I studied in a state syllabus school till Class IX, after which I joined an English medium school. In the beginning, it was difficult. My brother advised me to improve my reading habit. But while reading I come across many difficult words. I refer the dictionary for its meaning but cannot recollect it the very next day, even if I see the words repeatedly. This process does not motivate me to read further. Please help.
I appreciate the efforts you are investing to cope with the change and progress. What I suggest is that you accept that the difficulty you are going through is normal and acceptable during this transition stage. I am interpreting your feelings from what you have written; see if it makes sense to you. “I studied in a state syllabus school till Class IX after which I joined an English medium school.” In this sentence of yours, I sense a feeling of shame. Shame is a mixture of fear, anger and envy. Along with these feelings, I sense a need to withdraw. A compulsive urge to prove that one is good enough is also dominant. The feeling of shame has its roots in being unable to live up to set standards and expectations. What may help you deal with this situation is creating a healthy state of mind. This can be created by telling yourself every day, “I let go of all limiting feelings and beliefs in me. I am good as I am and I accept myself as I am.” Repeating these sentences will give you strength to face the current situation. Instead of getting advice from your brother, see if he can teach you how to learn words or, get the help of a teacher who can help you learn step-by-step in the English medium. In this way, you will get a mentor which is necessary in this transition period. “While reading I come across many difficult words. I refer the dictionary for its meaning but cannot recollect it the very next day, even if I see the words repeatedly,” this shows your involvement to learn. When you choose a frame of reference that “these words are difficult” you are already constructing a limiting experience. This is visible when you say, “This process does not motivate me to read further.” One way of developing the ability to recall the meaning of words is to connect the meaning with few day-to-day applications. Another way is to have activity-based learning. Using the words you learn and doing some activity will help you retain the meaning. Be creative in your learning and this will motivate you to study further. All the best!
A Geethan is a Chennai-based psychotherapist and organisational consultant. He is the founder-director of Nibbana (Visit www.ncpc-india.com). You can send in your queries to queriesedex@newindianexpress.com.