The whole article by Farzana Suri can be viewed at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/less-than-90-its-okay-farzana-suri-victory-coach
If you have scored less than 90%, DO NOT GRIEVE. Do not allow your academic score to dictate your emotional well-being.
Here’s why.
1. Your examination results do not decide your fate. Yes, education is important and that is a fact. However, there are millions of successful people despite being average or poor scorers in school. Einstein, Bill Gates, Branson, Dhirubhai Ambani. Success in life is about grit and determination. Not about your examination results.
2. Your examination results do not determine your intelligence. And, that is a fact. Because the system has not allowed you to create but repeat what is the tried and tested response to a question. They do not define your abilities.
3. Your examination results are an indicator of your passion. Glance through your marks and see in which subject did you score the best? Chances are, that would be the subject that holds your interest. Dig a bit deeper and you may discover a new path. If you maxed in psychology then perhaps coaching or human interaction is likely to be your purpose in life. Delve into career opportunities and education in that zone.
4. Your examination results have happened and cannot be changed. However, you can change. Change the way you feel. Yes, if the results haven’t been great. The first step is to be in acceptance. “Ok, It seems I didn’t fare well. Now what? I have the choice to accept and look at what next? I passed. So, I need to focus on moving into the next level.”
“I didn’t pass. No sweat, It’s an exam. Not the end of the world. Look around, failures are the stepping stones to success.” Speak to a friend or someone whose advice you value.
Remember, IT’S JUST AN EXAM. You can always sit for it again. Keeping a clear head might lead you to better opportunities that you may not have considered.
5. Your examination results are NOT your fault. You may find it easier to blame yourself for having missed the opportunity and wish for a different result. However, nothing is set in stone, it just is. And, you have the power to write your own victory story.
The education system’s qualifications measure you on how good you are at following instructions, blindly and say nothing about your own creativity or ideas. Doing poorly or failing an exam is perhaps one of the many hurdles you’ll have to surpass in your life, and there are always possibilities to learn and rise above from failure.
Remember, who you are and be true to that version of you – which is the REAL YOU.
To the parents:
a. DO NOT STRESS THE KIDS WITH YOUR EXPECTATIONS. Trade your expectations with appreciation. They need your full-fledged support and understanding. Appreciate them instead of comparing their scores.
b. Mentor them and share stories of success. The world today is filled with stories of following one’s is passion is way more satisfying and fulfilling. No need to take any hurried decisions.
c. Demonstrate your faith in them and, more importantly your love and respect for them and their effort. Encourage them to keep their head up. When one door closes, go open another.
d. Reach out to those you can trust, a teacher or friend who can guide them on the next steps.
Education is an 18th century phenomenon created for jobs in the Industrialisation era. The world today is moving towards creativity and innovation, which unfortunately is not a part of the curriculum. There are more stories of ‘breaking the box’ thinking than ever before. You name a need and there’s a bunch of youngsters huddling in a room setting up a startup.
Success is determined by your will to succeed in doing what you love which can be of service to others. Yes, education is needed. Yes, it may be disappointing… however….It’s just a school exam. Not a LIFE EXAM. Remember, as an 8-9 months old when you struggled to stand? You fell way many more times than you stood and walked. And, hey, that didn’t stop you from getting up each time you fell down. Right?
Life’s exams will provide you way more opportunities to succeed. Less than 90% could be the best thing that happened to you! Trust me, no one will ask you about it and neither will it matter, a few years down the line.
So, get up and stand tall to fight harder and stronger!
