There is a local annual competition here that is for those who study music on private basis (not as a profession). I participated in it last year and something like a nightmare happened to me, check it out here
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,7608.0.html.....but don't laugh please

I decided that i should enter the following year and do nothing but work so hard to get the first place. I did so, and prepared a programme with much harder pieces that show a lot of technical and musical experience (Chopin Ballade, Beethoven E minor sonata Op.90) I nearly polished the Ballade after so much hard work and frustration.
Anyways, this year i went to ask about the programme so that i can participate in it but to my surprise i found that the age limit became from 14 - 18 years not 16 - 21 like last year!!! (I am 19 and will be 20 next Wednesday)....
I had like one of the greatest shocks of my life and became so disappointed and let down. After all this practice time and effort, this happens??? It was the most unexpected thing i ever thought of. This summer vacation was a piano vacation. I sacrificed many things for the sake of practicing (travelling, hanging out with friends, even i didn't do a couple of college assignments coz i didn't have time to !!)
I am so depressed these days and i even feel like i don't have the motive to go to the piano and practice again. It is really a dramatic end to one of my highest dreams.