Nasheen Wuisman outlines some simple steps you can take to improve your study regime – and your general wellbeing.
Spring is a transitional period, an opportunity to shake off the winter and create new routines. It’s also a great time to allow for change and growth in our own lives, to refresh and renew everything we aspire towards.
It seems like the perfect time to harness the new season energy to reset, improve your habits, and boost your productivity to progress more effectively and efficiently on your study journey.
Declutter your mind
Let’s begin by reflecting and bringing clarity around your goals: what’s important to you?
Have you been able to direct your energy towards achieving your goals?
Your first spring-clean task is to write down everything weighing on your mind, big or small, CGMA study related or not. Externalising your thoughts will help free up mental space.
Unburdening yourself from the inevitable build up of your daily grind can help put things into perspective, kickstarting your inner instinct to be organised.
Most of us spend 80% of our time on non- essential tasks. These tasks may or may not be part of your and your family’s routine. So you could de-prioritise some to make room for your study sessions. As your second step, I want you to review your recent to-do and study task lists.
As best as you can, you must prioritise items on there that will ultimately make a huge a difference in your life and get you closer to your goals (aka, earning your CGMA designation).
Speaking of goals, you need to decide on your CGMA study goals for the next three to six months. Start by looking at what you achieved so far, how long it has taken you, and use this to determine what you want to achieve next.
Success comes from balancing ambition with setting realistic goals within your current circumstances.
Getting your schedule on point
With your now-clearer mind, update your study plan. Start by listing all your commitments, including work, personal responsibilities, exercise and holidays and allocate time slots for each activity. Then start adding everything related to your CGMA journey, including exam dates, study sessions and mock exams. While you may have done this exercise a few months back, our needs change over time – you may need more time for yourself, or more time to exercise than you did before. As you evolve, update your schedule to fit in with these priorities.
Now focus on the time set aside for your study sessions, and ensure that you plan to maintain a steady pace to cover all topics. Initially, aim to gain a good understanding of syllabus topics and as you get closer to the exam focus on practice questions to refine your exam technique.
Use planners, calendars or apps to keep track of your schedule and set reminders for important deadlines and review it regularly to accommodate the changing priorities we talked about.
Declutter your space
Having a neat and tidy study space is essential to stay focused and productive; it can help reduce stress that can be associated with study and give you a much-needed confidence boost towards your next goal.
Creating a more conducive environment for learning isn’t about how big your space is but about how you use it. As part of your spring clean, clean out your study area of unnecessary clutter, like old study notes. File everyday admin paperwork, or it will dampen your mood when you sit down to study. You need some space and good light.
If possible, consider rearranging your furniture to optimise the flow and functionality of your study space. If you can position your desk near a window to take advantage of natural light, which can boost your mood and energy levels. Also, bring in items that bring you joy and comfort, such as plants, artworks or a cozy chair. And for a little extra motivation and inspiration – as we all need it – place some motivational quotes or a vision board in your study area.
Declutter the fridge
To help stay focused and motivated on your CGMA journey, make space for rest and relaxation in your schedule, including properly fuelling your body and exercising to maintain energy levels and support your overall wellbeing.
A balanced, healthy diet is crucial for supporting physical health and brain health. In fact, research shows that a nutritious diet can improve mental wellbeing, enhance cognitive abilities and even increase grey matter in the brain. This doesn’t involve unsustainable changes to your diet, think about small changes.
For example, over the past six months I set out to increase protein, whole grain and water in my diet. It took a few months to build this into my routine but now I unconsciously make better choices as I know the positive impact it has had on my energy levels and overall health.
Exercise is important all year round. It doesn’t need to be intense gym sessions, but daily movement is key. Take advantage of the warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Walk, run or try a new way to move your body to allow for new energy to flow and reduce stress like yoga or pilates.
Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection. Every small step you take towards making your study journey achievable is a step in the right direction.
- Nasheen Wuisman, Senior Manager – Global Academic Progression at AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
