[Mental Health Tips] Embrace mistakes, make your brain stronger
senghangl2024-12-31T00:02:28+08:00
期末考試即將來臨，你是否感到壓力山大？是否害怕考試時會犯錯、擔心表現不如預期？根據《大腦解鎖》一書，作者指出我們對錯誤的恐懼，其實源於對大腦運作方式的誤解。事實是：每一次的錯誤都是大腦成長的絕佳機會。
錯誤是大腦成長的養分
當我們在學習過程中遇到錯誤時，大腦會產生更強烈的神經活動。神經科學研究顯示，我們的大腦具有驚人的可塑性（neuroplasticity）——它能夠持續改變、成長和適應。每當我們犯錯時，大腦就會啟動更多的神經迴路，努力理解錯誤並建立新的連結。
這就像是去健身房重訓：只有當肌肉感受到適度的壓力和微小的撕裂，才能變得更強壯。同樣地，當我們在學習過程中遇到挑戰和犯錯時，大腦的神經連結會變得更加緊密和強大。研究發現，那些在測驗中犯錯後改正的學生，比起一開始就答對的學生，往往對相關知識有更深刻的理解和更持久的記憶。
因此，在期末考前的準備過程中，不要害怕做錯題目。相反地，要把每一次的錯誤都視為大腦成長的契機——這正是你的大腦在進行重要的學習和強化。
轉變對錯誤的態度
要能善用錯誤帶來的成長，首要之務是轉變我們對錯誤的態度。許多時候，我們習慣帶著「固定型思維」，認為能力是與生俱來且難以改變的。這種想法會讓我們把錯誤視為能力不足的證明，進而產生挫折和焦慮。
相反地，我們應該培養「成長型思維」，相信透過努力和正確的學習方法，我們的能力是可以不斷提升的。具體來說，當你在做考前複習時：
- 把做錯的部分視為「診斷工具」，幫助你找出需要加強的地方
- 在訂正錯誤時，不要只是記住正確答案，而是要去理解做錯的原因
- 和同學討論時，主動分享自己做錯的地方，這不是丟臉的事，而是幫助彼此學習的機會
請記住，即使是頂尖學者在研究過程中也經常犯錯。重要的是如何從錯誤中學習並持續改進。這種態度不只對考試有幫助，更是終身學習的重要基石。
考前複習建議
在理解了錯誤的正面作用後，以下是一些實用的考前複習建議：
- 建立錯題筆記本：
- 記錄每次練習中遇到的錯誤
- 分析錯誤原因，找出思考盲點
- 定期回顧，觀察自己的進步
- 適度調整心態：
- 把考試視為檢視學習成果的機會
- 允許自己不完美，且可以持續改進
- 保持適度的壓力，這能幫助你更專注
- 善用複習時間：
- 主動挑戰較難的題目
- 模擬考試情境，培養心理素質
- 在犯錯後立即改正，強化正確的理解
面對即將到來的期末考，希望你能以全新的態度看待每一次的錯誤和挑戰。記住，你的大腦正透過這些經驗不斷成長和進步。願你在考試中展現最好的自己，也在過程中享受學習帶來的成長。
The final exam is approaching, do you feel overwhelmed? Are you afraid of making mistakes during the exam, worried about not performing as expected? According to the book “Unlocking the Brain,” the author points out that our fear of mistakes actually stems from a misunderstanding of how the brain works. The fact is: every mistake is a great opportunity for the brain to grow.
Mistakes are the nutrients for brain growth.
When we encounter mistakes during the learning process, the brain generates more intense neural activity. Neuroscience research shows that our brains have amazing plasticity (neuroplasticity) — they can continuously change, grow, and adapt. Every time we make a mistake, the brain activates more neural circuits, striving to understand the mistake and build new connections.
It’s like strength training at the gym: only when muscles feel moderate stress and tiny tears can they become stronger. Similarly, when we encounter challenges and make mistakes during the learning process, the brain’s neural connections become tighter and stronger. Research has found that students who correct mistakes after making them on tests often have a deeper understanding and longer-lasting memory of the related knowledge compared to those who got it right the first time.
Therefore, during the preparation process before the final exam, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. On the contrary, view every mistake as an opportunity for brain growth — this is your brain engaging in important learning and reinforcement.
Changing the attitude towards mistakes
To make good use of the growth brought by mistakes, the first task is to change our attitude towards mistakes. Many times, we are accustomed to having a “fixed mindset,” believing that abilities are innate and difficult to change. This mindset makes us see mistakes as proof of inadequacy, leading to frustration and anxiety.
On the contrary, we should cultivate a “growth mindset,” believing that through effort and the right learning methods, our abilities can be continuously improved. Specifically, when you are reviewing before the exam:
View the parts you got wrong as a “diagnostic tool” to help you identify areas that need strengthening.
When correcting mistakes, don’t just memory the correct answer, but understand why you made the mistake.
When discussing with classmates, actively share where you went wrong, it’s not embarrassing, but an opportunity to help each other learn
Remember, even top scholars often make mistakes during research. What’s important is how to learn from mistakes and continuously improve. This attitude not only helps with exams but is also an important cornerstone for lifelong learning.
Exam review suggestions
After understanding the positive effects of mistakes, here are some practical exam review suggestions:
- Create a mistake notebook:
。Record the mistakes encountered in each practice
。Analyse the reasons for mistakes and identify thinking blind spots
。Regularly review and observe your progress. - Adjust your mindset appropriately:
。View exams as an opportunity to review learning outcomes
。Allow yourself to be imperfect and capable of continuous improvement
。Maintain moderate pressure, which can help you focus better. - Make good use of review time:
。Actively challenge more difficult questions
。Simulate exam scenarios to cultivate mental resilience
。Correct mistakes immediately after making them to reinforce correct understanding.
Facing the upcoming final exam, I hope you can view every mistake and challenge it with a new attitude. Remember, your brain is constantly growing and improving through these experiences. May you show your best self in the exam and enjoy the growth that learning brings in the process.
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