What would you tell someone who doesn’t think they would succeed as a psychologist?

Question: What would you tell someone who doesn’t think they would succeed as a psychologist?
- Keywords:
  advice
Asked by anon-283697 on 5 Mar 2021.
- Harry Piper answered on 5 Mar 2021:
  
  Believe in yourself! No matter what part of my academic career I was at, whether it was my undergrad, master’s, or now my PhD, I have had lots (and I mean lots) of moments where I felt like I didn’t belong! At times, I’ve felt like I want to leave because of this and sometimes that I never should have started! t is completely natural to have doubts but you should definitely give it a try! If you believe in yourself, are interested, find it enjoyable then you are sure to succeed! Also, don’t forget that psychology is very broad, you might have an interest in (e.g.) neuropsychology now, decide that it isn’t for you, and try out a different branch (e.g) health! Give it a go!
- Alex Baxendale answered on 5 Mar 2021:
  
  You would be surprised by what you can do! As long as you are interested in Psychology and want to go in to it, then you should give it a go! None of us really know if we’ll succeed, we just keep going forward to see how far we can make it. It’s nothing a bit of hard work can’t sort, and because there are so many different areas of Psychology you have the ability to try out lots of different stuff to see what sticks!
- Ellen Smith answered on 5 Mar 2021:
  
  Psychology is such a broad subject that I really think there’s something for everyone! There’s lots of areas that I didn’t enjoy learning about and had very little interest in, but I found my little area that I really enjoy. Once you’ve found an area you enjoy it’s really interesting to carry on learning about it and conducting research in it. But there definitely has been (and there still is) times when I didn’t think I’d succeed either.
- Dennis Relojo-Howell answered on 8 Mar 2021:
  
  Hi MaddieM. I would first ask that person what makes them think that? Is that because of their background? Is that because of their perceived abilities? Is that because of lack of resources?
  
  My primary motivation for joining I’m a Scientist is to encourage young people to pursue their dreams of becoming a psychologist (or different scientist). If you have the time, I invite you to go over my profile; you will see a picture of where I grew up. I grew up in one of the poorest places in a thirld-world country – there was no electricity, no running water, no toilet; I didn’t even experience how it was to sleep in a bed until I was 16. My family survived on cup noodles and boiled eggs. As you can also probably tell, English is not my first language; I only learned to speak English at 16 when I was at uni. I was (and still am) a very average student. But with the support and encouragement of my teachers, I somehow managed to do two master degrees in psychology and I’m now doing my PhD. My path is certainly not perfect, but I focused on growth rather than perfection. I will be forever grateful for the people who rescued me and helped me fulfil my dreams.
  
  I am not unique; my abilities are certainly not unique. But here’s what I’ll tell you: If a child from my circumstances managed to chase that dream of being a psychologist, I think another person can do the same. Resources and support are available, ask for help if you need it.
  
  Finally, I want to share to you the words of Shiv Khera: ‘Your positive action, combined with positive thinking, results in success.’
  
  Good luck with your journey to becoming a psychologist (or any other scientist)! 😊
- Lisa Orchard answered on 8 Mar 2021:
  
  Hi Maddie. I would ask them to consider why they were feeling that way. Once they know why they are hesitant they can make an action plan to try and address those things. I always worried if I was right for this job as I had such a huge fear of public speaking! I have to do lots of public speaking – both in my teaching, and to tell people about my work. I put a lot of effort into increasing my confidence – lots of practice, pushing myself to try things even though it made me anxious, etc. Now I feel so much more confident in my abilities. If it is what you want to do, it is worth fighting for! 🙂

Question: What would you tell someone who doesn’t think they would succeed as a psychologist?

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