Theme

I Must Be Dumb

(Available free with and many other themes in the Thinkladder App).

Intelligence comes in many forms, and everyone has areas of strength and areas for growth. However, the majority of education systems are set up to recognise only a few types of intelligence. If our particular types of intelligence aren’t validated by society, we can be left feeling like we’re inadequate, or dumb.

While it’s true that we all have our unique areas of competence and intelligence, we don’t always feel that way.

Feeling unintelligent can be the result of internalised limiting beliefs – thoughts like, ‘If I can’t master something, there is something wrong with me,’ or, ‘If I make a mistake, I am dumb.’ If we can identify these beliefs, we then have the power to challenge and change them.

Insights from the ‘I Must Be Dumb’ Theme

Taking time to figure out something that is complicated doesn’t mean I am dumb – on the contrary, it displays perseverance, tenacity, and patience.

I must recognise and honour the value of effort, training, and experience, and not compare myself to those who are further down that road than me.

Society excessively values academic intelligence, but I have my own areas of intelligence and skill, which are unique in this world and of value.

This feeling of being ‘dumb’ is subjective and can be taken with a grain of salt.

Taking time to figure out something that is complicated doesn’t mean I am dumb – on the contrary, it displays perseverance, tenacity, and patience.

I can broaden my understanding of intelligence to include emotional, social, and spiritual intelligence.

Practical tips to help improve your confidence

Focus on your strengths: Instead of dwelling on your weaknesses, focus on your strengths and the things you are good at. Everyone has areas of expertise, and recognising and building on these strengths can help boost your confidence.

Learn something new: Engage in activities that challenge you and encourage learning. This can help you build new skills and knowledge, which in turn can help you feel more intelligent and confident.

Practise self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and practise self-compassion. Recognise that it’s normal to struggle with certain things and it’s okay to make mistakes.

Surround yourself with positive influences: Spend time with people who encourage and support you. Seek out positive influences and surround yourself with individuals who inspire you to be your best self.

Set achievable goals: Set small, achievable goals for yourself that build on your strengths and encourage growth. Achieving these goals can help you feel more confident and capable.

Challenge Limiting Beliefs: Pay attention to the limiting beliefs that may be contributing to your feelings of inadequacy. Thinkladder is a powerful resource that can guide you in challenging Limiting Beliefs with empowering Insights.

If you have feelings or thoughts of inadequacy when it comes to your intelligence, then check out the ‘I Must be Dumb’ theme in the Thinkladder app today, and allow it to bring you comfort and encouragement.