Best practices we can inculcate to stay future-ready in uncertain times: are you ready to act?

Jul 08, 2021

Best practices we can inculcate to stay future-ready in uncertain times: are you ready to act?

The cancellation of the Class XII exams across various states in India due to the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis has left students, parents and various stakeholders of the education ecosystem concerned about the way forward for the batch of students who would not have the traditional exam results to determine their future course of action. Though the education boards have already announced the alternate assessment criteria for determining college placements– it does leave many in uncertainty over what lies ahead.

What are some of the best practices we can inculcate to be future-ready in the midst of uncertainty? Are you ready to ACT – Accept, Contemplate, Thrive.

ACCEPT : Though it may sound like a simple term, ‘acceptance’ is an age-old value propagated by the wisest men across different eras and societies. Reinhold Nienbuhr, an American theologist and social commentator in his ‘Serenity Prayer asks for ‘serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.’

During the difficult times of this pandemic, we must seek the serenity to accept that there are certain things we cannot change, some that we can and that positive, yet pragmatic thinking will help us work to the best of our capabilities. There is no point in bemoaning things, crying or wishing that things would be different because this behavior cannot change reality as you know it. While it is natural to feel confused, insecure or anxious over what is happening around us, it necessary to stay calm and collected so that the decisions we take will be from a place of clarity and not anxiety. The first step toward developing this calm demeanor is to ACCEPT the situation as it is.

CONTEMPLATE : The next step is to ‘CONTEMPLATE’ – to review the various options that you have before you. Understand that this is an unprecedented situation for the Government and educational institutions as we patiently for them to spell out the way forward.  Till then, make a list of the colleges you would like to apply for or early-career programs that you might be interested in. Keep yourself updated on alternate eligibility criteria by referring to the official websites of colleges and programs and do not rely on social media alone. Do not encourage false spreading of news and fear mongering via social media. Instead, reflect a positive mindset to your parents and family members.

THRIVE : The smartest and most successful people in the world are those who are resilient and adaptive no matter what the situation may be. Keep alternate plans for your future in mind and do not pin all your hopes on only one college or one degree option. Keep yourself updated on the benefits of
early-career programs and career training programs like HCL Tech Bee.  As you wait for more clarity on your future, make sure to find diverse avenues to express yourself through learning new skills or enjoying your hobbies. Above all, work on developing a disciplined routine which paves way for your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual growth. All of this will ensure that you will THRIVE from within, no matter what the external situations may be.