CAT 2024: How to battle imposter syndrome during CAT Preparation

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Stop Catastrophizing

We often try to imagine the worst-case scenarios. Catastrophizing means that a person fixates on the worst possible outcome and treats it as likely, even when it’s not.

What if I don’t get my desired percentile? What if I don’t clear the sectional cutoff of my worst section? What if despite getting the percentile, I don’t get the call? Will I even convert the Call?

This creates a repetitive negative loop that makes you feel stuck, rooted in fear. It means you are unable to go forward.

You have a few ways to conquer this. The first step is to acknowledge that these unpleasant things can come true. Nothing in life is guaranteed or owed to you. Once you acknowledge this, it feels easier to accept that the opposite can be true as well. You can fail, but you can also succeed. You can fall, and you can soar. Define your thoughts and ground yourself. Don’t let these thoughts overpower you. Practice positive affirmations and break the chain of negative self-defeating thoughts that stop you from doing your best. You cannot give up before you finish.

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FOMO or “CAT Prep Material” Anxiety

We live in the digital age. For better or for worse, there are ample resources available to us. There are multiple coachings, online PDF links, worksheets, and n no. of mocks to give. We are surrounded by noise, and it's common to feel that we are not doing enough. We have to acknowledge that it's practically impossible to complete everything from everywhere with the same consistency.

Instead of diversifying your sources, try narrowing down your focus and making sure that whatever you do, you do perfectly.

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Social Media and “Peacocking”

We all know that person who always keeps their Instagram/Twitter/LinkedIn in sync with what they are doing. From the outside, their life seems shiny and you end up comparing yourself with them. Their study table seems more organized in the snap, and their schedule is more ambitious. Comparison is the killer of joy. Affirm to yourself that you need to look inside and evaluate yourself independently. Social media is a tool to be used, and should not be the master of your emotions. You should dictate its use, and limit your screen time. It's easy to get stuck on a Reddit thread and get lost in a rabbit hole when you could have completed your daily targets. The reins are firmly in your hand and you should be able to manage these externalities. Your time is precious and limited, you should use it consciously.

Self-Care and Time Away from Preparation.

CAT preparation should take a big chunk of your day, but it should never take over your entire day, and hence your entire life. Create breaks for you to take time away. Spend it with family, or close friends, or engage in a hobby that you enjoy. These breaks ensure that you remain highly productive and your spirit is rejuvenated. Practice mindfulness and keep yourself in the best condition, the road to your dreams is long and hard, and it would be best to not get weary.

The author of this article, Sukirti Payasi, scored 99.55 percentile in CAT 2023 and will be joining FMS (2024-26). She is a Philosophy post-grad who loves spending time with a new book and playing video games. You can connect with her on Linkedin!

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