There is a reality show where celebrities are invited to co-judge the show along with the judges in the panel. Most of them have shared that how life had given them the second chance and how they flourished since then. I really get inspired by their stories because I witness that it is only in the second time that I have achieved anything till now. Starting from school to college every second opportunity proved to be the best one. I got average in the mock exams while in school but best in the boards. I really didn’t like my undergraduate college but loved the postgraduate one. I did my first job but left it after a year as I wanted to join a core financial services company. I gave a second chance to my career without knowing where it will lead me. Meanwhile in my break I pursued for certification course. I sat for CFA Level 1 and failed in the first attempt by few scores. I cleared it the second time and score was way above the benchmark.

But let me tell you it’s not easy to gather yourself for the second time with same passion. You break at some point. When you lose the first time, several thoughts come in your mind. Sometimes you doubt that the second attempt might be worse than the first. When I joined my undergraduate college (which was against my wish) I decided neither I will get involved in anything nor I will study. But in the final year, I somehow realized that if I have to change my situation then I have to study hard. I need to get enroll in one of the best colleges of the country.  And I did!

When I failed in the CFA Level 1 in my first attempt, I was completely shattered as I took a year off in my career with no opportunities in hand and hence it meant a lot to me than a certification course. That day taught me everything what I needed to learn in life. It taught me to be fearless. It gave me the courage to stand up again with head held high and start all over again from scratch. It taught me not to be ashamed of failures and always hold yourself whenever thrown on ground by life. I remember the date of my realization it was 15^th Aug (the independence day and post the day of my CFA result). It was indeed the independence day for me because I got free from my insecurities.

I am at the lowest point of my life today. I have nothing to lose but have a greater potential to take risk. One thing I realized that when one stands up for the second time, he/she becomes more determined and knows the true value of what they are pursuing. Now, he/she doesn’t worry about the consequences but just keeps moving. It’s my second chance to shape my career and yes, eagerly waiting for the great opportunities to launch myself. I am waiting to join my second firm (till now I haven’t got any offers…still waiting!!!).