Learned Helplessness: The Hidden Barrier to Success

Learned helplessness is a psychological state that can develop when a person or animal feels that they are unable to control their environment. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and depression.

Learned helplessness can develop in a number of ways. One way is through repeated exposure to uncontrollable negative events. For example, a child who is repeatedly bullied at school may come to believe that there is nothing they can do to stop the bullying. This can lead to feelings of helplessness and depression.

Another way that learned helplessness can develop is through exposure to messages that suggest that one is powerless to change their circumstances. For example, a person who is told that they are not smart enough or not talented enough may come to believe that they are incapable of success. This can lead to a lack of motivation and a willingness to give up on their goals.

The effects of learned helplessness can be far-reaching. People who are suffering from learned helplessness may be more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. They may also be more likely to engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse.

The good news is that learned helplessness can be overcome. One of the most important things to do is to identify the negative thoughts and beliefs that are contributing to the problem. Once these thoughts and beliefs are identified, they can be challenged and changed.

It is also important to set realistic goals and to take small steps towards achieving them. This can help to build a sense of self-efficacy and confidence.

Finally, it is important to seek support from others. Talking to a therapist or counselor can be helpful in overcoming learned helplessness.

Learned helplessness is a serious problem that can have a significant impact on a person's life. However, it is important to remember that it is possible to overcome learned helplessness. By identifying the negative thoughts and beliefs that are contributing to the problem, setting realistic goals, and seeking support from others, it is possible to break free from the cycle of learned helplessness and achieve success.

Here is a small story about learned helplessness:

A young woman named Sarah was always getting into trouble in school. She was constantly being sent to the principal's office for talking in class, not doing her homework, and disrupting the class. Sarah's teachers and parents told her that she was a bad student and that she would never amount to anything. Sarah started to believe that she was a bad student and that she would never be successful. She stopped trying in school and her grades plummeted.

Sarah's story is an example of how learned helplessness can develop. When Sarah was told that she was a bad student, she started to believe it. This led her to give up on her schoolwork and to stop trying.

The good news is that Sarah was able to overcome her learned helplessness. She started to see a therapist who helped her to identify the negative thoughts and beliefs that were contributing to her problem. Sarah also started to set small goals for herself, such as getting good grades on one assignment at a time.

With the help of her therapist and her own hard work, Sarah was able to turn her life around. She graduated from high school with good grades and went on to college. Sarah is now a successful businesswoman and she is grateful for the help she received in overcoming her learned helplessness.

I hope this LinkedIn article is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.