Since exam season is gradually approaching (but perhaps not as gradual as we would want it to), the breath stopping thought around the lines of what if I don’t perform well enough? What if I fail? I still can’t understand this concept, I don’t think I’ll be able to solve questions about this, hangs above students like a death statement. At such a crucial time in one’s academic life, everything seems to be pointing towards exams or even worse, the result. And let me tell you, this also happens to be the time when you must take care of your mental health the most. And in doing so, failure is our common enemy here, but that is only if you do not know how to effectively deal with it.
On that note, here are a few ways you can channelize your failure (or the fear that you may fall in the pit of failure) positively. Yes, it is quite possible!
Look at Failure as a Ladder to Success.
Let me explain, similar to how there is no light without darkness, there is no success without failure either. If you come to think about it, we wouldn’t strive hard enough to reach our goals if there was no negative alternative to it. It is only when you fail that you begin to understand, in it’s true essence, how important succeeding is to you. Therefore, take this seemingly unfortunate opportunity to prepare yourself for the marathon you’re going to run this time!
Accept Criticism Like a Medal.
Here’s the real deal, you can’t quite begin to learn from something unless you’re willing to take responsibility for it. If you keep hurling the blame around the room, you won’t be able to learn anything from the experience. It will simply go down as an event that you loath but will most likely come face to face with again. So, man up (or women up!) and take responsibility for your actions. I know it is easier said than done, but believe me when I say, it will be worth it! P.s. criticism won’t cut through your heart like it does right now either. As a matter of fact, it will instead play the role of a motivator for you, aka your new best friend!
Give Your Emotions the Shape of Your Strength
I had my first significant encounter with failure when I was in my O levels. I had studied day and night for my chemistry exams and yet, I had a C (I was aiming for an A*). So, the rest of the day, after I had had enough of crying, I sat and watched motivational videos on YouTube. And that was the first and the last day I grieved my chemistry C because my emotions of melancholy and regret had turned into determination and a desire to hustle. And that is exactly what you need to do as well.
Don’t Let it Affect Your Self Esteem
If you gave your exams the best of what you had or you encountered a situation that you were helpless in the face of, and yet it had an impact on your academic performance, don’t beat yourself down. You did an exceptional job on your part, nothing more was demanded of you and you should be proud of yourself despite the outcome.
In order to climb your way back to your initial goal, an essential ingredient is to believe in yourself. If you let that rope go, it won’t be worth it in the very least. So be sure to keep your head up high, a failure does not define who you are nor how capable you are.
Signing off Note!
You will reach exceptional academic and practical feats in your life and if anything, this failure of yours would only make it less laborious for you. That is because this time when you rise, you will know exactly what target to through your darts at and there’s not a chance you will miss.
