When I was a student, I was a top performer. People assumed I was sufficiently intelligent to make it big in life; thus, they anticipated an upward trajectory ahead of me. I was inclined to believe in my capabilities while growing up, but... I was knocked down fiercely by reality. Thriving well in the actual world is insignificant in contrast to my academic accomplishments. I've held a variety of occupations, but none of them helped me prosper. It was a tiring voyage of optimism, disappointment, and striving anew. Have I failed? Did I fall short of the rigorous criteria that were set before me?

Someone you know or yourself may have just been featured in my story. Meeting expectations can be quite daunting for you. You were always certain that you were capable of triumphing in whatever endeavor you set out to do, so it seems unreasonable to concede. Your lovely fantasy will come crashing down as reality sets in, telling you that you lack the necessary skills, intelligence, or strength to overcome every hurdle in life. You may witness something horrible when your expectations collide with reality, and you may begin to lose the self-assurance, zeal, and hope you once possessed. You lost the confident spirit inside you due to your repeated failures.

"Failure is the mother of success," a quote said, but how many failures should you take to claim success? How much more do you have to sow to reap a good harvest? It shouldn't reach the point where you have no reason to wake up anymore. You shouldn't wait for the frequent setbacks to consume your will to live. You have to change the outline of your thoughts now. You have to eliminate those standards that are dragging you down the pitfall of depression. If you have to start low, then so be it. Don't be afraid to accept that you are lacking. Don't be afraid to tell yourself that you're not good enough just yet.

Your depression comes from thinking that when you graduate with flying colors, you could create a rainbow-colored and vibrant life. That's not what it is. You may just want to consider a common point in a debate where they say, "98% of what we learn is a waste." Academics don't completely provide you with the knowledge and skills that you need to break through the tough competitions in the real world. You might need to start from scratch when you venture into the career world. In life, you never stop learning. Dr. Gregory House said, "If you're not willing to look stupid, nothing great will ever happen to you." So, when things don't go your way, learn new skills. You might just haven't yet discovered the path that was constructed especially for you. Don't stop walking when you encounter obstacles along the way. If the path isn't passable, look for a detour. You are not a failure. You are a work in progress.