Why Can't I Perform Well in Exams Despite Hard Work? A Guide to Overcoming Discouragement

Have you ever found yourself feeling depressed because you've been doing hard work but still can't perform well in exams? You're not alone. This feeling is understandable, but it's important to remember that success isn't solely determined by your efforts. Here's a deeper look into the concept of hard work and its unpredictable results.

Learning from a Simple Board Game

Recently, my younger brother designed a board game that was both fair and simple. It was a 1 to 100 steps process with a dice roll, aiming to move forward. While there was still an element of luck, nobody was enthusiastic about the game. It felt boring and was eventually rejected, failing to become a sensation.

Contrast that with the classic game of Snakes and Ladders, where a six has to be rolled twice before you can advance, leading someone who is losing to potentially win. The game lacks fairness and logic. Yet, the unexpected twists and turns are part of what makes it so engaging.

Bringing Perspective to the Situation

Understanding the concept of timing and luck can provide valuable insight. No matter how well you prepare, there are no guarantees. Sometimes, you'll find yourself at a low point but might strike a ladder with a low roll. This unexpected lift can lead to a significant improvement in your position. Conversely, a well-performing position might suddenly turn into a tail of the snake, taking you back to the start.

Therefore, it's crucial to keep rolling the dice, stay excited, and continue playing the game. Whether it seems unfair or not, you're still part of the process. Remember, there are countless possible combinations that can happen, so don't get discouraged just because you're at point 2 while others are in the nineties. The game isn't over until you stop rolling the dice.

Addressing Common Pitfalls

There are multiple reasons why you might struggle to perform well in exams despite your hard work. Here are some common issues to address:

1. Over-reliance on Past Papers

Avoid practicing only past papers. This approach can be limiting. While past papers are beneficial, there's more to it than just memorizing answers. Some 60 to 70 percent of your exam success may depend on how well you understand the questions and the hints provided in the exam, especially for multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and scenario-based exams.

2. Focus on Studying Instead of Understanding

It's easy to concentrate on studying the answers rather than understanding the questions. This can be a mistake. For written theory exams, you need to practice your writing to reduce the chances of making grammatical and spelling errors. Time management is equally important for MCQs. Even if you're adept at MCQs, you still need to manage your time effectively.

3. Leaving It Until the Last Minute

Don't leave it solely to the end to practice past papers. Start practicing as early as you can. Understanding the questions through past papers will help you study in a more efficient way, which in turn will make you better prepared for the actual exam. Put in as much effort as you can, as there's no avoiding the hard work.

Embracing Effort and Perseverance

Just because exams are a part of life doesn't mean you can't succeed. Reflect on the mistakes you made in your current exam, be honest with yourself, and commit to avoiding them in future exams. Remember, success often comes to those who persevere.

Finally, always strive to pray to God and trust that no matter the challenge, nothing is impossible with Him by your side. Your hard work and perseverance are the keys to unlocking success, but it's also important to embrace the unpredictable nature of the journey.

Keep rolling the dice and stay in the game. Success may be around the corner, and you never know what life has in store for you.