The CPA exam is kicking my ass. For almost a year now I've been studying for this 4-part beast. Did you know that they design the test for failure? Truth. For each section, LESS THAN HALF of the applicants that sit for the exam actually pass. That's in-freaking-sane. That information makes me feel slightly better when I know that at this point, I have taken all 4 parts...and failed all 4 parts. (I've taken BEC twice...and failed it twice.) And on February 17th, I'll be sitting for the FAR section (again), a section that literally scares me to death.
I know there's a certain magic in thinking positively, but I am really not sure I can do this. I studied like a crazy person for the first round and failed. I have never put so much effort into something and not been able to accomplish it; it's been a hit to my confidence, to say the least. So motivating for Round 2 is daunting. I'd be lying if I said a huge (HUGE, huge, huge) part of me wants to quit. Can I have a successful career without being certified? YES, absolutely. But my pride is kind of at stake here. The worst thing would be to look back and feel like I quit just because it was too difficult. Yuck, who wants a regret like that? So I'm trying again. Even though it feels overwhelming. And even though I honestly feel like I can't do it. (Yep, that's right - I said "can't". I told you I'm having trouble thinking positively.)
Forget all the accounting information I'm supposed to be learning - I've learned a lot about myself through this process. One of the biggest things I've had to deal is my propensity for procrastination! I am a Master Procrastinator and, holy moly, the dedication it takes to keep on track with my studying regime is almost beyond me. In fact, maybe it is beyond me. One thing's for sure - it's putting my time management skills to the test.
For as long as I can remember, I'm always doing everything at the last minute. From school-work to work-work, I'm right down to the wire, every time. Throughout my MBA program, I secretly hoped that my procrastinating would get me in trouble. But here's the problem: I'm really good at it! Too good. I always get my work done and I always do it well. So, I've never had to change. But being a procrastinating pro doesn't mean I don't have to manage my time. If anything, I have to manage it more effectively because I usually have less of it to do what needs to be done.
I'll let you know what works for me:
I find that my time is best managed when I write things down in a planner. Old fashioned? Yeah, probably. So, fine - I'll accept punching your schedule into a BlackBerry or an iPhone or whatever too. There's just no doubt that having a written down list forces you to be accountable for how you're spending your time. (PS, this tip directly relates to creating a budget with your money). Don't worry, I have a post about that coming up soon.)
I also find it's helpful to take a few minutes at the end of the day to think back and write down what I actually did. This is beneficial in a few ways: it ensures that I'm sure about what was done and what needs to be done; it means that I know exactly where my time goes everyday; and recounting what I do everyday makes me feel incredibly accomplished. Which is EXACTLY what I need with something like the CPA exam. That way when I fail my practice tests and feel really down, all I have to do is flip through my planner to remind myself of the effort (read: blood, sweat and no-joke-for-real tears) I put in. Believe it or not, this reallyyyyyy helps me stay on track. It's proof to remind me that I'm actually doing something. And that's a great boost...
...especially when I feel like the only thing I'm good at is procrastinating!
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