Your Enemies at SSB: Fear and Expectation

When you reach the station while reporting for SSB, many of your hearts are thumping with fear, expectations, anticipation. But let me tell you, fear and expectation are the two things which are sure to bring your performance level down in SSB. Anticipation is okay, it is quiet natural to anticipate something which you have never been through, but for the repeaters even anticipation should not be there, as you have already been through that process once, so you know what all is awaiting.

Okay so let us see what all are the causes of fear when you go to SSB. In most cases it is the anticipation which turns into fear, as there is a very thin line between the two. So let’s say you reach the station, where you had to report. You see so many candidates, some with typical formal attire, and beaming confidence on their face, some with excellent communication skills, some with flaunting Fauji background and some with tons of knowledge. Now think yourself, how long does it take us to know somebody completely? A day, a month, a year & sometimes a lifetime. It is very difficult to judge somebody in just few hours of conversation or observation; why else do you think SSB keeps you for 6 days? So instead of getting affected from the people in your surrounding and thinking that they are superior just concentrate on yourself. Mentally revise what all you need to do in the upcoming task.

I can surely write an entire article on what are the causes of fear in SSB! Okay, so wait for that one!

You have been this all-rounder student in your school/college. Everybody appreciates that way you sincerely carry out everything, be it studies or extra-curricular. You have been the leader, class representative, captain. You have excelled in studies. You are an example for your siblings. Your parents and teachers have high expectations from you, in turn you have high expectations out of yourself. Chances are you have failed in SSB a few times. It is very obvious to have expectations, but rather than giving time in expecting something, give that time to prepare.

A friend of mine, now a serving officer in the forces, told me his state of mind in his SSB. He went for NDA Entry, just out of school. Got demoralized at the station itself, seeing that many candidates were so confident, all by themselves there, and he had his father with him. He had been told that SSB people start observing you from the station itself, and only those who keep the luggage on the bus are selected. He got further demoralized when he saw that forget about other people’s luggage, he couldn’t even keep his own luggage on the bus, as somebody else already snatched it and kept. Then he lost all hope, he said that there was no fear left inside him after that, and no expectations even. He just thought to give his best and didn’t think about the result. And he got through.

I would conclude by saying that there is no place for fear and no place for expectation when you go for SSB. Your focus should be on giving your best. Without any expectation or worry about the result. SSB is looking for OLQ’s if you have them you’ll be there. All the Best.