From Procrastination to Productivity: Beating the Study Blues

Simran | Last updated: 05 October 2023

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Quick Summary

This article offers practical advice for CMA students battling study procrastination and self-doubt. Drawing from personal experience, the author shares effective strategies like the 25-minute study rule, trusting your own learning pace, and maintaining confidence. It also suggests practising past papers and finding solace in texts like the Shrimad Bhagavat Geeta to manage emotional distress, emphasising consistency over sheer hours studied.

Picture this: a cozy evening, your favorite show queued up on Netflix, and a bowl of popcorn within arm's reach. The temptation to relax and unwind is undeniable, especially when you've got the looming specter of exams and textbooks waiting for your attention. As a fellow CMA (Cost and Management Accountant), I've been in your shoes, and I get it. In fact, I was in your exact position not too long ago, juggling the demands of exam preparation while constantly battling distractions.

While diligently preparing for my exams, I actively shared my study journey on LinkedIn, openly discussing the challenges I encountered and the innovative solutions I discovered to overcome them. That's precisely why I find myself here today, laden with a rollercoaster of emotions, eager to transform that very post into a comprehensive and insightful article.

So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's explore some down-to-earth tips that can help you boost your preparation. Let's dive in together.

Beat Study Blues: CMA Exam Productivity Tips

As CMA exams were approaching, being a CMA finalist (was striving for Group -4)

I figured out the problems I was facing while studying and some key points to remain focused on studies which I'd like to share with you all.

Problems I faced while studying: (Hoping you'd be able to relate to it)

Distracted while studying/ concentration disturbed.
Going on a guilt trip for not completing targets
Constantly worrying about my capabilities and doubting myself and so on. (Trying to keep it simple and a small read)

Key points that I figured out to resolve these issues

1. Study as per your own norms: Don't follow much advice and learn to filter them out as per your own potential. Trust yourself.

2. For concentration, follow '25 minutes' rule: Set a timer for 25 minutes, study and take a break of 5 minutes. If you fail to study for 25 minutes continuously, set the timer back to 25 minutes again.(This trick really works)

3. Stay confident: If you're preparing for exams with confidence and in that span of 3 hours ( of writing exam) you maintain the confidence, 60% game is in your hands.

4. Practice previous year papers and MTPs as much as you can.

5. Read at least 1 or 2 pages of Shrimad Bhagavat Geeta whenever you feel free (Not from a religious point of view). It has answers for almost every feeling and emotion of distress and our problems.

While I was deep into my exam preparations, I had a heart-to-heart with a fellow student, a doctor gearing up for the NEET PG. She shared a piece of wisdom that has stayed with me ever since. She said, 'You know, there are days when you'll study for just 5 hours, and others where you might go full throttle for 12 hours. What really matters is not the exact number of hours but your commitment to consistency. I kept this piece on advice with me throughout the examinations and it helped me to sail through vicious circle of self doubt. I wish you all the best, hope you all sail through this examination phase and overcome all the challenges that stand your way. Happy studying!

FAQ :

Common problems include distraction and disturbed concentration while studying, experiencing guilt for not meeting study targets, and constantly worrying about one's capabilities and self-doubt.

The '25 minutes' rule involves setting a timer for 25 minutes of focused study, followed by a 5-minute break. If concentration is lost, the timer is reset for another 25 minutes.

Confidence is crucial; maintaining it throughout the exam period, particularly during the 3-hour writing time, can significantly contribute to success, with about 60% of the game being in your hands.

It is recommended to practice previous year papers and Mock Test Papers (MTPs) as much as possible.

Reading at least one or two pages of Shrimad Bhagavat Geeta when feeling free can offer answers for almost every feeling and emotion of distress and problems, not from a religious perspective.

What truly matters is not the exact number of hours studied, but your commitment to consistency throughout the preparation period.