What’s Next?
Hi, I’m a 21-year-old who faced a tough setback in my journey. I took my first exam on January 25 and unfortunately didn’t pass. After successfully completing my foundation in December 2023, I felt like I wasted the whole year due to a lack of discipline and motivation.
I have a science background, having graduated high school in 2022. I registered for the CA program in December 2022, attempted the foundation exam in June 2023, and narrowly missed passing by just 6 marks. However, I did achieve distinction when I retook it in December 2023.
I enrolled in BCom last year and my second semester exams are coming up in about a month. Since my recent failure, I’ve been struggling with guilt, which is affecting my focus and has led to feelings of depression. It feels difficult to move forward.
Sometimes, I find myself comparing my journey to others; I’m 21 and started CA later than many of my peers, which adds to my worries, especially since I have to deal with multiple attempts. I’m planning to take the G2 exam in May.
I’ve already completed Financial Management, but I still need to tackle Costing and Audit. What should I do next? 😔
One response
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and discouraged after facing setbacks, especially when embarking on a challenging journey like pursuing your CA. Here are some thoughts that might help you navigate this situation:
Acknowledge Your Journey: Recognize that passing the foundation exams while balancing your studies in B.Com is a significant achievement. Celebrate that success rather than focusing solely on the failures.
Shift Your Perspective: Instead of viewing your journey through the lens of age or comparison, try to concentrate on your own progress and personal goals. Everyone has their unique timeline, and it’s more important to focus on your growth rather than others’.
Set Manageable Goals: Break down your study plan into smaller, specific goals for each subject. This can help you regain a sense of control and measure progress without becoming overwhelmed.
Create a Routine: Establishing a solid study routine can help improve discipline and consistency. Even small daily habits can accumulate over time and lead to progress.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or mentors for support. Sometimes just talking about your feelings can lighten the burden. Consider joining study groups or online forums where you can connect with others in your situation.
Practice Self-Compassion: It’s okay to feel guilt, but don’t let it undermine your motivation. Be gentle with yourself and remind yourself that setbacks are a part of learning and growth.
Stay Focused on the Present: While it’s good to plan for the future (like G2 in May), try to focus on what you can do today to move forward. Take it one step at a time.
Consider Professional Help: If feelings of depression and guilt persist, it might be helpful to talk to a counselor or therapist. They can help you work through these feelings and build strategies to cope.
Remember, persistence is key in any journey, and it’s completely normal to face bumps along the road. Keep pushing forward, and don’t lose sight of your ultimate goal! You’ve got this!