Overcoming Anxiety: How to Dare to Dream in Your Teaching Career

How can one have the courage to pursue their dreams?

Preparing for the teacher recruitment exam has been stressful lately, causing discomfort in my stomach and palpitations.
I feel like everything is due to my inability to calm my mind, which is constantly anxious and unsure of what to do.

Looking at my classmates, they always seem to have goals, the courage to dream, and confidence.
They believe that as long as they pass the preliminary and final exams (teaching demonstration and oral exam), they will practice with confidence and have their own ideas and concepts.
For me, I actually find the written exam easier; it’s the later stages that are difficult.
However, everyone else thinks the later stages are simple and that they just need to secure their entry ticket by passing the initial exam.
This mindset makes it hard for me to fully commit to my exam preparations because I feel that no one can help me in the second round (it’s practically a test of networking).
I feel like I don’t have many friends; everyone is busy with their own matters.
Plus, if I don’t have a concept, who will help me think things through? Everyone has their own issues to deal with.

This is also my pain because it feels like everyone is nice normally, but at times like this, I feel like I have no friends.
It feels like a denial of myself.
I wonder if all the relationships I’ve built are fake.
I don’t know if it’s because I’m too anxious that these nonsensical thoughts arise, yet they trouble me, leaving me unmotivated.
I even wonder if I’m just making excuses for myself.
I envy everyone who can boldly express their aspirations to become a formal teacher and articulate their desires.
Why am I afraid that I can’t do it, to the point that I don’t even dare to think or say it? Maybe I’m just too scared of disappointment! It seems I need to dare to dream too.
How can someone like me exist? I can’t even dare to think about my own future? (This makes me so angry!)
I still carry the shadows of the past, feeling that even if I pass the preliminary exam, no one can help me.
After teaching for so many years (as a substitute), I still feel like I don’t know how to teach.
I see others getting guidance and their minds filled with creative ideas, sparking motivation and developing activities, while I feel insecure and doubt my abilities.
Watching my classmates practice their teaching demonstrations, I wonder when I will have confidence and when I can dare to pursue my dreams.
The thought that I can’t do it keeps troubling me, especially in the last few days.
I know I need to study, but I can’t settle down because I realize this exam is crucial for my job prospects for the year! I know I need to calm my mind, but these worries keep nagging at me.
How can I correct this? At the very least, I want to find some peace in the next few days to complete the exam.
Please give me some advice.
Thank you.

sel, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/07/01

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Stomach discomfort can indeed be related to anxiety.
There are several different approaches to overcoming anxiety.
The first is to understand the reasons behind your anxiety.
Facing an exam is often a significant source of stress for many people.
You can start by envisioning the worst possible outcome and consider what the consequences would be if it actually happened, as well as what actions you could take in response.
(For example, if you don't pass this exam, you can prepare thoroughly for the next one or look for other job opportunities, etc.
Not passing is not the end of the world; there are always different paths and choices available.) When you have a plan for the worst-case scenario, it often helps to instill a sense of certainty, allowing you to calm down and face the current challenges, because the worst outcome may not necessarily occur, and even if it does, you know how to handle it.
If your anxiety stems from comparing yourself to others, remind yourself to stop making those comparisons.
Everyone has different personalities and backgrounds, and the preparation methods that work for one person may not work for another.
Focus on your own exam preparation and ensure that you are doing your best; that is sufficient.
"Do your best and leave the rest to fate." Sometimes, the outcome is not entirely within our control, and accepting this can help reduce anxiety.
Exams are taken step by step; once you pass the first hurdle, you can then worry about the second.
The best remedy for worry is to prepare as thoroughly as possible and mentally prepare for the worst outcome.
Moreover, the worst may not even happen.
If you can handle the worst-case scenario, there is no need to worry about anything else.
People are most confident when they are being themselves; when they try to imitate others, they often feel unnatural and insecure.
Therefore, our advice for oral exams is usually to present your strengths without trying to mimic others.
When you find it hard to calm down, it can be helpful to start preparing with the topics you are most confident and interested in.
Wishing you success in your exam!

Reply Date: 2011/07/01

More Info

Overcoming anxiety, especially in the context of preparing for a teaching examination, is a challenge many aspiring educators face. Your feelings of nervousness, self-doubt, and comparison to peers are common, and it's important to recognize that you are not alone in this experience. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this difficult time and dare to dream about your teaching career.

Understanding Your Anxiety
First, it's crucial to understand that anxiety is a natural response to stress, particularly when facing significant life events like exams. The pressure to perform well can lead to physical symptoms such as stomach discomfort and heart palpitations, as you've described. Recognizing that these feelings are valid and shared by many can help alleviate some of the burden.

Shift Your Focus
Instead of fixating on the outcomes of the exams, try to shift your focus to the process of preparation. Concentrate on what you can control: your study habits, your understanding of the material, and your practice sessions. Set realistic goals for each study session, and celebrate small victories along the way. This approach can help you build confidence and reduce the overwhelming feeling of needing to perform perfectly.

Embrace Self-Compassion
It's essential to practice self-compassion during this time. Acknowledge that it's okay to feel anxious and that you are doing your best under challenging circumstances. Instead of criticizing yourself for not being as confident as your peers, remind yourself that everyone has their unique journey. You may not see their struggles, but they likely have their own insecurities and fears.

Develop a Support Network
Feeling isolated can exacerbate anxiety. Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues who understand what you're going through. Sharing your feelings can provide relief and help you gain perspective. Consider forming a study group with fellow candidates; this can create a supportive environment where you can share ideas, practice teaching techniques, and motivate each other.

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Incorporating mindfulness practices into your routine can significantly reduce anxiety. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help calm your mind and body. Even short, five-minute breaks to focus on your breath can make a difference. These practices can help you regain focus and reduce the racing thoughts that often accompany anxiety.

Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario
While it may seem counterintuitive, mentally preparing for the worst-case scenario can alleviate anxiety. Consider what would happen if you didn't pass the exam. Would you have a plan for the next steps? Knowing that you have options can provide a sense of security and reduce the fear of failure.

Focus on Your Passion for Teaching
Remind yourself why you wanted to become a teacher in the first place. Reconnect with your passion for education and the impact you want to have on your students. Visualizing yourself in the classroom, inspiring and guiding students, can reignite your motivation and help you push through the anxiety.

Seek Professional Help if Needed
If your anxiety becomes overwhelming and interferes with your daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide you with tools to manage anxiety and work through feelings of inadequacy.

Conclusion
In conclusion, overcoming anxiety in your teaching career is a journey that requires patience and self-compassion. By focusing on the process, embracing support, and reconnecting with your passion for teaching, you can navigate this challenging time. Remember that it's okay to feel anxious, but don't let it define your potential. You have the ability to succeed, and with the right mindset and strategies, you can dare to dream about your future in education. Good luck with your preparations, and remember to take care of yourself along the way!

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