Considering running for competitive examinations is a difficult decision. It is true that the reward of getting one of the places offered is enormous satisfaction . We get the job that we like and it is also a stable job with a remuneration protected by state law. However, getting to the square is very difficult for different reasons .

On the one hand, for reasons directly related to the call. The syllabus to be studied is usually extensive and is sometimes accompanied by the preparation of physical tests . In addition, the number of places is usually minimal in relation to the number of candidates for them.

Below we will give some tips to prepare psychologically for a competitive exam. Adapting the well-known saying we could say that the opponent is not born, he is made.

Analyze your personal situation and that of the current call

Deciding to become an opponent is not a decision to be made lightly. It is a difficult goal and often very long-term . The way to get there is very difficult.

When we say that you analyze your personal situation, we mean all aspects of it. What obligations do you have? Family , work, hobbies … everything counts as your life will be reorganized around the new goal.

This analysis includes knowing what your supports are and if they will be able to accompany you during this period of preparation for the oppositions.

As for knowing the situation of the current call, it is important to create realistic expectations . The number of places available and the ratio between places and participants will allow us to know if we can be more or less positive.

Too optimistic or too pessimistic expectations unequivocally lead the opponent to feel great frustration . The first one, by staying out without having raised it, and the second, being too negative, implies that studying, already difficult in itself, becomes a torment.

What level of dedication do you decide to contribute to the preparation?

Depending on your personal situation and the competitions to which you appear, you can determine how much dedication and effort you are going to dedicate to the preparation.

The situation of a young man who has just finished his studies and can dedicate himself body and soul to the opposition is not the same, having the economic and social support and family and environment . That that opponent who starts out on the road with a job and a family among his responsibilities.

This dedication is not something that is done in the short term but is usually done several years from now , so it is important to set a goal .

If, for example, I have little time for study, maybe I will consider the longer-term oppositions since with the time I have I will not be able to reach the required level until later.

Think that it will be a life change

Now that we have decided that it is something we want, that we know that we have the time and the necessary support and that we have set the objective, we advise you to look at what it really means to become an opponent.

Preparing an opposition, even if it is not seen from the outside first, implies a change of life . Studying is one more job that, if you just dedicate yourself to it, involves even more hours than a job. In addition, it is not paid (you can say that you pay for it) and part of your environment will not understand it, which leads to great wear and tear.

Mentalize yourself before getting involved in it that you will miss many activities that you would like to do and you will say no to many plans . Your life is organized around study and preparation, and that approach may not have the support of your circle of friends .

In addition, the time dedicated to activities other than the fundamental ones will be limited, which produces a relative feeling of stagnation, especially at the social level . Do not despair because you will find people along the way who will help you a lot.

Let your emotions flow

The preparation period is very complicated on an emotional level . You will have to prepare for strong mood swings and sometimes motivational highs . Both variations are partly inexplicable and partly the result of the fatigue that will accumulate.

It is important that you know that your mood will affect your study . That, many times, you will not be able to fulfill your perfect organization and achieve all the small objectives that you set for yourself. In those moments stop and reflect, unburden yourself with someone and share it with your loved ones.

It is likely that they do not understand you, so we recommend that when you start studying you open yourself up to meet new people who are on the same path as you and they can be of great help.

As many preparers often comment , the opponent is a roller coaster of emotions . The more he knows you and the better, the easier it will be to face difficulties.

In the event that it becomes very complicated or that you feel that your frustrations, sadness … are too much for you alone, it is also advisable to have the help of a clinical psychologist .

It is difficult but it is not impossible

Everything we have told you so far may seem daunting, but far from it. The reality is what it is, complicated, and we can not change it, but it does not imply that we cannot achieve it .

Getting a place in competitive examinations is something that the best achieve and they do not stop needing some luck. If that’s what you want, go ahead . You will have time to try other paths if it does not work out. Because life does not end in the oppositions, although it sometimes seems like it. Don’t stop trying just because it seems difficult.

With the advice to create adequate expectations that we have given you, you will be psychologically prepared to face the preparation. Cheer up and good luck!