Dilemma of an IIT aspirant- What to do with my life?

The general response to this question would be from a number of empathisers who have been through this phase. In India, it is next to normal for parents to force children into these competitive exams. Behold, the dialogues you are going to hear for the next two years: * Bas do saal ki baat hai beta. (It`s just for two years) * Abhi padh lo to life asaan ho jaegi. (Study now and life will be easier later) * So-n-so bhaiya se puchho, wo kaise padhte the. (Ask how that other guy used to study) * Padhne wale to din raat padhte hai. (Those who study, do it all the time) the list never ends, esp if you add what chachi, maami (aunts) have to say. What I`m going to tell you is a bit hard way to solve this problem. It`s easier to tell what you don`t want. Remember the last time you went shopping, saw a shocking pink mini and said, "I don`t want that." It`s the same with most life choices. We can easily tell what we don`t want. What`s tough is to find out what we do want. This can be because you were not meant for that little fling with Irodov. But it can also be because you have not looked at it with anything but dislike. To reject out-rightly is the easier thing. Every good thing comes in good time. There is that tasteless sweat and toil, but I can tell you, it has a wonderful aftertaste. Well, maybe I`m getting a bit carried away here. What I want to tell you is this. Try to figure out what you want to be doing. Not just the idea of doing something like painting or writing or photography; but actually doing it. Trust me, every other thing, to be done well, requires as much hard work, as you have to put in for JEE right now. There is no easy way to be good at something. Right now, when you are not studying, you are playing with your phone or daydreaming, which are the easiest and most wasteful things to do. Start doing something, anything, but do it with all your heart. If you still feel you are being forced, I`m sure there are going to be many other answers telling you how to work-it-out with your parents. Standard procedure- lie down, hold your breath till they give in. As for the other mentioned problems Don`t worry about the weight. There is more to you than your body. If it bothers you much, try finding out why you are overweight. If its the diet then diet else workout. If its medical, get a consult. The guy you are crazy about, approach him. See how that goes, daydreaming won`t get you anywhere ;) Contributed By: Sonal Singh Aerospace Engineering IIT Kharagpur