Success is a VARIABLE!

 

The most repeated question: “Is there really a shortcut to success?”

The answer to this varies greatly from one person to another. Some people ascribe success to dedicated efforts while others believe that its destiny/luck that plays it hugest part in attaining success. Well, this is one of those question types which has no “right” or “wrong” answer. Our experiences have solidified into our belief systems over a period of time, and hence what worked for us became our reality.

After so many years of experience with IELTS Training, I have realized that for every student the success is derived from varied factors, although the common remains, taking the “smart way” rather than the “hard way”.

That “smart way” simply means what is desirous from examiner’s point of view, what is the present level of the candidate, and what practically achievable plan can be made looking at the time period left for the exam. This, though, needs a skill in itself. With guidance from expert, of course, it becomes very easy. May be, this is what you can term as “shortcut to success”, that is, reaching there with calculated efforts within the limited time frame.

Later or sooner, difficult or easier - that's not what shall matter. What shall really matter is that you did the right things required to do at the right time, and also if you utilized your time to come to the right plan that would work for you. In the next post, I will discuss how to make that plan for yourself, and most importantly what all criteria to consider?

Also, success has varied meanings. For instance, for one student attaining a Band 7 in IELTS after a month’s training is achievement, and for some attaining Band 6 after a week’s preparation is success. For some, just crossing the threshold of band 6.5 is enough, and for others, band 7 isn’t a success too, and these later kind of students take a re-test to achieve a greater band score. She was the one whom I rated always a 7+ band in my test evaluations, and still in her first attempt she could score only Band 6. This though had to do with her severe health issue that day despite of which she attended the test, and hence the low score.

Her Score in First Attempt

Her result shook us both but her grit to achieve the higher band made her to take a re-test in just 2 week's time. I was with her continuously in the journey, as a guide, and a friend too! She finally aced it by achieving 7.5 Band! Sharing her result with immense pleasure as every success of my student means a huge glass of chilled cold coffee, and that ear-to-ear smile of making him/her succeed in life. The contentment this profession provides is unparalleled to anything else on this planet!

Her Score in Second Attempt!

I always have been sharing with anybody who cares to listen that it would be just that SOMEDAY, when you would decide to do well, and thereafter you would! Also, what is it that people call "failure" is just a "push towards action" phase! We turn around things only when we are deeply hurt else did you ever hear about somebody who moved mountains by sitting in the shade?

I have dealt with all kinds of personalities in my more than a decade long career, and I find it very intriguing the way success modifies its meaning with every individual’s desires and capabilities. This makes me wonder that would it ever be possible for us to define the “success” in general term? If this term is so malleable, then how would one define it within some boundaries!

Do post in comments what success means to you….