Why good students fail
Submitted by zugstwit on March 24, 2008 - 9:00pm.Failure is something that most of us if not all dread. Nobody loves a loser… remember the oft-repeated quote, ‘Laugh and the whole world laughs with you. Cry and you cry alone.’ The question that begs for answers is how can we avoid failure? Admittedly, there is no fast and quick answer here. For starters we look for answers inside of us. Why not use intelligence to minimize failures? Again you might counter, ‘What happens if you’re not intelligent enough to even recognize that you’re heading for Failureville?’
Nobody is miserable enough not to have a modicum of common sense about him or her. We all can sense negativism even as we all understand good deeds, intentions, the works. Why not try to be in control of yourself? Even in self control we take risks - the risk of losing control. But without risks can we be totally free?
Students who are college bound may be especially interested in the author Robert Sternberg, who in his book Intelligence Applied: Understanding and Increasing Your Intellectual Skills, lists a number of reasons that students fail to realize their full potential. As you read those reasons, identify the ones you see in yourself. Also, think about how many of the items on Sternberg’s list could be the result of not taking control, not asking for help, or just giving up.
Obstacles to Full Realization of Intelligence
1. Lack of motivation.
2. Inability to control impulses.
3. Difficulty in completing problems and following through.
4. Failure to begin tasks.
5. Fear of failure.
6. Procrastination.
7. Excessive self-pity.
8. Excessive dependence.
9. Blaming others for your difficulties.
10. Wallowing in personal difficulties.
