re not acknowledging to yourself.
Prepare yourself before your meeting. Having a list of points you want to discuss will help focus the conversation. You can discuss items such as strengths and weaknesses, how you can improve your work, or how to deal with larger issues such as career planning.
A tutor can help you develop your academic skills further and build confidence with positive feedback. A guidance or career counselor can help you formulate a plan to develop your skills or meet long term goals such as getting into college or becoming a professional editor.
Any academic failure or criticism has some redeeming aspect. It might take some time to recognize, but being able to see the positive aspects in a bad grade or criticism will help you move on and focus on your strengths. Remember that negative feedback or bad grades do not define you as a person. They do not even define the overall quality of your work; they represent only a small part it. [12] X Research source Most people who assess your work will try to find positive and negative aspects. Use these comments to balance out each other. Maintaining a positive attitude will contribute significantly to building your confidence. [13] X Research source
In situations where you receive negative feedback or a bad grade, read the list of your strengths. This will remind you to stay positive. For example, you may be an excellent researcher and a less strong writer. If this is the case, impress your critics with your research and work on improving your writing.
No achievement is too small or insignificant. For example, you can list “my teacher praised me for paying close attention in class” or
Have a list of short-, mid-, and long- term goals. For example, your short-term goal could be passing your geometry class, while a mid-term goal could be taking more difficult math classes, and your long-term goal could be getting a degree in mathematics. Remember to keep your goals realistic to your abilities. For example, if your goal is to be a better writer, take a beginning writing course. This class will help you develop your skills and likely provide you with support and much needed positive feedback. [16] X Research source
Use positive language in addition to having positive thoughts. Phrases like “I am hopeful” or “I will find a resolution” will help you stay positive. [18] X Research source Giving yourself a positive affirmation every morning when you wake up will set off your day on a positive path. For example, you can say to yourself “today is going to be a great day. I feel good and I’m ready to write that great essay. ” Taking care of yourself is an important part of being positive. Make sure you get enough exercise, eat healthily, and get enough rest. These will also positively impact your academic performance. [19] X Research source
Have a teacher, professor, or counselor who can act a mentor for you. They will not only help you get past failures and focus on your accomplishments, but also build your confidence. Talk with peers. You might be surprised to find out that the star mathlete at your school is actually just as worried about her grades as you are, or that other graduate students in your department also feel like impostors. Knowing that doubts and mistakes are a normal part of everyone’s student experience will help you accept your own.
Having a safe space where you can voice your fears and doubts to a trained, objective individual can also be very helpful in moving past those feelings.
Remember that success breeds success. One study showed that a positive attitude contributes to success more than anything else, including knowledge or skills. Having confidence in yourself will bring you success, which in turn will bring more success and further build your academic confidence. [21] X Research source
