Looking for advices
Hi, I'm June and this December I'll be taking an entrance interview for a highschool I've been looking forward to attend.
I am horrible at thinking on the go, let alone verbally expressing them. I try to practice every day but school, cram schools, and homework always get in the way. I end up exhausted at the end of the day and waste time by sleeping or just burn time with leisure.
I've come to a point where I am paranoid every second when I am not practicing. I feel guilty for relaxing, but do nothing about it. I end each day by laying in bed and degrade myself by thinking of how lazy and unproductive I was.
I am currently trying my best to make time for my practices and to put aside free time. However, I keep feeling that each second that passes without me practicing is wasteful. I seek for some advices on how to stop feeling so overly guilty and shameful.
@june213
Hello June!😀👋
Thank you for sharing how you're feeling. I totally understand the pressure you're under, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. I’ve been there too! I used to procrastinate and cram, then feel guilty for taking breaks, but I’ve found two strategies that really help me✨: using the 4 quadrants of time management and breaking tasks into smaller chunks.
Here’s how the 4 quadrants work:
1. Urgent and Important: Tasks like your interview prep.
2. Not Urgent but Important: Regular practice and self-care.
3. Urgent but Not Important: Less essential tasks that can be delayed.
4. Not Urgent and Not Important: Distractions that can be minimized.
Another tip is to break big tasks (like practicing for your interview) into smaller, manageable parts. This makes it feel less overwhelming and helps you stay on track without feeling guilty.
Remember, rest is important too! Taking breaks isn’t lazy, it’s an essential investing ability for performing your best. You’re doing great, and you’ve got this! Keep going and be kind to yourself in the process. You’re making progress, and that is something to be proud of!🤩
Sending you lots of encouragement!💙
@june213
Hi June, thank you for sharing how you're feeling - I can tell how much this high school interview means to you, and it's clear that you’re working really hard to prepare for it. 💛 First off, I want to remind you that feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re lazy or unproductive - it means you care deeply, and sometimes caring a lot can feel heavy.
It’s okay to take breaks, and it’s actually essential for your brain to recharge so you can practice more effectively. Think of it like charging your phone - if you keep running it on low battery, it won’t work at its best. You’re not wasting time by resting; you’re fueling yourself for the next step. 🌟❤️
One thing that might help is setting small, specific goals for your practice. For example, instead of thinking, "I need to practice a lot today", try something like, "I’ll practice for 20 minutes and focus on answering two questions." This can make your practice feel more manageable and help you feel accomplished even with a busy schedule. What do you think about this?
Perhaps, scheduling intentional relaxation time could help - treat it as part of your preparation, not as a distraction. For example, tell yourself, "I’ll practice for 30 minutes and then watch a show for 15 minutes to reset." This way, you’re giving yourself permission to relax without guilt.
Lastly, be kind to yourself, June. You’re not lazy - you’re human, and you’re doing your best under a lot of pressure. Reframing those self-critical thoughts with compassionate ones, like "I’ve had a full day, and it’s okay to rest. Tomorrow is a new opportunity to keep trying." 💖
You’ve got this, June! Take it one step at a time, and trust in the effort you’re putting in. Your hard work will shine through! 🌟✨
