How to tackle failures in CA exams?

In the words of the founder of Honda Motors, Mr. Soichiro Honda, 'Success represents the 1% of your work which results from the 99% that is called failure.'

Failure will cross your path very often on your journey of success. But through those failures, you can learn some really important lessons. Although wading through failure hurts and at times, the pain can run so deep that you question the very need to continue with the journey. No doubt, this journey will be tough, in fact, tougher than you think, but when you'll reach your goal, it'll all be worth it.

If you learn from your failures, you haven't really lost. So, here's how you can learn from your failures and turn them into success:

Acknowledge your mistakes

'When you make a mistake, there are only three things you should ever do about it: admit it, learn from it, and don't repeat it.' - Paul Bear Bryant

You cannot continue doing the same mistakes and expect different results. If the things didn't shape the way you wanted them to be, you're required to re-evaluate your approach/strategy, identify & acknowledge your own mistakes rather than hiding behind excuses (from blaming your luck to blaming ICAI for tough exams), and be prepared to make the necessary changes.

Reinforce your self-belief

'If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.' - M. K. Gandhi

At times, a failure may take a toll on your self-belief but Persistence is the key. Persistence is the measurement of your belief in yourself. So, it's time to gather some courage and reinforce your self-belief.

Better preparation

'Most people have the will to win, but few have the will to prepare to win.' - Bobby Knight

Preparation is what turns an ordinary performance into extraordinary by making your approach proactive instead of reactive. Preparation is a skill that can be learned and which, with discipline and experience, improves over time. All the mistakes identified during the re-evaluation of your approach can only be rectified through better preparation.

Discipline & Focus

'Discipline is doing what needs to be done, even when you don't want to.'

Boredom is often a companion of studies and the mind's pull is strong to move the student away from its focus. This is where discipline will come handy. A discipline would make sure the student sticks and stays true to the objective. A disciplined & honest effort invariably bears fruit. 

Sacrifice

'If you don't sacrifice for what you want, what you want becomes the sacrifice.'

There is a price you must pay to get what you want in life. If you're not willing to make the necessary sacrifices to attain your goals and objectives, then you will fail to create the momentum you need to get your desired outcomes. If you want to succeed, then you will need to sacrifice many things (like your comfort, time, money, temporary pleasures) in the process.

Do Not Give up

'It's hard to beat a person who never gives up.' - Babe Ruth

It doesn't matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. After all, it's your fight, a fight against all odds and in order to win this fight, you must stay in the fight.

And finally on a personal note, for all those who might blame luck for their failure in CA exams, here's a note that my sister left for me when I had failed for the 5th time in CA final exams:

'Victory awaits him who has everything in order, Luck we call it. Defeat is definitely due for him, who has neglected to take the necessary action, Bad luck we call it.'

The author can also be reached at Reclaim360@gmail.com