UPSC Civil Services Exam! For many young Indians, these letters ignite a fire in their hearts. This is the dream that promises prestige, purpose, and the power to make a difference. But the path is a tough challenge that tests our knowledge, mental strength, and emotional resilience.

We begin this journey full of hopes, dreams, a queue of books, and strategizing for success. But we don't often talk about the silent battles raging within us, the mental challenges! We face more than just academic challenges.

The journey to crack one of India’s toughest exams is fraught with psychological battles that often go unnoticed. We get the success highlights of UPSC toppers, but the silent struggle behind that success rarely comes to light. In this blog, I am trying to bring light to our inner struggles and offer insights on how we can circumnavigate these psychological struggles.

The relentless pressure to succeed feels like an unwelcome guest who has overstayed. We're bombarded by self-doubts: "What if I fail?" "What will people think?" A nagging voice whispers: "You're not good enough," "Maybe you should just quit," or "This isn't meant for you." This constant barrage feels exhausting, draining our motivation and focus. But we can fight back! Mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises are powerful tools to manage such stress and anxiety, calming the inner critic and refocusing our energy.

The syllabus feels like a giant mountain of stuff to learn, and it's totally normal to get stressed when we want to do well in everything. Suddenly, we might start feeling unsure of ourselves and like we can't do it. But hey, we've all been there!

The trick is to break this big mountain into smaller, climbable chunks. Think about what you want to achieve and by when. For example, you could say, "I'll learn X topic in Y subject by next week." That way, it won't seem so overwhelming, and you'll feel good as you check things off your list!

The unpredictable nature of UPSC feels scary. The uncertainty of success evokes feelings of anxiety and apprehension about the future. But we can overcome it! The more you learn and develop your skills, the more confident you'll feel. So keep studying hard, keep practicing, and that fear of uncertainty will shrink with every step you take!

UPSC prep feels isolating. Long study hours mean missing out on social life, hobbies, and a lot of sacrifices. But you're not alone! Find a study group online or in person for support and motivation. Schedule social breaks to stay connected with loved ones. Don't be afraid to get creative because even short "micro-hobbies" can help you recharge. Remember, balance is key! Staying connected will make you a better student in the long run.

Long hours of studies and the pressure to perform well lead to burnout. We often experience physical and mental exhaustion, loss of motivation, and decreased productivity. Here's the trick: take breaks! Just like your phone needs to recharge, so does your brain. Step away from the books, do something you enjoy (painting that masterpiece you've been putting off or reading a fun novel?), and come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle those studies again. Remember, a balanced brain is a happy and more productive brain!

Sometimes it feels like everyone's a backseat driver on our UPSC journey, offering unsolicited advice and casting doubt. Society is like, "Can you do it? It's very tough; you may have chosen something else. Have you kept any backup?" etc. On the other hand, a supportive family is a blessing, but their expectations still add a burden we cannot escape. If you are the genius student among your siblings, then the only hope of light is you, and if you are under average, then you have to prove yourself. This feeling makes us helpless.

But here's the thing: you started this for a reason because YOU believe in yourself. So, don't let anyone dim your fire. Find the people who cheer you on, the friends who understand the grind. Talk to your family, and let them know the pressure you feel. Show them your progress, and celebrate your wins, big and small.

Even social media is like a highlight reel for everyone else's UPSC journey, while ours feels like a blooper outtake. Our friend’s picture-perfect notes and seemingly effortless progress leave us questioning our own abilities. But the truth is, social media is a highlight reel, not reality. Everyone faces different challenges. So, don't get sucked into the comparison trap! Your UPSC journey is unique. Focus on your own progress and trust the hard work you're putting in. Remember why you started this in the first place, and before you know it, you'll be the one inspiring others on social media.

Then staying motivated over extended periods is also a significant challenge. We grapple with feelings of stagnation and a lack of direction, questioning our ability to persevere. But we can beat them! Firstly, we should figure out why we are lacking motivation. Then, set small goals to satisfy this vacuum and reward ourselves for achievements. You can draw inspiration from others and seek support if you need extra help.

We all know this exam has a low success rate, and many aspirants do not clear it on their first attempt. So, dealing with failure and subsequent emotional distress becomes an inevitable part of the journey. Yes, it becomes so difficult to remain optimistic, but we should keep patience and see it as a learning opportunity. The exam does not define our worth because there is nothing like zero. We gain the learning, the journey, and the experience.

Bhagavad Geeta Chapter 2, Verse 47, Quotes:

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन || मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ||

(You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.)

In essence, do not bother about whether you will get the selection or not in the first place. Just prepare with all your heart, mind, and soul.

Remember, fighting strongly in the journey is more important than reaching the destination. If you fight well, ipso facto you will succeed! So be focused on fighting all challenges and hurdles by hook or by crook. The journey will be full of ups and downs like a roller coaster, but everything will seem perfect when you achieve your goals. So, ditch the finish line anxiety, become a warrior, and win!

 

 

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