August 2024
On your study journey you are bound to have some setbacks. Rachael Spence has some advice on how you can overcome the obstacles.
Life can be characterised by unpredictability. We often achieve our goals but face challenges, including in education. Setbacks, when managed with motivation, define our outcomes.
On any journey, including your AAT pathway, you will encounter your fair share of setbacks. Acknowledge their existence without succumbing to panic if you want to overcome them. Instead, view them as minor detours on your broader learning journey.
For example, you may not always achieve a first-time pass on all your AAT assessments, but it is crucial that you recognise this as just being a small part of your overall journey. Although you may be feeling deflated it is important to persevere and to focus on the end goal.
Rather than becoming anxious, approach it as a valuable learning opportunity. Embrace a positive mindset and retake the assessment; you’ll likely attain the desired outcome with determination and persistence.
Be adaptable
Adaptability plays a pivotal role. When faced with challenges, it becomes crucial to be flexible in your approach. It’s possible that the study methods you’ve been using need adjustment. Perhaps insufficient time has been dedicated to your revision or simply an ineffective revision style. Many students mistakenly believe that merely reading the prescribed textbooks is sufficient, but in the case of AAT this falls short. AAT demands a practical approach to revision, particularly at the higher levels. To secure higher grades, consistent and ongoing practise of exam-style questions becomes essential.
Finding motivation can be greatly enhanced by engaging with others. Stay in touch with fellow AAT students who share your common goal, whether it’s through online forums, in-person or through social media. You’ll quickly discover that you’re not alone. In fact, you can collaborate and support one another when faced with challenges.
Even simply sharing your experiences with one another can provide a much-needed motivational boost.
Setbacks in your academic journey may not always be linked to your assessment results; they could come from your personal life, such as health issues or grief. Drawing from my own experience during my own AAT studies, I’ve learned that taking a short break can help to regain focus and get back on track; however, it is vital to not let studying linger for too long. In such circumstances, my most valuable advice is to reach out to someone for support. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance and assistance from your tutors. They are dedicated to helping you and are genuinely invested in your success; they want to see you reach your full potential.
Ultimately, it is important that you remember that setbacks are a part of any journey, and it’s how you respond to them that ultimately determines your success. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a resilient attitude, you can stay focused on your AAT studies even when faced with obstacles.
- Rachael Spence MAAT is accounts assistant manager at Sweeney Miller Law. She is currently studying for the CIMA qualification
