Unexpected results? How to manage the disappointment

This tension can lead to raging tempers and arguments which create a distance between loved ones. The most important thing to focus on is to think with a calm mind and look after the well-being of your entire family, including yourself. I personally believe that even the unhappiest of outcomes, can’t hold you back when you have drive, determination and self-belief. 

Some ways to manage this: 

*Strengthen Mindset: When we don’t get what we have desperately worked towards, things can turn upside down. Everything you thought of as part of a plan seems to disappear just like that. However, whatever results you achieve, it is not the end of the road. Some of the greatest people in the world faced setbacks and failures. Walt Disney was rejected by 300 investors for his creation of Mickey Mouse; Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, had innumerable failures; Steven Spielberg was rejected from film school three times; JK Rowling’s Harry Potter faced rejection by 12 publishing houses. Stay inspired to strengthen your mindset. Keep working on alternative options, there are different routes you can take if things don’t go as planned.

*Black or White: It’s not unusual to imagine that you are in the worst possible situation and everything bad happens only to you. “I never get what I work for”; “Nothing ever goes right in our family”; “It’s all downhill from here.” This is called a ‘black-and-white’ thinking pattern. This can make you feel hopeless as it blocks you from seeing any middle options. You need to remind yourself that life is a long journey and irrespective of the marks or admission you are hoping for, you can build a meaningful life for yourself.

*Restart your hobbies & co-curricular activities: Going back to these always brings out happiness and joy. Now you have the time to do all those activities that one had to stop before the board exams. Whether it is playing a sport, singing, learning an instrument or art. Dedicate time specially to do that. 

*Personal growth: You are at a crucial stage where you can learn something new or explore a new area of interest. With the internet, learning is now at your fingertips. There are free and paid programmes on websites such as Coursera, Udemy, and YouTube.   

As parents, be vigilant to any change. If you notice your child is not looking or behaving like their usual selves, talk to them. Let them know you’re there for them unconditionally. Sit down with them and listen to understand them. If your child talks of giving up on life, please reach out to a mental health professional immediately.

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