The Impact of Negative Words on Life Perceptions

Admiral David Farragut's famous quote, 'Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!' encapsulates my personal philosophy and values in life. This quote emphasizes ignoring the risks and moving forward without hesitation. Motivated by this outlook, I have seldom regretted adopting a bold and fearless approach to challenges.

Negative Affirmation Undermining Confidence

This article explores the profound impact of negative affirmations and words from influential figures, particularly during one pivotal moment during my high school years. This experience not only shaped my life but also informed my approach to supporting others in their personal and professional journeys.

Early Struggles with Physics

During my eleventh standard, I faced an unexpected challenge in a subject that many would consider a breeze: physics. Excited to study commerce, my initial plans were derailed when I had to opt for science instead. My struggles began early, and after a few months of difficulty, my mother sought assistance. She arranged for a highly acclaimed tutor with an engineering background and a PhD from a renowned institute. Unfortunately, the professor's rapid teaching style left me baffled and frustrated. Despite my efforts, I couldn't adapt to his methods, and the situation was deteriorating.

On one occasion, I received particularly harsh feedback. My mother called the tutor to express her concerns, and the professor responded, saying, 'Your daughter is no good; she will never achieve anything substantial in life.' This statement cut deep, not just for me but for my mother. It was my first encounter with such negative commentary, and it left me feeling like a failure, dreading academic failure.

However, I refused to be defined by external criticisms. Through additional study, seeking better tutors, and dedication, I managed to overcome the initial obstacles and secured decent marks in both my eleventh and twelfth standards. Looking back, it's comforting to know that despite the negativity, I was able to turn the corner and achieve success.

Impact and Growth

As I matured, I encountered more comments that would have been detrimental during my adolescence. Phrases like, 'You shouldn't pursue a PhD' or 'It would be better if you married into wealth' dampened my spirits. But by that time, I had developed a thick skin and recognized that such words do not define one's worth. However, such words can still profoundly affect children, who lack the emotional resilience and understanding that adults possess.

While my parents supported me through the tough period, they too reflect on the incident with deep regret. My mother often says, 'I wish we could go back and tell that educator that my daughter is a better person than him.' Her words underscore the lasting impact of negative affirmations.

Moving Forward

Reflecting on this experience, I now ensure that I approach every challenge with empathy and understanding. When faced with mistakes, I aim to guide and mentor rather than criticize. My approach is guided by the belief that everyone has value, and there are only bad teachers, not bad students.

In conclusion, the words spoken by influential people during our formative years can deeply affect our perceptions and self-worth. While I have grown to handle such comments, the lessons learned from them continue to shape my approach to life and my interactions with others. Embracing a philosophy that ignores risks and moves forward, I strive to inspire and uplift those around me.