In the heart of Delhi, nestled among the busy streets and towering buildings, stood one of the most prestigious colleges in India. It was renowned for its rigorous academics and high standards, drawing students from all corners of the country who dreamed of a bright future. Preety, a determined and bright young woman, was one among them.
From the moment Preety stepped onto the college campus, she felt the weight of expectations pressing down on her. The institution prided itself on discipline and excellence, but it came at a cost. The strict rules and intense competition created a pressure cooker environment where stress levels ran high.
Many of Preety’s classmates struggled to cope with the relentless demands. Some cracked under the pressure, succumbing to anxiety and burnout. There were instances of students breaking down in tears during exams or falling ill from exhaustion. Preety witnessed firsthand the toll it took on her peers, and she felt the weight of their collective stress.
Despite her academic prowess, Preety couldn’t escape the all-pervasive atmosphere of anxiety. The constant need to perform at the highest level, coupled with the fear of failure, gnawed at her confidence. She threw herself into her studies, spending late nights in the library and sacrificing weekends to catch up on assignments.
One semester, Preety found herself facing a particularly daunting challenge—a complex project that required creativity, research, and precise execution. The professor had set a tight deadline, leaving little room for error. Preety knew the importance of this project for her grades and future prospects, but as she delved deeper into the requirements, she felt overwhelmed.
The pressure mounted as Preety struggled to make headway. Each attempt to simplify the project only seemed to complicate it further. She revised her plans many times, unsure if she was on the right track. The more she worried about meeting the deadline and impressing her professor, the more her progress stalled.
As days turned into weeks, Preety’s anxiety reached its peak. She became irritable and withdrawn, snapping at friends and family members who tried to offer support. Sleep became elusive as her mind raced with thoughts of failure and disappointment.
It was during one of these restless nights that Preety received a call from her grandmother. Sensing her granddaughter’s distress, she talked to her in details. After listening to everything, she said that it appeared to her that despite Preety’s brilliance and hard work, if she had not found solution to the problem till now, she might well be worrying more instead of thinking. Her grandmother explained the difference between worrying and thinking and shared stories of resilience and perseverance from her own youth. She reminded Preety of the importance of staying calm under pressure and trusting in her abilities.
Listening to her grandmother’s gentle words, Preety felt a sense of clarity wash over her. She realized that her worry was only hindering her progress. Inspired by her grandmother’s wisdom, Preety resolved to change her approach.
The next day, Preety took a break, collecting herself back. She spent the full day in relaxation and meditation. Her breathing exercises brought back vitality in her life. By the end of the day, she realized that out of anxiety, she was only focussing on the problem and not the solution. She now understood that, come what may, she must stay relaxed and focussed on finding solution to the problem.
Preety approached the project with renewed determination this time. Instead of focusing on the enormity of the task, she broke it down into smaller, manageable steps. She prioritized the most critical aspects and sought help from classmates and mentors.
With a clear mind and a strategic plan in place, Preety began to make steady progress. Ideas flowed more freely, and she found creative solutions to challenges that had previously seemed insurmountable. The project that once appeared daunting now felt within reach.
As the deadline approached, Preety remained calm and focused. She presented her project with confidence, showcasing not only her knowledge but also her newfound ability to navigate challenges with resilience and grace.
Preety’s success was celebrated by her peers and professors
alike. More importantly, she had learned a valuable lesson about the power of
relaxation and clear thinking in overcoming obstacles. From that day forward, Preety
approached every challenge with a calm and strategic mindset, knowing that
worry was no longer a barrier to her success. Her journey at the college became
a testament to the importance of resilience and adaptability in achieving one’s
goals amidst adversity.