The trouble with these students was not that they were
dumb, or lacking in basic aptitudes. The trouble was an
inadequate self-image ("I don't have a mathematical
mind"; "I'm just naturally a poor speller"). They "identified"
with their mistakes and failures. Instead of saying
"I failed that test" (factual and descriptive) they concluded
"I am a failure." Instead of saying "I flunked that
subject" they said "I am a flunk-out." For those who are
interested in learning more of Lecky's work, I recommend
securing a copy of his book: Self Consistency, a Theory
of Personality, The Island Press, New York, N.Y.
Lecky also used the same method to cure students of
such habits as nail biting and stuttering.
My own files contain case histories just as convincing:
the man who was so afraid of strangers that he seldom
ventured out of the house, and who now makes his living
as a public speaker. The salesman who had already prepared
a letter of resignation because he "just wasn't cut
out for selling," and six months later was number one
man on a force of 100 salesmen. The minister who was
considering retirement because "nerves" and the pressure
of preparing a sermon a week were getting him down, and
now delivers an average of three "outside talks" a week
in addition to his weekly sermons and doesn't know he
has a nerve in his body.