I actually like receiving feedback on my work, whether it be on my writing or on my duties as an Exec member of my organizations. I like knowing HOW I am doing in my work. If I am not doing what I need to be doing, or if I can make what I'm doing better, I'll embrace any feedback coming my way! The only thing that bothers me is when people give negative feedback instead of constructive feedback. If people type something out that comes off as rude, I often get a little upset, but try to fix the issue anyway. However, if people use words like "hey maybe this will work better!" or "hey that looks good but try this!" I don't mind at all - in fact, I love it.
One of the articles I read was The Psychology of Comparison and How to Stop. I liked this article because I tend to compare myself to others all the time! I often used to compare myself to my sister, who is 6 years older than me. If she made an A in a certain course, and I was struggling in it, I would wonder why! I wouldn't want to disappoint my parents by making less than what she had made. However, I soon realized that although my sister and I may look exactly alike, our personalities and brains are definitely different. Now, I find myself comparing myself to others who are also studying for the MCAT with me. Some of my friends are ahead of studying than me, and I keep doubting my abilities. However, I sometimes need to step back and realize we have different study habits and way of learning things, so I should just keep my head in the game and "be a racehorse" (as the article says) and not focus on how others are doing, because that will only bring me down.
The second article I read was 6 Bad Mental Habits That Sabotage Your Success. This article was also helpful by putting things in perspective for me. I definitely doubt by abilities all the time, especially if I don't do as well on a test as I would like, or if I am struggling in a class even though I do all my work and study a lot. Everyone has their weaknesses and strengths, though, so I shouldn't berate myself for my weaknesses; rather, I should learn how to make those into strengths. I also second-guess myself on many things, which I know I shouldn't do, but I can't help it! I naturally worry about a lot of things, including my choices and if I made the right decision. I think I have recently gotten a little more confident in myself, but I still need to work on it.
Source: My only request when it comes to giving feedback. (kind of a biochemistry related pun, but it applies)
One of the articles I read was The Psychology of Comparison and How to Stop. I liked this article because I tend to compare myself to others all the time! I often used to compare myself to my sister, who is 6 years older than me. If she made an A in a certain course, and I was struggling in it, I would wonder why! I wouldn't want to disappoint my parents by making less than what she had made. However, I soon realized that although my sister and I may look exactly alike, our personalities and brains are definitely different. Now, I find myself comparing myself to others who are also studying for the MCAT with me. Some of my friends are ahead of studying than me, and I keep doubting my abilities. However, I sometimes need to step back and realize we have different study habits and way of learning things, so I should just keep my head in the game and "be a racehorse" (as the article says) and not focus on how others are doing, because that will only bring me down.
The second article I read was 6 Bad Mental Habits That Sabotage Your Success. This article was also helpful by putting things in perspective for me. I definitely doubt by abilities all the time, especially if I don't do as well on a test as I would like, or if I am struggling in a class even though I do all my work and study a lot. Everyone has their weaknesses and strengths, though, so I shouldn't berate myself for my weaknesses; rather, I should learn how to make those into strengths. I also second-guess myself on many things, which I know I shouldn't do, but I can't help it! I naturally worry about a lot of things, including my choices and if I made the right decision. I think I have recently gotten a little more confident in myself, but I still need to work on it.
Hi Akriti,
ReplyDeleteI think you brought up a lot of good points. Constructive feedback is very important like you said, and I also agree that negative remarks with no real basis are just negative and bring everyone down. I feel I can also relate to your sibling story, but it seems that you have figured it out that people are all different and good at different things. I feel we can be our worst critic at times, so always try to remain unbiased with yourself, but don't be afraid to push yourself. Best of luck on your MCAT.