Shweta Arora

“If I don’t clear this exam, my life will be over..”

I’ve heard countless aspirants say this while preparing for competitive exams.

While I understand how ‘make or break’ the preparation journey can feel, here’s what I’ve learned from my experience of preparing for CAT (the MBA entrance exam):

📌 You’ll never be sure

Most of our time goes into imagining the ‘what if’ scenarios. “What if I blank out, what if I score low, what if I don’t get shortlisted by the IIMs.”

No matter how well you’re prepared, you’ll never be sure. Sometimes, accepting this can help you focus on what you can do.

📌 Your fear is natural

When something is important to us, the stakes increase naturally. Higher stakes lead to an intensified amount of fear. The fear of failure paralyzes us and often hinders our preparation.

While it is natural to feel scared of the outcome, don’t let it prevent you from taking action.

📌 You are worthy as is

I wish more people understood that your marks, degrees, or tags don’t determine your worth. Trust me when I say this - I know several IIM grads (including myself) who suffer from self-doubt or consider themselves unworthy despite having the tags you’re running after.

It’s one thing to feel ambitious and another to let that determine your worth.

To summarize, yes, you may feel scared especially if you’re serious about any exam or goal. But, try separating actions from fear. Ask yourself - “what can I do?” than “what will happen?”

There’s this quote by Maya Angelou that says:

“Fear and hope can’t occupy the same space at the same time. Invite one to stay!” 🌸

10 months ago | [YT] | 2,326



@educatedindian47

You are telling us this line after graduated from IIM Ahmedabad…! We will also say this line after graduating from IIM 😅

10 months ago | 133

@ShivShankar0002

" Become a philosopher only when you are successful " - Shahrukh Khan

10 months ago | 56

@iyyappa-here

30 days left for CAT and I'm stuck for more than a week this community post made sense of my thoughts and made me move forward 💙

10 months ago | 21  

@shubhamprasad7060

"Thanks for your advice" Happy Diwali Sweta 🙂

9 months ago | 0

@uvideo100

Well said. If one doesn’t do well in an entrance exam, it could be more difficult to get a job immediately after graduation. Five years or so after graduation, what matters are your successes in the job, at that stage most employers won’t ask for your gpa in college.

10 months ago | 1

@dr.unforgettable9079

Ma'am, you are truly exceptional! Despite my apprehensions, your empowering counsel and unwavering support in confronting my fears with fortitude will undoubtedly serve as a steadfast beacon throughout both my preparation and the exam itself.

10 months ago | 6  

@kunalmehta9495

hope you are ok now, and thank you for last prep journey to motivate <3

10 months ago | 5  

@arcnemisis3189

Actually it does to some extent. Not being able to crack an exam doesn't destroy your life but cracking it will make it much easier to excel in life due to the brand /opportunities the institution brings. I realise this after not being able to crack JEE Advanced. Cracking these exams will make your life much better,so prepare with everyone you have. It will be worth it, trust me.

10 months ago | 3

@vaibhavshukla441

No problem Mam, nahi hoga fir se try karunga, but life ek exam ke liye sacrifice nahi karunga.

10 months ago | 11  

@prathmeshvyawahare5340

Your precious guidance help me lot in my preparation, thank you 🙏

10 months ago | 0

@dark_coder1320

For You only I'm in IIM Jammu.. Thanks a lot.. Want to meet with you someday ❤️❤️

10 months ago | 1

@surbhitiwari496

Hello Shweta ... I am seriously preparing for CAT this year and feeling hell lot of exam pressure by each passing day ... This post of yours was much needed to just help me calm down and keep going ! Lots n lots of love from Indore dear .

10 months ago | 0

@ayushjain5208

Thanks alot di . Please come back we all are waiting for your guidance

10 months ago | 2  

@sciencesooeasy

I always think about 'what if' in daily life and then stop . While I realise that what if is negative and should be avoided, but in some scenarios what if is also necessary because without it you will fall in danger situation. I am unable to handle this what if 😢😢It bothers me in every aspec

10 months ago | 2  

@therakeshkumarrathore

I took medicines from psychiatrist but it didn't worked. I'm feeling highly depressed from long time. But now lord Krishna saved me as I think if I will unable to do something atleast I wil be a " kathavachak"😸 or i will be a saint. No girl no career only peac

10 months ago | 0

@rutujanimbalkar2003

Much needed thank youuuu💖

10 months ago | 0

@NitishKumar-qu5td

Hey you look so gorgeous😍

10 months ago | 2  

@CreateAnkita

thankyou so much😃

10 months ago | 1  

@janhavisonawane6057

Thank you for this! It really really helped :)

10 months ago | 0

@inertia.anish3

Indeed🤗

10 months ago | 0