Look at your Strength and Weakness: Great Way to Develop Self-Confidence

I recently graduated in statistics (second division). I was in the medical stream with maths in Class 11 and Class 12. At present, I am not doing anything but I am planning to do a foreign language course. I wanted to do my master's but could not get admission due to my performance in college. I lack self-confidence due to which I didn't perform well. I do not know what field to pursue. Please help.

-Tense

A lot of people get confused about their future at this stage of their lives. Many of them discover much later in life what they are really passionate about. So, don't get too worried if you have not been able to figure things out yet. You need some organisation in your life.

Start by deciding what interests you the most. Then do some research, find out about the careers related to that field, what are the requirements and then decide upon the course of your education. Consider this as a gap year and work towards taking admission in the master's programme of your choice. It is never too late to pursue what you want to do. Take your time. Slow down. Make a sound decision and then move forward. Do not think about competing with your friends or peers. Everyone is struggling with their career in this phase of life. Just have an open mind, explore the areas you like, and go for it. If you are unable to identify your aptitude, take a career counsellor's help.

Self-confidence develops due to a number of reasons - strong interpersonal relationships, successful career, attractiveness and a strong sense of self, to name a few. If you do not feel very confident about your choice of career, try to focus on the part of your life you are really proud of. Try to build your self-confidence based on those factors. Look at your strengths as well as your weaknesses. When you start feeling good about yourself, it comes across in front of others. Once you have confidence in yourself and your abilities, you will start doing better in your academics and career as well.

My son is in Class 9 in a reputable school. He has been losing his grades in class for the last three years. We have been helping him with the assistance of his school teachers and have aided him with special tutorials. He is a normal child who loves life and has no vices, but is extremely lazy. His teacher says that he is a bright boy but does like not to work hard. We have tried to motivate him but he continues to lie and make excuses to avoid doing his assignments, tests etc. He has been to time management workshops and a hypnotherapy session. We are extremely worried for him. How do we shake him up?

-S Rodrigues