Literature students spend a lot of time covering subjects and topics. However, amidst everything else, one of the significant factors that influence your success in the exam is your personality.
Beyond studying and covering the subjects for UGC-NET English Literature or GATE English Literature, a well-rounded personality impacts your overall performance.
Here are some personality traits that can help you excel in competitive exams.
1. “I Can…”
Although the syllabus of UGC-NET is quite big enough to make you feel that you cannot crack it, it is still possible you can sail through it with six to eight months of disciplined study.
There is nothing wrong with the feeling of demotivation. It’s a part of the journey.
I recall my days as a UGC-NET aspirant, and most days in a week or month were full of disappointments.
I realised it’s not the test of your knowledge of literature but how much disappointment you can face and still marching forward.
Many students get so restless and impatient that they curse their parents, friends, teachers, background, coaching classes and YouTubers without taking full responsibility for their careers.
The negative self-talk students often indulge in:
| “Syllabus is huge. I cannot do this.” |
| “I am aged. I don’t have a good memory now.” |
| “UGC-NET is only for intelligent students. It’s not for an average student like me.” |
| “I will forget everything in the examination hall.” |
Consequently, many of the students do not try long enough.
Solution
The solution to all the disappointments and that little negative voice in your head is the two words “I Can…”
Determined to make dreams come true, many successful people believe themselves before the world does. Whether it is the struggle of J.K. Rowling to find a publisher for Harry Potter, or it is Charles Dickens who took writing to support his father’s financial troubles, it is always self-belief that makes people overcome personal hardships.
So every time you are discouraged, saying these magical words, “I Can…” will redirect your energy to possibilities and turn the roadblocks into stepping stones.
“I Can…” is a rallying cry against self-doubt.
These two simple yet powerful words can instantly change the behaviour of your mind, refuelling you with the sources of unwavering determination.
2. “Golden Rule of Will Power”
Now, discipline is not when studying when you are motivated. But it is a habit; even when discouraged, willpower should be practised consistently.
I found the method of daily deadlines the most appropriate one.
As I wake up in the morning, I first decide what needs to be done to take my career as a writer and educator to another level.
If it’s about writing a blog or creating a YouTube video, I mark it at the top of my priority list.
Even when the days are unfavourable, or I do not feel like doing anything, I use willpower to meet my daily deadlines.
I have set up a desktop wallpaper saying:
“Success is hard to get and even harder to maintain.”
I see many teachers boasting about their lifestyle and success on YouTube. Disillusioned with success, teachers stop working hard and learning and innovating to meet the current demand for Literature students.
In such cases, the day is not far when success may evolve into failure. That’s why maintaining success is a more significant challenge than achieving it.
Will-power and discipline help in developing strong work ethics.
You can use your willpower in any endeavour. It’s a matter of a few hours performed consistently over some time.
My rule is: 4 hours. Give 4 hours every day doing the same thing, and over time, you will succeed.
Similarly, the secret to cracking exams like UGC-NET and GATE English Literature lies in pushing yourself consistently even when you do not want to study.
3. Mindful Learning
As studying Buddhism has transformed my life, it is difficult for me to question the core values of Buddhism. I have experienced increased calmness and heightened awareness following mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises.
It was during the Covid lockdown that I took meditation seriously. In the beginning, sitting for 10 minutes was challenging.
However, after a few weeks, I was comfortable meditating for 4 hours with some breaks. Since then, I have never been the same person again.
Even before Covid, I practised mindfulness, the art of staying in the present moment in everyday life, including reading books and studying different subjects.
As UGC-NET English Literature aspirants, we have to manage our time effectively, and it’s impossible to sit for hours doing meditation. So here are a few practical tips that can help you be fully present and engaged in your studies:
| 1. | Distraction-less enviornment. As a committed UGC-NET aspirant, you must log out Instagram and delete the mobile application. Promise yourself that you will install the app only after cracking the exam. |
| 2. | Stick to not more than three subjects for at least fifteen days. This will help you avoid jumping from one topic to another. |
| 3. | Try not to label subjects and topics as hard. No topic is hard if we spend enough time understanding and reflecting on the subject. |
| 4. | Practice deep concentration and daily deadlines without thinking of covering the whole syllabus. It’s always one step at a time. |
| 5. | Do not lose patience on any topic. Read and research more about it online with a calm mind. Stick to mindful breathing. Inhale – exhale consciously as you go throughout the day. |
While studying English Literature is necessary, prioritise self-improvement and preparation to maximise your chances of success in these exams. UGC-NET exam success hinges on your personality, regardless of other factors.
