1. Introduction
One day I got a call from one of my students, and his tone was quite nervous. He was preparing for a competitive exam, and he told me, “Sir, I am working very hard, but negativity disturbs me a lot. Some of my friends who are not preparing say that I will not get selected. Moreover, some teachers also demotivate me.” I understood that he is a typical student going through an anxiety phase. I calmed him down and said, “First of all, calm your mind. There are challenges in every journey, and these are part of those challenges which will make you stronger because the process which you are going through is important. Do not worry about the results. Focus on your goal, and forgive those people who demotivate you, because you neither have to show anything to anyone nor have to prove anything. it’s about you. Because your life is in your hands.” This is not the story of just one student, but of every student who prepares for a competitive exam. Anxiety is something that can happen to anyone, whether he is a first-time learner or an experienced aspirant.
But here it is important to understand one thing: Anxiety is normal, but overcoming it makes you a winner. If we understand our feelings and find a solution to them, then anxiety becomes more of a learning phase than a problem.
In this blog, we will talk about the common problems that every student faces and their practical solutions, which can make your preparation more effective and stress-free. Along with this, we will also share examples of some new and old legends which will show how challenges become a path to success. So come on, let’s start on a journey that will motivate you and remove your doubts!
2. Common Causes of Student Anxiety
Facing anxiety is a battle that every student faces during his competitive exam preparation. This can lead to low motivation and loss of focus. Let us understand the common things that cause this anxiety:
A. Negative Comments from Peers or Teachers
“Some people always say, ‘You will not be able to do it,’ or ‘Your selection is difficult.'”
Such negative comments can shake anyone’s self-confidence. When you try to give your best, these things steal away your motivation. Making fun of peers or demotivating teachers is a big reason due to which mental peace of students gets disturbed.
Solution:
Learn to forgive such people, sit quietly, go into your imagination and visualize those comments for the whole hour and then tell them that I forgive you. Remember you have to do programming of your subconscious and not your conscious mind.
B. Fear of Failure
“What if I am not selected?”
This thought comes to the mind of every serious aspirant at some point or the other. The burden of family’s expectations and the pressure of one’s own expectations increase this fear even more.
Solution:
Consider your failures as a chance to learn. Every failure is a teacher who prepares you for success. Someone has rightly said that if you want to succeed, then double the rate of your failure.
C. Comparison with Others
“He has completed most of the syllabus, and I am just starting.”
This is a big challenge in today’s social media and coaching environment. Everyone compares his progress with others, and due to this an inferiority complex starts developing.
Solution:
Compare yourself only with yourself. See how much progress you have made today compared to yesterday.
D. Overburdened Schedules
“Just studying all day and then tension. There is no time to take a break.”
Students pack their schedules so much that they do not have time to relax. Long study hours without a break leave you mentally exhausted, which kills both productivity and focus.
Solution:
Make sure to include small breaks and recreational activities in your schedule. Use the Pomodoro technique: study for 25 minutes and take a break for 5 minutes.
One Important Thing:
Anxiety will become your enemy only when you do not try to understand and manage it. Take every difficulty as a challenge, because that will become your strength!
3. Real-Life Stories of some real fighters
Stories and examples awaken a different passion in us. They show us that after every difficulty there is a bright path. For your motivation, here are some inspiring real-life examples that prove that struggles are just a stepping stone to success:
A. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: Early Struggles to Becoming the Missile Man
“Dreams are not what we see while sleeping, dreams are those that do not let us sleep.” – Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
Dr. Kalam spent his childhood in a small fishing community. The financial condition of his family was not so good that he could afford tuition after school. To fulfill his dreams, he used to sell newspapers. But he never lost his focus and determination.
He showed that if you pursue your goals with hard work and dedication, then nothing is impossible. If Dr. Kalam can make his struggles his strength, then you can do it too!
B. MS Dhoni: Calmness Amidst Chaos
“Always consider pressure as a friend for yourself.” – MS Dhoni
The beginning of MS Dhoni’s cricket career was also full of struggles. He worked as a railway ticket collector and took out time for his cricket practice. Despite critics and failures, he never lost his calm and confidence.
Remember that moment of 2011 World Cup final when Dhoni hit the winning six. Then he gave a single answer to his friends and critics: Action speaks louder than words. You too should take the pressure of life as a challenge and have faith in your strength.
C. Ratan Tata: Turning Rejection into Success
“Take the stones people throw at you and use them to build a monument.” – Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata once presented one of his car designs to Ford Motors, which was rejected. Critics called his vision wrong. But he did not let his failures become his enemies. A few years later, Tata bought a struggling division of Ford and showed the world how hard work and patience can help you win.
D. Anonymous Student: From Failure to GPAT Success
One of my students who had failed in 12th exam, passed 12th again, that too with less percentage. After that, he took admission in B. Pharm. He struggled a lot there too as his basic education was from a small town and in Hindi medium. People used to make fun of him, but it did not matter to him. He kept on preparing continuously. He made a daily routine, used techniques like active recall and spaced repetition. Whenever he felt demotivated, he would watch a motivational video or read a self-help book. Result? He secured all-India 12th rank in GPAT! If you want to know his name and want to talk to him personally, contact me on email. There are not just one but many such stories, where persistence defeated defeat.
Takeaway:
These stories make us understand that difficulties are a part of everyone’s life. But those who accept those difficulties and learn from them, become real winners. You too make the struggles of your life your success story and show your best version to the world!
4. Practical Solutions to Overcome Anxiety
To fight anxiety, we need to make some changes in our thought process and habits. Here are some practical solutions that will help you in this journey:
A. Forgiveness and Focus
“Learn to forgive people who demotivate you or pass negative comments on you.”
Resentment or complaints only destroy your mental peace. Focus your attention on those things that are meaningful to you—focus on your goals and preparation.
How to do it:
• Take a blank page and write on it whom and why you forgive.
• Treat your mind like a clean slate, which is only ready for your growth.
B. Mindfulness and Meditation
“Meditation and mindfulness are a simple and effective way to remove anxiety.”
Through meditation you can learn to control your thoughts and develop inner peace. These techniques also reduce the physical effects of anxiety such as fast heartbeat and restlessness.
How to do:
• Meditate for 10-15 minutes every morning.
• Practice mindfulness: Whatever work you do, do it with complete awareness.
“Better planning can reduce both stress and anxiety.”
Overloaded schedules and unrealistic targets increase stress. Make a balanced and achievable schedule that includes relaxation along with study. And one very important thing is never to say that you don’t get time, everyone has time, stop making excuses.
How to do it:
• Adopt Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes focused study and 5 minutes break.
• Make weekly targets and divide them into daily tasks.
“The company you keep has a huge impact on your mental health.”
Surrounding yourself with positive people increases your motivation and confidence. It is important to stay away from negative people who only demotivate you.
How to do it:
• Spend time with friends and mentors who uplift you.
• Avoid unnecessary distractions of social media.
“Big dreams are great, but to achieve them you need to break them down into smaller tasks.” Sachin Tendulkar always used to say that I don’t think about the century, my aim is how to play this incoming ball. This approach reduces your pressure and helps in maintaining consistency. How to do: • You cannot work every day, learn to control not only the day but also the week. • Use Eisenhower matrix. • Keep tracking progress and celebrate your achievements.
F. Professional Guidance
“Sometimes talking with a mentor or counselor is the best remedy for anxiety.” Your mentors or counsellors can better understand your experiences and give you practical advice.
How to do it:
• Talk to mentors from your college or coaching.
• Consider professional counselling or therapy if needed.
A reminder:
Anxiety is a chapter in your journey, not the whole book. By incorporating these solutions into your routine, you can finish this chapter and confidently move towards your goals!
5. Motivational Insights
Every difficult turn of life can be taken to extraordinary achievements with a positive outlook and a little persistence. Here are some motivational insights that will make your journey more inspiring:
A. Quotes from Famous Personalities
• “Man needs difficulties in life because they are necessary to enjoy success.” – Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
This quote tells us that difficulties are necessary for us, because they let us enjoy the real success of life.
• “It is not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It is the will to prepare to win that matters.” – Paul Bryant
This tells us that preparation to win is the real victory.
B. Persistence Leads to Success
• Example of MS Dhoni: MS Dhoni never lost his focus despite his initial career struggles. His calmness and hard work against critics and failures made him a world-class cricketer.
• Thomas Edison: Edison faced thousands of failures while inventing the light bulb, yet he said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
C. Lessons from My Journey as a Mentor
As a teacher and mentor, I observe every day how students challenge their negative thinking and have the courage to move forward. I remember many incidents when a student was demotivated, but with just a little guidance and encouragement he cleared the exam.
I always tell students:
“Preparation for the exam is more important than clearing it, because in this process you will develop a character that I will not accept defeat till the end, this character will help you throughout your life and remember no exam, no result is greater than you, even if you prepare well and fail, you are still my hero.”
D. Build Your Story
Every student has a story, but your story can never be like anyone else’s. So leave comparisons and write such a chapter of your life that can become an inspiration for the world.
A reminder: The big dreams you see, their real significance happens only when you celebrate small victories to fulfill them and make your failures your strength.
6. Conclusion
Dear students,
Anxiety is a natural emotion that is a part of your growth. It is not to be feared, but to be understood and faced. Your anxiety does not define your potential; it is just a reminder that you are on the way to achieving something big.
Always remember:
• Self-belief is most important. Have faith in yourself, no matter what the world says.
• Consistent efforts will take you to success. Keep moving towards small victories, and one day we will travel a big journey.
I would like to end my blog with a powerful message:
“You can make me fall but you cannot defeat me, I am not one of those who lose”
Run after your dreams with all your passion. One day your story will also become an example for the world. Keep believing, keep striving, and remember – the best is yet to come! 🌟
7. Call to Action
Dear students,
Whatever struggles and challenges you are facing in your journey, do not ignore them alone. Share your heart’s feelings Motivational motivation works like a therapy. So, write your story in the comments section below or email me at dr.ashishpathak.official@gmail.com. I will try to guide you in the best way possible.
If you find this blog helpful, do share my blog and keep joining me for new motivational and educational content. Your comments will inspire you to write something new.
Let’s start a successful and happy journey together! 🙌
Stay inspired, stay focused, and never stop dreaming! 🌟
Thank you, sir for your valuable words, which strengthen us to face this challenge in our lives.
Thank you dear..God bless you
Thnx sir 😊 you are the best 👍
Thanks dear