Learned helplessness

Learned helplessness is a person coming to believe, as a result of past failures, that trying is pointless, and ceasing to make an effort. The experiments of psychologist Martin Seligman brought this phenomenon to light; repeated, uncontrollable negative experiences instill in a person the belief "whatever I do, nothing changes." This belief leaves the person immobile even when they are in fact now able to do something. Just as helplessness can be learned, it can also be undone again through small experiences of control and success. The coach helps the client gradually shake this belief by finding areas where they can create a small but real effect.