One of the most counterintuitive truths about academic problems and skills: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Academic Problems and Skills Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of academic problems and skills
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking academic problems and skills is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging academic problems and skills without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing academic problems and skills to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for academic problems and skills while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Academic Problems and Skills
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting academic problems and skills, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Academic Problems and Skills
Many people find that when they stop fighting academic problems and skills and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of academic problems and skills is partly the struggle against it.