10 Lifestyle Changes To Crack The UPSC Exam

10 Lifestyle Changes To Crack The UPSC Exam: The UPSC Civil Services exam is widely known as one of the most challenging exams. It is often referred to as ‘The mother of all Exams’. Aspirants are chosen for extremely important roles in the country’s Public Service. The selection process consists of three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test.

The extensive syllabus leads teachers to humorously say to candidates, “Everything under the Sun is your Syllabus.” Besides extensive reading, studying, and writing, certain behavioural and lifestyle traits can make the journey towards becoming a civil servant easier. Here is a list of 10 Lifestyle Changes To Crack The UPSC Exam that will significantly contribute to your success.

1. Discipline:

Discipline is a highly valued trait when it comes to achieving any goal, especially when the task at hand is considerable. Aspirants often start with great enthusiasm but gradually lose their motivation and engage in unnecessary activities. To combat this, it is essential to plan your course effectively and execute it well. Two important aspects to consider in planning are to have a six-day week instead of seven, with one buffer day, and to avoid overloading your daily plan. Focus on tasks like reading the newspaper, attending classes (if any), and revising class material in the initial stages. As you progress, gradually introduce revision loops for completed subjects. Avoid distractions, especially social media. Once you meet your weekly targets, you can enjoy leisure activities on your buffer day. Always remember why you chose a career in Civil Services, as this will help keep you on track.

2. Patience:

The saying, “Patience is the key to success,” holds true for UPSC exam preparation. With such a vast syllabus, it is challenging to grasp all the concepts at once. Mastery over concepts, the ability to connect them, and developing answer writing skills all take time. It’s important to remember that good things take time, and clearing this exam is a great achievement. Be patient and invest the necessary time, knowing that you will eventually see positive results.

3. Consistency:

While it is true that things take time, it doesn’t mean that you should wait for things to happen on their own. Consistency is key throughout your preparation journey. Unlike school or college exams where last-minute cramming may suffice, UPSC requires consistent effort. While unavoidable disruptions may occur, such as illness, family gatherings, or festivals, always strive to bounce back and return to your routine as soon as possible. Avoid distractions during crucial stages of preparation and make reading newspapers a consistent daily habit.

4. Avoid Procrastination:

As the famous saying by Sant Kabir goes, “Kal kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so ab; Pal me Pralay Hoegi Bahuri karega kab,” meaning that whatever you have to do tomorrow, do it today; whatever you have to do today, do it now. Time flies, and life is too short to waste. As an aspirant, it’s common to procrastinate due to pressure or excessive stress. However, remember that your competitors are aware of the concepts you are procrastinating. Keep a pocket diary to jot down any doubts you have during the day, and later clarify them using the internet. This will give you an edge over your competitors as you progress in your preparation.

5. Optimism:

Learn from your own mistakes and the mistakes of others. For example, if you struggle with sectional or mock tests, don’t let initial failures demotivate you from continuing to take them. Accept that mistakes will happen, but strive to avoid repeating the same errors. Embrace a positive mindset that views mistakes as opportunities to learn. Seek guidance from mentors, listen to their suggestions, and see what works for you. Having the right mindset will make your preparation journey much smoother.

6. Enjoy the Process:

M.S. Dhoni, one of India’s most successful cricket captains, often emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process rather than the result. While results are crucial, it’s equally important to enjoy the journey itself. By finding joy in the process, your chances of achieving favorable results increase. As an aspirant, avoid obsessing over the end result. Focus on making efforts in the right direction and leave the outcome to destiny. If you encounter any challenges along the way, take responsibility for your efforts and make necessary adjustments.

7. Fix your Biological Clock:

Maintain a consistent schedule for waking up, sleeping, and meal times. Getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep is crucial for feeling refreshed and retaining concepts effectively. Research suggests that the early morning hours are when the brain operates at maximum efficiency, so consider waking up early. Avoid daydreaming, as it only wastes time. Some individuals may prefer studying late at night, but it’s important not to continue throughout the entire night and sleep during the day. This can have negative effects on your health and mental capabilities. Adopt sustainable methods for marathon-like preparation.

8. Eat well:

Incorporate a balanced diet into your daily routine. A good diet will provide your body with the necessary nutrients to function well under stress. It will also help you avoid falling ill. Avoid consuming alcohol, cigarettes, or any psychotropic drugs, as these distractions are unnecessary during this critical stage of your life. Remember, a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.

9. Engage in mild physical activity:

Studying for long hours can leave you mentally exhausted while physically remaining unexhausted. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep. To combat this, engage in mild physical activities such as running, walking, joining a gym, or practicing yoga to help relax your mind. Choose an option that suits your preferences.

10. Avoid flaunting and arrogance:

Aspirants often tend to flaunt their knowledge, especially regarding current affairs. However, this flaunting can lead to arrogance. Once arrogance sets in, your ability to learn diminishes. Remember that learning is a lifelong process. Once you enter the services, the real learning begins. Be humble, open to new knowledge, and willing to help others who may be weak in certain areas. Demonstrating humility and willingness to learn will contribute to your success.

In conclusion, while multiple factors contribute to success in the UPSC exam, adopting these Lifestyle Changes To Crack The UPSC Exam can significantly enhance your chances. Stay disciplined, patient, consistent, and optimistic. Enjoy the process, fix your biological clock, maintain a balanced diet, engage in mild physical activity, and avoid flaunting or arrogance. By incorporating these traits into your preparation, you will be better equipped to crack the UPSC exam and achieve your goal of becoming a civil servant.