SSB -PERCEPTION MANAGEMENT, STATE OF MIND AND FOCUS

1. SSB is a unique test; one cannot compare with your previous experiences. That
is why candidate remain unsure about it - how to crack, how to face, how to
prepare so on. Most of these questions create numerous conflicts in the mind of
candidates until they go through the entire process of SSB. Facing SSB is nothing
but its all about how you manage your perception, state of mind and focus.

   a. What is perception management – Perception means when you look    at an

object or stimulus you see two sides of it - positive or negative or another
possibility deny it. When you reverse your actual perception means distortion of
perception.  That is why most of the candidates commit mistake in their approach
in handling SSB process. Remember perceive as shown to you, whether negative
or positive and never ever deny it. It is a myth that you always have to think or
write positive.

   b. State of mind – SSB is all about expressing your intellectual level whenever
you are required to do so or given a chance. Leader always think, apply his mind
and lead from front. Go with relax mind so that brain can function at its best. There
is nothing in SSB, which you cannot handle. It’s all about applying your self at the
right time and place.

   c. Focus – Regular preparation and focused approach would make you  

confident. Improve your listening skills, as during SSB you have to listen then act
as per instructions whether it is interview, GTO or psych testing.

2. As per my experience, how does most of the candidates approach or perceive

SSB.    They;-

    Treat SSB like university or school examination.

    Have fear of unknown in spite of having numerous feedbacks.
    Perceiving stress in the environment, this leads to low-level performance.
   Candidate displays inconsistent behavior during the course of SSB, which he
manifests from highly stressful to over confident state of mind during the  course
of SSB, both of these will take him nowhere. What matters is balance and
consistent performance.
    Take ideas from non- assessor, rejected or selected candidates or from books
available in the market, which create lot of confusion in mind.

3. Managing your perception, state of mind and focus will help in doing well in
SSB. What do you do;-

   a. Always clarify your doubts from expert so that your perception is not
confused.
   b. Always perceive as shown to you and do not distort your perception whether it
is TAT, WAT or GTO Tasks.
   c. There is nothing in SSB that you cannot do then why have fear of unknown.
   d. Learn to express 15 officers like qualities through various tasks.
   e. Handle one task at a time. Do not start thinking of next tasks when first one is
going on.
   f. Each test and task carry equal weightage so keep on performing to achieve
positive result.
   g. Do not give up even if you have not done well in one technique or task.
   h. Concentrate on your personal performance in relation with your group.

4. How to  approach  – Manage your perception – Go with relax state of mind –
focused approach – good listening skills -  You have all qualities in you , express
them at right time and right place – Remember your selection is based on
demonstrated performance , if you have it in you, learn to demonstrate it. I am sure
you