“How to be able to approach things independently? I’m preparing for a competitive exam and things feel really heavy right now. I was never a mediocre but I feel like I’m becoming. I feel like everyone is ahead of me. I’ve never struggled academically and that’s why it’s hurting me the most”
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Someone answered with kindness...
Take and acknowledge where are you exactly in the competition first and don't feel bad of it, it's the part of game.
Now start looking and try to find what more I can do to lift myself up towards the competition and put me in my best form to compete, and what or how I was the best in the past (I mean when you were best). You'll surely get some clues dear.