Did you know that you have the power to alter your performance based on your mindset? In the 1960s Robert Rosenthal conducted an experiment that discovered just how powerful brains can be in manifesting beliefs into reality. He named this the Pygmalion effect, after the Greek story about a sculptor who loved his ivory creation so much that it turned into a real woman.
In this study, in a California elementary school, all students were given an IQ test at the start of the school year. Then, 20% were chosen at random and told they were “intellectual bloomers” or “academic superstars” (despite their actual scores). Their teachers were told to treat all the students the same. While these students did not actually score higher on the start of the year IQ test, they ALL scored higher on the end of the year assessment. Simply by being told they were smarter, the students internalized this information and in turn, were able to increase their intellectual capabilities!
It's easy to tell ourselves negative things, to let our brains trick us into believing we’re not worthy, smart, capable, etc. However, think about what can happen when we tell ourselves that we are amazing, capable, brilliant, and worthy. Simply hearing these things can improve our performance. Put these practices into effect. Write down your positive traits, your amazing characteristics, your true abilities. Look at them, remind yourself, and go into your courses, your clerkships, and your exams knowing that you an intellectual bloomer, a true academic superstar! Manifest your reality. Be your own Pygmalion and bring it to life!
Interested in improving your wellness at IU School of Medicine? Check out wellness services and resources.
