Every moment counts for an aspirant during his UPSC preparation days. Considered the toughest exam in India, with competition very stiff, there is the need to study without wasting time. It is said that one should become a saint with no distractions throughout the UPSC preparation journey. But as humans, we are bound to get distracted. Sometimes without even realising it, aspirants end up wasting their valuable time.
Wasting time at this point can take its toll in the most productive 20-30 years. So, how do you find out that you are spending too much time on unnecessary things at the time of preparation, and how to avoid doing that? UPSC mentor and founder of CEO of IASbaba, Mohan Kumar S has some suggestions. He also points out where aspirants tend to waste their time, usually.
VICTIM CARD
In his first thread of a long Twitter thread, Mr. Mohan talks about a very common nature with humans, that is to blame others for personal failures.
He said, “Playing the victim card and seeking other’s approval for your present state or complaining or blaming others for your failure. At the end of the day, remember that it’s YOU who is going to travel alone in this journey!”
OTT
Then, he talks about modern age entertainment like the OTT platform, where aspirants usually go for breaks and end up binge watching. It costs them badly and wastes their time.
DAY DREAMING
His next tweet is about thinking too much and dreaming about the future. In reality, it is wasting time and gives you nothing. He said, “Day dreaming about what will happen or what will you do after getting selected in the civil services. It may be media attention, proud feeling amongst your relatives, marriage proposals.”
After that, he sheds light on one more thing where aspirants spend too much time. “Trying to impress others or your bf/gf, break-ups and its after-effects.” It is really true that after-effects of such things impact you negatively.
RESCHEDULING AND PRODUCTIVENESS
Thereafter, he points out a problem which we all have come across at some point during our college days – rescheduling our study timings. He said, “Rescheduling the study plans over and over again without proper implementation, it really hurts your study.”
His is also against wasting time in useless study groups on social media. He said that being part of unproductive study groups is just wasting time.
WAITING FOR RESULTS
Giving exam, and then relaxing and waiting for results. If you are doing this, then you are wasting your time, he says. “Waiting for results, especially after prelims and post mains exam. Remember that, your sincere peers would always be one step ahead while you are wasting your time predicting the results or thinking about if’s and but’s.”
DISCUSSIONS
Then he suggest avoiding “unwanted and unnecessary discussions with fellow aspirants that which don’t lead to any exchange of ideas etc.”
MAKE YOUR OWN STRATEGY
“Blindly following toppers strategy and ending up nowhere. You should have your own strategy based on your strengths and weakness.” Yes, aspirants love to listen to toppers and then follow their strategies. But, it will not help you in cracking the toughest exam in the country, because strategies should be built according to your own weaknesses and strengths. Then only will it suit you and help you in the exam.
GATHERING INFORMATION
“Focusing on information collection (downloading pdfs, materials etc.) rather than sticking to a single source material. Running behind too many materials and not giving adequate time for revision,” is another waste of time, he points out. It will affect you if you are too much focusing on gathering information rather than studying whatever content you have. So, you should study the best material that you already have and revise it thoroughly.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media is a good tool or bad, it is a distraction or a helper, is a topic of debate. But, too much use of social media is harmful in many ways, at least this is not debatable.
“Ineffective or inefficient use Social media, be it WhatsApp or Telegram. Have seen students joining number of groups especially on telegram. Remember that ‘too much of information can drive away good information’.”
CURRENT AFFAIRS
“Referring to too many institutes’ current affairs rather than sticking to one source.” This is a very genuine problem when it comes to studying current affairs. Aspirants prefer many currents affairs magazines from different sources. But, it can affect your preparation. So he advises to stick to one main source and study well.
He also adds watching porn as a big waste of time for aspirants.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, he says that the problem with most aspirants is that they think they have time. When in reality, time and tide waits for none!
