School life is packed with exciting opportunities to compete and you should dive into all of them—whether it’s quizzes, spelling bees, debates, Olympiads, art fests, Model United Nations (MUNs), theatre and so much more. But let’s be honest, that nervous “butterflies in your stomach” feeling before the big day is real. Don’t worry, though! Here’s how to keep those butterflies from taking over!
- Understand the Rules: Read the competition guidelines carefully. Know the specific requirements, limits and any details you might need.
- Practise Regularly: Set aside time each day or week for practice, depending on the nature of the competition. The more you practise, the more confident you’ll be when it’s go-time!
- Mock Competitions: Get used to the pressure! Try practising with a friend or family member, mimicking the competition setting in real-time.
- Stay Healthy: Take care of your body with enough sleep, healthy food and exercise. A healthy body equals a sharper and more focussed mind.
- Expect the Unexpected: Think about what could go wrong and plan. Whether it’s technical issues or a tricky question, being ready for anything helps you stay calm.
- Stay Positive: Believe in your hard work! A positive mindset can make a big difference in how you handle challenges.
Sanjhee Gianchandani works as an ELT materials writer and
editor. She has authored and worked on several textbook
series for the K-8 segment. She is passionate about creating
engaging, inclusive, and pedagogically sound content to
empower both learners and educators. She can be reached
at [email protected].
