UPSC demands a lot of cognitive capabilities: memory, reasoning skills, logical ordering of ideas, presentation of concepts in a concise and precise format, and many more. Due to the vastness of syllabus and uncertainty of Question paper pattern, we have to prepare extensively. We have to work consistently for a minimum period of 2 years. In this course, we set monthly, weekly and daily targets. We plan according to our strengths and weaknesses. We expect ourselves to work like a machine for 365 days*24 hours.
But we are humans. We are vulnerable to many emotional upheavals. And also, some concepts demand more time to understand, some skills need more effort than planned. Our schedule gets disturbed. We misalign from the set track. It creates incongruence in our mind. But consistent incongruence creates anxiety due to fear of failure. Then, anxiety becomes a reason for performance on a day to day basis.
First thing we need to accept is that Erring is a human’s natural tendency. We can’t be machines. Some days will be high, other days will be low. Also, if you are feeling anxious due to the misalignment with the schedules, you are on the right track. It shows you are serious about your commitments. Hence, try to forgive the self whenever you fail to fulfil the commitments. Embrace the low moods. If things become unbearable, take one or two days of break. Try to comfort the soul when it is depressed. Try to cheer up, when things seem insurmountable. You are your best friend.
In InstaMotivation, this message is being repeated multiple times. Because, we regularly hear the depressed, anxious, stressful stories from the aspirants. They are very much rude with themselves. They condemn the Self everytime they fall. It is becoming very difficult day by day to tread on this long path. Many guys are breaking down due to unbearable stress.
We want you to know that this is a marathon. Other than you, no one can truly understand you. Only you know what you are going through. Aim for high, work for the good results. But be compassionate and kind to yourself when you err. Because, to err is human, and to forgive is divine.
