When I was in my primary school, I was always satisfied with my study. Since I did well, the teacher likes me very much. My parents also took pride in it. But one thing changed my outlook.
When I was in the Fourth Grade, there was a competition in Arithmetic in our town. So the school held a test to take out the candidates. At first, the result of the test showed that I was one of the lucky students. I was beside myself at the news.
Then the candidates were given extra lessons to improve our skills. One night just a few days before the competition, the teacher came in to tell us that there would be only five students taking part in the competition. And he told me I wouldn t be going.
I managed to hold back my tears. When the class ended, I dashed home, ignored everyone and burst into tears. My parents were surprised and asked me what had happened. "I don t want to tell you," I shouted. "Crying is useless. Speak it out." So I told them the bad news. My father looked at me straight in the eye. "Do you think you lost the chance just because you are unlucky? Think it over."
I calmed down and took a good look at myself. I had been too self-confident about my studies, but in fact I was not as good as I had imagined. I had to work harder.
When you come across a frustration next time, find out the reason within yourself and try to make it better. Don t grumble.
Many years have since passed. I still remember that experience in all its details.