This just reaffirms a point we all already know: words matter. Instead of telling a late bloomer, “This isn’t brain surgery,” try saying, “This is a challenge, but you can figure it out.” Or instead of telling yourself, “I feel terribly overwhelmed right now,” try, “Alex, you have the capability to do this, and here’s how.” These simple linguistic tweaks can help late bloomers—as well as everyone else—make significant strides toward greater self-efficacy.
