Even though I failed to fulfil my ultimate goal, I was glad that if I was able to score 84%. I told to myself, “I will definitely get better the next time.” My parents told me that probably I was pressurising myself more than required. I was even told by some people, “This is not your cup of tea Dipshika”.
Even after a two-time failure and my unwillingness to continue with the IT job, I didn’t stop believing in myself. I knew that the third time would either mean everything or nothing. I started my preparations with full force from April and adhered to my timeline as much as possible. My daily routine was waking up at 7, leaving at 8:45 and studying on the way to office. I would read newspaper articles in office and would use my lunchtime to study in the library. While my friends would use the one hour break to chill and actually take a break, I didn’t show my face and headed straight to the library. Sometimes, when my manager wasn’t there, I would use that time to solve questions. I must say, my teammates were really supportive. Having a mentor in your life is so important. I was blessed to have friends and mentors who helped me during tough times and believed in me even if I doubted myself. I used to leave office by 8 pm and reach home at 9:15 pm. After returning home, I would study till 1 or 2. This was my routine for the entire seven months.
On weekends, I dedicated my time to mocks which I started from June. Initially, my mock scores were very low. I would make a graph of all the mock scores - sectionals and total. I also kept noting my strong and weak areas in every mock and applied a different strategy every time till I found the one in which I was the most comfortable in. I followed books for Quants and relied on mock questions for LRDI and VA-RC practice.
Sometimes, I would ask myself, “What if I unable to do it this time?” Even though I was never able to score more than 85 percentile in my mocks, I never gave up. I guess my job was the propeller behind my hard work. But as luck would have it, I fainted just a week before the exam and got 3 stitches on my knee. All I wished was to be able to sit in the chair and perform well. The D-Day went well.
The day before the results, I resigned because I was afraid that if my results were not up to the mark, I would never be able to resign. I had no back-up plans. The results day arrived and I scored 98.49%ile. I could not stop crying. My happiness knew no bounds. I had always dreamt of this day. Even if I achieve a lot of things in future, that day will always remind me of what my potential is, that dreams do come true if you throw yourself all into it. I had calls from all almost top B-Schools. This will be the biggest achievement in my entire life because this is what restored my self-confidence.
As I completed my first year in MDI, I went to the ground and looked up to the sky cherishing each and every moment that made me stronger. I couldn’t have asked for more. During this roller-coaster ride of success and failures, I would think that maybe one day when I achieve my goal, my failures would help as learning for people. I hope my story inspires people to not give up on anything just yet. May the space between where you are and where you want to be, inspire you, always!
***
If you liked this story, you may also be interested in the following:
- My Journey To XLRI Jamshedpur Ft. Shashwat Dharmadhikari | Against All Odds
- From 19 Percentile In VA-RC To 95 Percentile - Against All Odds
- 10 Inspirational Stories To Motivate You | Ft. IIM A, IIM K, XLRI Jamshedpur
- Inspirational Stories Of Aspirants Who Belled CAT In Their 2nd, 3rd and 4th Attempt
Write-up Credits: Dipshika Damani, PGPM (2019-21), MDI Gurgaon
About the Author
Dipshika Damani is a second-year PGPM student at MDI Gurgaon. With a dash of flexibility and a bout of unwavering morale, Dipshika is also described as super fun-loving by her friends. An avid reader and traveller by heart, her dream is to try every adventurous sport possible.
Comments
Shashank Navandhar
Thanks for inspiring, going through same things. I hope, I clear CAT this year. Thank you InsideIIM for stories. I am following this page since 2 years.
9 Apr 2020, 09.18 AM
+Read Replies (1)
Dipsikha Damani
Wishing you all the very best!
9 Apr 2020, 08.20 PM |
Shivesh Gupta
AISKAI National gold medalist in Grappling ( Yupp have certificate and pic with proof )🤠 Antisocial Fitness Non-fiction books Likes to mess with people's head - will be a future HR ✌🏻
Truly inspiring story, thanks for sharing with us.
9 Apr 2020, 07.00 PM
+Read Replies (1)
Dipsikha Damani
Thank you Shivesh :)
9 Apr 2020, 08.21 PM |
shivani biswal
I'm so glad..I found this at the right time..I was very sad today..I'm going through the same plight.. I've been trying but I'm still not up to the mark.. feeling very demotived lately but.. it's too soon to determine..I vow to keep trying.. and big congratulations to dipshika..big inspiration ✨
9 Apr 2020, 08.12 PMEdited
+Read Replies (2)
Dipsikha Damani
Glad you liked it Shivani! Trust me, just believe in yourself. Keep trying. May the force be with you! :)
9 Apr 2020, 08.20 PMEdited |
shivani biswal
Thank you ?
9 Apr 2020, 08.38 PM |
Sharath Gowda R V
Right story at the right time. Going through the same things. Thanks for posting such a inspiring story.
10 Apr 2020, 09.01 AM
Deepanshu Mohan
Congratulations Deepshikha. Even I'm in the same phase right now where you used to be before. This is really a great learning experience ?
10 Apr 2020, 01.09 PMEdited
Sunny Dsouza
Truly inspiring!!!
10 Apr 2020, 03.50 PM
Priyesh Walunj
MBA Aspirant
Thanks, Pratibha & Dipsikha for sharing such an inspirational experience & restoring my hope for my third attempt. Lately, I'm also in the same situation which you have gone through, hopefully this year will be able to clear CAT.
11 Apr 2020, 12.52 AM
Shubham Kumar
Hello ma'am , my scores of 10th 12th and b.sc are 10CGPA 62% and 68% respectively. I wanna know that would I get a chance in IIMs ? If yes , than what should be minimum score that I must get to pursue career in management?
15 Apr 2020, 10.32 AM
Vikrant Kumar
i was searching for similar story...thnks
17 Apr 2020, 08.49 PM
Prince Tripathi
I am fast learner with soft spoken skill. I want became more responsible.
I am too much confused.. Which coaching should i join for online course???
25 Apr 2020, 11.44 PM