So many students have very negative self talk when it comes to academics. I met with a student this past week who had fallen very behind in her math as a home schooler. She kept saying, "I should know this" while I was giving her an informal assessment. We explored the truth in that statement, and ultimately replaced it with "I need these subjects in order to graduate." Shaming and beating oneself up will never get us to our desired destination. It will only disempower and discourage us. Would your friends stick around if you spoke to them the way you speak to yourself? If not, replace your negative self talk with truths that are empowering.