Robert Sithole lends some inspiration to his fellow student doctors as they face potential failures in work and exams.
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Failing an exam as a medical student hit me hard. I still remember that sinking feeling when I saw my failing grade on a major anatomy exam during my second year. It felt like all my late-night study sessions and sacrifices had been for nothing. I even questioned my decision to pursue medicine, wondering if I was cut out for this path. Everything starts falling out of place, your decision making skills hang on a balance. There is truly a lot that goes on knee mind after experiencing failure.
That experience was a turning point for me. It forced me to re-evaluate my study habits, seek help when needed, and most importantly, develop resilience. Looking back, I realise that failure wasn't the end of the world; it was just a detour on my journey to becoming a doctor.
I learned from psychologist Carol Dweck that our beliefs about intelligence and abilities can significantly impact how we respond to failure. I resonated with her idea of a growth mindset, where abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset helped me navigate through my feelings of disappointment and self-doubt.
To overcome exam failure, I adopted a growth mindset as my mantra. Instead of viewing failure as a reflection of my abilities, I saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Angela Duckworth's emphasis on grit and perseverance also struck a chord with me. I realised that grit was what I needed to push through the tough times and keep my eyes on the prize.
Embracing grit meant not giving up in the face of adversity. It meant acknowledging my mistakes, learning from them, and continuing to work towards my goals. Reflecting on what went wrong, I identified areas for improvement and created a plan to address them. I reached out to peers and professors for support, and I was surprised by how many people were willing to help.
I also took Barbara Oakley's advice to heart and experimented with different study techniques. I found that spaced repetition and active recall worked best for me, helping me retain information more effectively. These techniques not only improved my grades but also boosted my confidence in my ability to succeed.
Maintaining a positive attitude was key throughout this journey. Surrounding myself with supportive people, engaging in activities that brought me joy, and celebrating small victories along the way kept me motivated. I learned to embrace setbacks as a natural part of the learning process, leading to greater resilience and growth.
In conclusion, failing an exam as a medical student is undoubtedly challenging, but it's not the end of the world. With a growth mindset, support from others, effective study habits, and a positive attitude, I was able to overcome this setback and continue on my journey to becoming a doctor. As Thomas Edison once said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Embracing failure as a stepping stone to success has made me better equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead.
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