Let’s see a show of hands, how many of you like tests? Don’t worry, chances are no one else raised their hand either. After all, when we think about tests we usually think about exams and the countless hours of study and sleepless nights associated with them. But that’s not the real reason we hate them.
We really hate them because there’s a chance of failure. More than that, our failures are recorded and compared to everyone who took the test. Talk about kicking you while you’re down. It’s no wonder why people are always stressed when exam time rolls around, it’s basically intelligence Olympics and no one wants to let their country down.
I’m here , though, to tell you why we need tests and why you need to love them. Tests are everywhere whether you’re aware of them or not. Are you gonna get up on time? That’s a test. Are you gonna suck it up today and go to the gym even though you feel like crap? That’s a test. Are you gonna eat according to your diet or bust out the bag of chips tonight after a long day? That’s a test. Tests like these keep us on track and the accumulated passes and fails make a huge difference in where we end up. However, those are the minor tests, the quizzes if you will. Skipping one of those won’t have that much of an impact on your final grade. Let’s talk about the exams.
These are the life changers. Fail one and you may never recover. Skip one and you’re pretty much bumped out of contention for that 4.0. I’m talking about things like choosing to pursue a better education, a better career, something that you’ve never done, making a lifestyle change. Things that make you stick your neck out and put your reputation on the line. Things that make you uncomfortable. The things that are optional but really separate people from the rest of the pack. Tests force us to prove ourselves, prepare ourselves, and in some instances deal with the reality of failure. Life is not sure thing, so contrary to popular belief you shouldn’t strive to be just comfortable if you want to progress. Challenge yourself on a regular basis and you’ll be ahead of most people just by showing up. You and you alone are responsible for the success and direction of your life. Don’t be irresponsible, get tested.
