It is becoming increasingly common these days to find students at the higher secondary level and above suffering from a self-defeating syndrome, particularly when they are expected to take a call on their higher education. What makes this situation alarming is that many students resort to unwanted self-labelling that actually demolishes their inner self-potential. This is totally unwarranted and can be avoided with professional guidance and help.
I have come across many young students who fall prey to this self-defeating syndrome, which brings in a certain palpable amount of anxiety and stress on themselves and their parents with regard to their higher education choices. In some cases, it is also caused by the forced aspirations of the parents on their children, which is also very common these days. In addition, the unhealthy competitive behaviour of peers around the youngsters also acts as a contributing factor in this pressurised situation.
The pandemic seems to have made matters worse for the students since they are not in a natural academic environment due to a prolonged stay at home. The secluded situation in which the youngsters have to attend various online courses, seminars and coaching classes have in a way made the world of higher education a scary future for many.
As a human resource mentor, I would like to state that this situation can be very easily handled fundamentally by adapting to a systematic ‘looking within the self’ approach. There is nothing beyond the reach of individuals, particularly young students if they are to believe in themselves and their potential. In the first place, there must be no reason for fear or worry about not being able to perform in any situation. In most cases, these fears are not real and are only a perception of a vague thought that crosses the mind. If this can be discussed with parents and close friends, it will do a world of good for youngsters. The key to success is very much in the youngsters’ hands and they should unlock themselves from their imaginary self-defeat.
