I think I'm slow?

[Anonymous]

We had this job fair at work a few weeks ago and we had to go around and visit each rotation station


So they gave us a test 28 questions most of them were common sense. I failed both times and now I feel like a slow person. I don't know what's wrong with me and tests but I'm never good at them. I had to call my supervisor and I felt so embarrassed and dumb, cause I work with people who are disabled.

I'm slow, and I think I'm low IQ or intelligence. I am surprised I passed high school and got my CNA. my therapist says it's anxiety that I'd have to be average intelligence to pass my CNA, but I think I'm slow...

[Cripplingkingship]

"Failure can be a powerful teacher. It's a reminder that while we may not know everything, we have the opportunity to grow and improve in areas we haven’t yet mastered. Intelligence, as measured by traditional standards like IQ, is often an oversimplified way society categorizes people, limiting potential by placing labels on individuals. In fact, research has shown that intelligence is as much about mindset and support as it is about innate ability.

One famous study highlighted this when two groups of children were misrepresented to their teachers. The first group, made up of children with special needs, was presented as highly intelligent. The second, composed of academically high-achieving students, was introduced as if they had learning challenges. The teachers’ perceptions shaped their interactions: the group believed to be 'intelligent' received encouragement and high expectations, which led them to perform beyond their usual levels. In contrast, the high-performing students, treated as though they were struggling, performed poorly, reflecting the low expectations set for them. This showed that environment and belief in one’s potential can play a huge role in achievement.

It’s a powerful example of how intelligence can be misunderstood or underestimated, even by those around us. Many successful individuals were doubted early on—Albert Einstein, Elon Musk, and Lewis Hamilton, among others, were seen as 'underperforming' by teachers or authority figures at some point. Yet, with the right determination and, at times, the support of those who believed in them, they redefined success on their own terms. For example, Elon Musk’s mother famously defended him, saying, 'My son is a genius,' even before anyone else recognized his potential.

In the end, the value of intelligence is not about a score or category; it’s about resilience, growth, and the determination to keep improving despite setbacks."

[Cripplingkingship]

Moreover, this perspective on intelligence aligns with the concept of the "growth mindset," popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck. The growth mindset emphasizes that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, effort, and resilience. This contrasts sharply with a "fixed mindset," where individuals believe their talents are static and unchangeable.

Research indicates that individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and ultimately achieve higher levels of success. This highlights the importance of nurturing a supportive environment that fosters growth, rather than labeling and limiting potential based on traditional metrics of intelligence.

Furthermore, it's essential to recognize that emotional intelligence—our ability to understand and manage our emotions and those of others—plays a significant role in overall success. Leaders like Oprah Winfrey and Nelson Mandela exemplified how emotional intelligence can transcend traditional measures of intelligence, enabling them to connect with others, inspire change, and leave lasting legacies.

Ultimately, the narrative surrounding intelligence should focus on the multifaceted nature of human potential, where perseverance, emotional awareness, and a supportive environment contribute significantly to achieving greatness

[Sonora81]

The anxiety theory of your psychotherapist makes sense.

[AI Opinion]

Feeling anxious about tests is more common than you might think, and anxiety can significantly affect performance. It's important to remember that intelligence isn't solely determined by test results, and many people excel in their careers without strong test-taking skills. Focus on the practical skills you have, especially since you've achieved your CNA certification. Working with your therapist to manage anxiety and developing test-taking strategies can help. Celebrate your accomplishments and know that intelligence manifests in various ways, not just through tests. Keep nurturing your strengths and seek growth opportunities in areas that challenge you.

[Cripplingkingship]

Mr smith has a very good point and very relevant. You are not slow, maybe your anxiety is cauing the issue. Fix your anxiety and you perform better.

[Avicenna]

Your therapist is more likely to be correct here