You need to mix up your routine if you want to study successfully, says Nasheen Wuisman.
Studying for anything you’ve chosen to invest your time in should be an engaging and rewarding experience. In reality, studying doesn’t always give rise to positive emotions. Instead, we can feel overwhelmed and lack motivation. Often, this is due to having to fit studying around an already busy schedule, and the thought of spending hours trying to learn new concepts after a long day can feel mundane.
However, there are subtle changes you can make to your CGMA study routine to have a more fulfilling experience. Let’s explore how changing our mindset and incorporating some key techniques into a study plan can make the whole process more manageable – maybe even enjoyable!
Consider your learning options
Some candidates decide to study with a tuition provider, some self-study with textbooks, or using an online learning platform. Some a bit of both.
Adding a bit of variety to your current means of learning can help to expand your interest, and there are so many you can choose from. Tuition providers offer a range of resources – from online courses and bite-sized videos to practice questions and mock exams – to enhance your knowledge and improve overall information retention in a format that works for you. Many candidates opt to mix and match resources, as this allows a more personalised approach.
Make it interesting
When you plan what you’re going to cover in each of your study sessions use these different types of resources. So, on Monday you may cover a topic in a live session, or you may use a learning platform to gain an understanding of a concept. In your next study session, say on Wednesday, plan to do something different, maybe some question practice to solidify your understanding. Or if you found Monday’s concept tricky, then a bite-sized video to help further your understanding. Mixing up the routine by alternating different mediums reduces the opportunity to get bored and feel like it’s ‘Groundhog Day’.
Other ways of making your study sessions more engaging are to try some active learning techniques such as summarising information in your own words or explaining a concept to someone else (or even just saying it out loud).
This can be a really satisfying exercise when you realise you’ve genuinely understood a topic and will inevitably motivate you to make progress.
There are many apps and tools designed to make studying more efficient too. Apps like Quizlet for flashcards, Anki for spaced repetition and Trello for organising your study schedule can also be very helpful.
Remember, not every study method works for everyone; the key is to find what suits you best and to keep experimenting with different methods until you find a mix that you are on board with.
In it together
Studying needs to be both a personalised and a social process, but it can be hard for those nearest and dearest to you to understand the challenges of your study journey. One of the most effective ways to enhance your CGMA learning experience is to study with others.
Peer support is a must. Connecting with others in the same position can be very uplifting and give you some much-needed strength to persevere. Think about either joining a study group or even just a relevant social group to remove the feeling of isolation which some do experience.
You can also share notes and quiz each other, which will help reinforce your understanding of the study materials and can even help you gain new insights into the topic. You can learn from others’ experiences and see if their recommended study methods might work for you, too.
Another obvious benefit of group study is accountability. Having a shared goal and regular contact will help you stick to your study schedule and stay on track. Studying with peers will help boost your motivation and reduce procrastination.
All work and no play
I’ve talked about chunking your learning many times before. If you cannot find long periods of time to study, set time aside for short sessions and decide when and what you are going to study ahead of time. However, it’s also important that you incorporate breaks and activities that trigger your endorphins in your schedule.
Think pastimes such as reading, crafting or baking; sports such as walking, swimming, playing a team sport or going to the gym. Make time for social events such as game night, going out for dinner, the cinema or seeing an exhibition, to keep your routine dynamic and enjoyable. It’s crucial to balance studying and breaks to allow you to reset, feel refreshed, and be eager to start again.
Do allow for some flexibility in your schedule to accommodate unexpected events or changes, missing a study session here and there won’t derail your progress. Just make sure you resume your routine as soon as possible as having too long a break will make it harder for you to get back into studying.
Establishing a good, stimulating, and sustainable studying routine takes work, but getting started is often the hardest part. There will likely be times you will falter but it’s critical to be kind and fair to yourself and refocus as soon as you can. Remember to celebrate your progress, always remind yourself why you’re committed to completing your CGMA Professional Qualification, and everything else will fall into place.
- Nasheen Wuisman, Senior Manager – Global Academic Progression at AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
