Imagine yourself in a situation where for once in your life you’re sure about something, actually, sure about yourself. But when it’s tested, you fail. It can really shatter you, can’t it? Even if it’s just a stupid road test.
I’ve been driving since I turned 18. In the past 11 years, I’ve never been caught by a cop for breaking a traffic rule. I’ve scratched my car a couple of times, but that’s about it. My friends (guys and girls) and family have always really appreciated the way I drive. It was something I was quite proud of. But today, I was in for a rude shock.
Out of a long list of things to do, one of the major tasks for me was to get a driver’s license in the US. I tried and prepared for the writing test, but I flunked the first one for just one question. It was frustrating, but I was fine with it. The driving rules in the US are quite different, so it didn’t affect me much. Now comes the road test. Everyone around me was so confident that I’ll crack it. I took a one hour lesson, and the instructor thought the same. But today, during my test, I made just one slight error and I flunked it. I still can’t believe it, but I did.
I am still quite upset about it, and I started thinking about why it happened. I blamed luck, cause according to me, I’ve faced challenges with everything I’ve tried to start here, from school admission to visa transfer to a driver’s license. This one step back made me start thinking. I am struggling to see the positive part in this one, and maybe I’ll keep wondering for a while.
Although, I did reach one conclusion – When you’re confident about something, even one minor setback can change everything. It can push you back ten folds, even shatter your self confidence/ self esteem. It can affect you in an unimaginable way. People around you might not even understand how such a small meaningless thing can affect someone. But for you, it was something you held close to your heart, and maybe thought that being the useless person he/ she is, at least one thing was under control. But obviously not!
It also encouraged the philosopher in me. When you’re facing a test, and you see a red light, make sure to stop and then take the right turn. Just slowing down but going ahead anyway might fail you. Well, sorry. I didn’t say it was a good side.