The Big Dream
Hey there, I'm Aisha. Like many others with dreams of serving our country, I arrived in Mukherjee Nagar to start my UPSC journey. The allure of public service and the chance to make a real impact drew me in, and before I knew it, I was knee-deep in books, mock exams, and current affairs discussions.
The Clock Strikes Back
But something began to gnaw at me—time, or the lack thereof. There were syllabi to cover, tests to take, and current events to keep up with. Each day felt like a race against the clock, and I was always running out of time. It got to the point where I'd sit at my desk with a mountain of study material, frozen by the overwhelming pressure and the tick-tock of the clock.
Juggling and Struggling
It's not that I wasn't disciplined. My problem was not understanding how to allocate my time wisely. I'd get lost in one subject and neglect others, or spend hours on current affairs, only to realize I hadn't touched basic subjects. My poor time management started to reflect in my test scores, and my anxiety levels skyrocketed.
An Unexpected Suggestion
One evening, my friend Priyanka noticed my stress and stepped in. "Have you considered online therapy for this? You're not alone, and there are experts out there who can help," she said. The idea seemed strange at first. Therapy for time management? Really?
Taking the Plunge
Still, I decided to give it a shot and scheduled an online therapy session. As I poured out my woes to the counselor, they explained that my issue wasn't a lack of effort but a lack of effective strategy and mental clutter. They pointed out that poor time management was as much an emotional burden as a logistical one.
Crafting a New Strategy
Over multiple sessions, my counselor and I drafted a study schedule. But this was not just any timetable—it was a living, breathing plan that could adapt and change based on my performance and emotional state. We incorporated breaks, time for relaxation, and even slots for unplanned events. The flexibility reduced my stress and made me more productive.
Learning to Be Present
One of the most transformative lessons from therapy was learning the art of being present. Instead of fretting about the entire syllabus or the enormity of the UPSC exam, I began to focus on the task at hand. This mental shift worked wonders for my productivity.
The Transformation
After a few months, the difference was palpable. I was managing to stick to my timetable more often than not, my test scores began to improve, and I started enjoying my UPSC preparation journey again. The clock, once my enemy, was now a friend who guided me through the day.
Not Just an Aspirant, But a Learner
Though the UPSC exams are still ahead, I feel like I've already crossed a significant hurdle—the battle against time and myself. Thanks to online therapy, I am not just a UPSC aspirant; I am also a learner in the truest sense, continually adapting and growing.
As I prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, I carry with me the lessons learned from therapy, not as a burden, but as tools that empower me. And with each tick of the clock, I move a step closer to my dream, not in haste, but with purpose and joy.
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