Preparing for NEET PG, INI CET or any other exams is not just about studying books, it’s about fighting battles both within yourself and with the circumstances around you. Dr. Apurv Mehra, a renowned orthopedics surgeon and educator, sheds light on these two crucial struggles: ‘Khud Se Harna’ (losing to yourself) and ‘Halaat Se Harna’ (losing to circumstances). Through his insights, he explains the real essence of exam preparation, perseverance, and self-discipline.
1. Why do aspirants stop to give tests after a poor performance?
Several students experience the same problem, they take a grand test or MCQ and perform poorly and then decide that they will stop giving tests once and for all. Dr. Apurv Mehra explains the point that quitting is an actual failure.
“If you don’t measure your progress, how will you improve?”
He quotes Abraham Lincoln’s father as being a cobbler not out of choice but of necessity. However, he became the best in his town. Just like that, students need to accept challenges always analyse their performance and try to be best.
2. What do you get if you ignore reality?
He makes a parallel with the Diddo bird, which previously closed its eyes when a hunter came near and believed it was safe. Avoiding issues does not make them go away.
“If you give up trying tests, you are denying reality. And like the Diddo bird, you will become extinct in the game.”
Instead, meeting reality, trying exams, and examining errors are the only ways to get better.
Watch the Video: Khud Se Harna’ or ‘Halaat Se Harna’? Dr. Apurv Mehra
3. Why is it that consistency is more valuable than temporary failures?
Most students get discouraged and drop their studies after poor results. They find solace in negative conversations with friends, which only aggravates the problem.
“One fool is dangerous, two together are destruction.”
Rather than avoiding examinations and crying over failures, students must remain in the game and continue moving forward. He captures it with:
“Kabhi Girte, Toh Kabhi Sambhalte Rehte, Baithe Rehne Se Toh Acha Hai Hum Chalte Rehte.
Kisi Aur Ke Kadmo Pe Chalke Hum Kahi Ke Na rahe, Apne Pairo Pe Chalte To Aaj Hum Chalte Rahte.”
4. Are your problems really as big as you think?
Generally, Students exaggerate their problems due to stress. Dr. Apurv Mehra compares this jokingly to the poetic misery of Mirza Ghalib, adding even he wouldn’t complain so much!
He reminds students that money is not the determining factor in success—it’s the fire within them. He tells of his own experience of establishing a successful surgical practice despite the difficulties of corporate hospital culture.
“Your business, dreams, and life are not destroyed due to lack of money. They are made or broken by your willpower.”
5. How can the right people can change your point of view?
He discusses family and priorities. He shares a memory of a conversation from his childhood with his father:
“We don’t keep our grandparents with us, we live with them.”
He encourages students to prioritize their parents, letting them occupy the first two places on their list of important individuals at all times. This helps them stay grounded and focused.
6. Is social media killing your concentration?
One of the biggest distractions for students is social media. Dr. Apurv Mehra cautions that it’s one of the largest career killers nowadays. He points out a surprising fact:
“Most students who achieve top ranks in NEET & INI CET are NOT on Instagram or Facebook.”
Even a NEET Rank 1 topper conceded that avoiding social media allowed him to remain focused. Even 1% distraction can destroy 100% effort.
7. What is the ‘All or None’ Phenomenon in success?
He relates exam preparation to the ‘All or None’ Law of Physiology. Either you give 100% effort and pass, or you don’t and fail. There is no middle ground.
“100% effort gives 100% results. 99% effort gives 0% results.”
This rule holds true not only for exams but for life, career, and business as well.
8. Can preparation momentum carry you through difficulties?
Dr. Apurv Mehra presents the Law of Projection, stating that if you train your mind sufficiently, it will react in high-pressure situations automatically.
“If you prepare with total commitment, even in unexpected situations, your subconscious mind will project the correct answers.”
This implies gaining momentum, revising repeatedly, and being consistent will guarantee success, even if something goes awry on the day of the final exam.
Final Words: Fight Your Battles and Keep Moving!
Preparing for exams is a fight of discipline, persistence, and self-confidence. Be it self-doubt, distractions, or situations, the solution is to keep moving ahead.
So, are you prepared to fight your demons and emerge victorious?
Also Read:
Trying Isn’t Enough – What Are You Missing? By Dr. Apurv Mehra
