In the beautiful city of Vancouver, British Columbia, I look back on my early years filled with dreams of becoming a filmmaker. This article shares my journey, explores the concept of learned helplessness, and how it connects to chasing one’s dreams.
As a teenager, I was eager to enter the film industry. I stumbled upon a local film director’s name on a magazine cover and, in a bold move, found her contact information in the phonebook—a common practice back in 2000. To my surprise, she returned my call, and we had a meaningful conversation about filmmaking. I was seeking guidance and opportunities, feeling like an outsider trying to break into the industry.
Learned helplessness is a psychological concept explaining how people can become passive when facing challenges. Early experiments with dogs illustrated this idea. Some dogs were given electric shocks with no way to escape, while others could avoid them by taking specific actions. Later, when all the dogs were placed in a situation where they could escape, those that had previously endured the shocks often didn’t try to escape. They had learned to accept their fate.
A similar study with adults showed that those who had the ability to control distracting noise performed better, even if they didn’t use that control. Just knowing they had the option to change their situation improved their performance.
Throughout my career, I’ve held various roles, from basic jobs to managerial positions. I noticed a clear divide between employees and managers. Employees often seek guidance when facing challenges, while managers encourage independent problem-solving. I remember times as a research assistant when I brought my uncertainties to my supervisor, who suggested solutions I could have found myself if I had taken the time to think critically.
Tim Ferriss, author of “The Four Hour Work Week,” presented an interesting challenge to university students: he offered a reward for anyone who could contact high-profile figures like Jennifer Lopez or Bill Clinton. The first year, no one succeeded. However, after sharing this failure the following year, six students managed to meet the challenge. This shows the importance of overcoming learned helplessness and realizing that seemingly impossible tasks can be achieved with determination and initiative.
This raises an important question: does our education system unintentionally promote learned helplessness? Many students experience a structured environment that can feel limiting, leading them to believe they have little control over their circumstances. This lack of agency can hinder their ability to navigate the real world after graduation.
To help dogs overcome learned helplessness, researchers had to physically remove them from the area where they were being shocked multiple times before they learned they could change their situation. Similarly, awareness of learned helplessness can empower individuals to take control of their lives and opportunities.
In my pursuit of a career in film, I faced multiple rejections from acting and film schools. I sought a clear path to success, much like when I reached out to that director. However, the reality is that many careers lack a straightforward trajectory. While some professions, like medicine or law, have defined pathways, others require individuals to carve their own routes.
The challenge lies in realizing that you have the power to shape your career. As the saying goes, “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” It’s crucial to lean towards the belief that you can change more than you think.
Everything seems impossible until it is accomplished. The journey to success is often filled with challenges, but it’s essential to recognize that you have the power to overcome obstacles. Books have profoundly influenced my perspective, and I encourage others to explore literature that expands their understanding of human behavior, such as “Predictably Irrational” by Dan Ariely.
Ultimately, the path to achieving your dreams is in your hands. Embrace the challenges, take control, and remember that the power to change your circumstances lies within you.
Write a journal entry reflecting on a time when you felt stuck or helpless in a situation. Consider how you overcame it or what you could have done differently. This will help you identify patterns of learned helplessness in your own life and think about strategies to overcome them.
Participate in a role-playing activity where you act out scenarios involving learned helplessness. Work in pairs or small groups to explore different outcomes based on the choices made by the characters. Discuss how taking initiative can change the results.
Research a famous individual who overcame significant obstacles to achieve success. Prepare a short presentation on their journey, focusing on how they avoided or overcame learned helplessness. Share your findings with the class to inspire others.
Engage in a workshop where you are presented with a series of challenges or puzzles. Work collaboratively to find solutions, emphasizing the importance of persistence and creative thinking. Reflect on how these skills can be applied to real-life situations.
Set a personal goal that you want to achieve within the next month. Break it down into smaller, manageable steps and identify potential obstacles. Develop a plan to overcome these obstacles, reinforcing the idea that you have control over your path to success.
Learned Helplessness – A psychological condition in which a person feels unable to control or change a situation due to repeated exposure to uncontrollable events, leading to a passive acceptance of circumstances. – After failing multiple exams despite studying hard, Sarah developed learned helplessness and stopped trying to improve her grades.
Psychology – The scientific study of the mind and behavior, exploring how individuals think, feel, and act. – In her psychology class, Maria learned about the different theories of personality and how they influence behavior.
Critical Thinking – The ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgment, involving evaluation of evidence and arguments. – Developing critical thinking skills is essential for students to assess the reliability of sources in their research projects.
Education – The process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes, often within a structured environment like a school or university. – Education plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s future by providing the tools needed for personal and professional growth.
Agency – The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own free choices, often in the context of overcoming obstacles. – Empowering students with a sense of agency can lead to greater motivation and success in their academic pursuits.
Challenges – Situations that require effort and determination to overcome, often leading to personal growth and development. – Facing challenges in life can build resilience and prepare individuals for future difficulties.
Career – A long-term professional journey based on one’s interests, skills, and goals, often involving progression and development in a chosen field. – Choosing a career in psychology requires dedication to understanding human behavior and helping others.
Opportunities – Favorable circumstances or chances for advancement and success, often requiring action to be taken. – Attending workshops and networking events can provide valuable opportunities for students to advance their careers.
