Feelings of Stupidity and How to Overcome Them

  • Thread starter Thread starter bjnartowt
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the emotional challenges faced by individuals engaged in physics research, particularly feelings of inadequacy or "stupidity" that can arise during the process. Participants share personal experiences and coping strategies related to these feelings, emphasizing the psychological aspects of research work.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a common sentiment of feeling "stupid" during physics research, particularly in theoretical work, and questions how others cope with this feeling.
  • Another participant shares a link to an article that may provide insights or support regarding the topic of feeling inadequate in research.
  • A different participant acknowledges the value of the article and reflects on the potential satisfaction of overcoming such feelings in the future.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the existence of feelings of inadequacy in research, but there is no consensus on specific coping strategies or solutions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not delve into specific methods for overcoming feelings of inadequacy, leaving the exploration of coping strategies open-ended.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to researchers, students, and professionals in physics and related fields who experience similar emotional challenges in their work.

bjnartowt
Messages
265
Reaction score
3
Hi, all, I wanted to know a couple of things:

1) In doing physics-research (theory, especially): have you ever felt really stupid? So stupid that you don't feel like working anymore, because you just don't feel like having your stupidity pointed out by your work? (I'm guessing there's an overwhelming YES out there).

2) How do you keep researching and working, in spite of that feeling? I just stopped working for a few days on end because of that. I can't be doing that.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
http://jcs.biologists.org/cgi/content/full/121/11/1771

That might be a good read
 
That was a very good read! Thank you.
 
No problem, I hope to one day be in your position, and experience that feeling. I imagine it must be all the more sweet when you finally solve your problem, after feeling that way.
 

Similar threads

Other Feeling Overwhelmed in My Second Year: Seeking Advice
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
My physics exam preparations feel like rote actions, I'm not understanding
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Considering Switching from Physics to Computer Engineering
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Studying Am I Missing the Right Approach to Studying Math?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Studying I feel I have lost it. How do I be dissolved in studies again?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Admissions Opening the door to an Astrophysics PhD after a 5 year gap
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Programs How To Keep Options Open For Astroparticle + Advanced Propulsion Physics?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Studying How can I manage my anxiety and meet work deadlines during a stressful week?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
I think I ended up in the wrong Laboratory? (Theoretical Cosmology)
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Making stupid mistakes during research - ettiquette
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K