What should I do if I'm slow-witted, have poor reaction skills, feel inferior, and am introverted?

Nov 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
In the face of situations involving perceived low intelligence, slow reactions, inferiority, and introversion, improvements can generally be achieved by adjusting cognitive patterns to rebuild confidence, engaging in targeted training to enhance abilities, gradually expanding social interactions, recording progress to strengthen self-identity, and seeking support to gain strength. Avoid using labels like "being stupid" to negatively judge yourself; recognize that reaction speed is influenced by various factors and can be improved through practice.

When facing situations such as perceived low intelligence, slow reactions, inferiority, and introversion, improvements can generally be achieved through adjusting cognition to rebuild confidence, targeted training to enhance abilities, gradually expanding social interactions, recording progress to strengthen self-acceptance, and drawing strength from support systems. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Adjust cognition to rebuild confidence: Avoid labeling yourself as "stupid," and recognize that reaction speed is influenced by multiple factors and can be improved through practice. When encountering difficulties, refrain from immediate self-criticism; instead, ask, "What can I learn from this?" Gradually replace negative self-evaluations with positive thinking to rebuild confidence in your capabilities.

2. Targeted training to improve abilities: To address slow reactions, engage in simple exercises such as playing mild brain-training games to sharpen mental speed or listening to short audio clips and summarizing their content to enhance information processing. For introversion, start with basic interactions—such as thanking a shop clerk or greeting a neighbor—and progressively build fluency in communication and responsiveness.

3. Gradual expansion of social engagement: Avoid forcing yourself into complex social settings. Begin with familiar, small circles—like having conversations with one or two trusted friends or joining interest-based group activities. Focus on the topic of conversation rather than excessively worrying about your performance. As you accumulate social experience, the anxiety associated with introversion will naturally diminish.

4. Record progress to reinforce self-identity: Document 1–2 small achievements each day, such as "understood a new concept quickly today" or "initiated a brief chat with a colleague." No matter how minor, record them honestly. Regularly reviewing these entries allows you to clearly see your progress, break the fixed belief of "I'm not good enough," and strengthen self-recognition.

5. Seek support to gain strength: Openly share your struggles with family members, close friends, or trusted elders to receive emotional support and objective advice. If self-adjustment proves difficult, consider seeking psychological counseling. Professional guidance can help identify root causes and teach more effective strategies for improvement, reducing feelings of helplessness from bearing stress alone.

Patience is essential throughout the improvement process—avoid expecting quick results. If prolonged self-negativity affects daily functioning and emotional well-being, professional help should be sought promptly. Remember, everyone has unique strengths. Slower reaction times and introverted personalities are not flaws. With consistent effort, gradual self-improvement is entirely achievable.