What’s wrong with offering yourself a round of applause? At the end of the day, what matters most is that you showed up, again and again, facing the challenge head-on. The stretch of preparing for entrance exams is undoubtedly challenging—so why’s it so agonizing? Let’s break it down.
As kids, most of us grew up on fairy tales. And in those fairy tales, no matter how difficult the path, the conclusion was always happy. Always. But in the actual world of competitive exams, not all journeys have a happy ending immediately. For most, it takes them more than once to achieve their destination. And that fact makes this journey feel more draining, more uncertain, and oftentimes more painful.
But rather than focusing on the pain, let’s call it transformative. Each attempt, each failure, and each lesson learned shapes you into a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.
Facing the Truth Within
For those who get their choice—whether it’s their first try or their fifth—congratulations from the depths of our hearts. Your success is a testament to your perseverance. Yet, for others, the process doesn’t end there. Some will try again to better their rank or get into a better institution.
That’s the human nature of ambition—we never want to stop climbing. And as with the best apples that sit at the top of the tree, the highest reward frequently takes the most effort to reach. But that climb requires perseverance, patience, and the ability to remake yourself anew each day.
If you learn one new thing each day, you can’t fail. The only true failure is not getting up and trying again. If you are open to learning and expanding, every failure can be a stepping stone.
Confronting the Truth Within
The greatest portion of this process is honesty—with yourself. It’s simple to point the finger at bad luck or situations when things don’t work out. But actual change takes place when you look in and accept your own failures.
Did you do your best? Were your ideas clear? Did you actually prepare, or were you merely performing the motions? These are difficult questions to pose, but they must be asked. Being honest with yourself lets you see where you have to get better and make those changes.
Those who do and fail and do it again are already better off than those that never even arrive. Offering the exam itself is a sign of bravery. Every try is a clean slate to gauge your progress, fix your errors, and deepen your determination.
Why Failure Prepares You for Better
Failure, as uncomfortable as it is, is what prepares you for more substantial challenges in life. Look at the Australian Army’s strategy: They go out of their way to find people who have failed because those people understand how to manage pressure, manage their emotions, and make decisions when stressed.
In times of crisis, a learned individual who never had to overcome anything may break. But the one who knows what failure feels like knows how to remain cool and think fast. Likewise, difficulties you endure while taking entrance exams are conditioning you for tough decisions and stresses that you will face in your working life.
Trust the Process
When the world is sleeping, you are working. When others are doubting, you are appearing. This path is hard, no doubt about it. But with every step you take, you are becoming stronger, sharper, and better equipped for the future.
So, applaud yourself. Acknowledge your work. And have faith that every speck of struggle today is crafting a brighter tomorrow.
Thank you for showing up. Your transformation is already underway.
