I previously posted one tactic that could possibly aid other candidates to success for the big day in June. Now before I introduce this new one to you, please keep in mind that I am an experimental and radical test-taker; I try to add new facets to my studying that can help fortify this education so that by June, I will surely be ready. This isn’t for everyone just like how waking up early around 6:00 AM may not work for that canadidate. But if you are hardcore like me, then try out this new method I am experimenting with.
Now before, I let on about it, let’s discuss entertainment; video games, movies, TV, sports, etc. All of these “distractions” can have a potential, detrimental effect on your studies. I experienced this during the December break when some friends began playing some online games and invited me to join. I found it exceedinly hard to balance that with studying so I stopped. But, this brought on a new idea…sure, we all need a breather, sure we all need some downtime to just relax for an hour or so…tv, a movie, whatever it may be. What if I could create a way to integrate entertainment and CFA together.
Introducing: CFA televison…
Whenever I need an hour off or just a breather, I make a tea or coffee, relax at my computer chair and put on some good old Schweser videos. I usually watch one in one go and then my relaxing break is over. I do it probably three to four times a week; Although let me exclaim:I HAVE ONLY BEEN DOING THIS FOR A WEEK.
My strategy is that I only watch videos for topics that I have already covered. Since I have not started equity yet, I will sequentially watch videos beginning from ethics and leading to corp. finance…and it revolves from there. I think the benefits are that I can get even more studying done, but most of all, it helps me keep past LOS topics and concepts fresh in my head.
I will post further about this new implementation…letting everyone know if I get burned out or if it continues to help me. So far, it has really aided me in remembering Soft Dollar standards and ROS. More to come!!!
I disagree. All you are doing here is burning yourself out. You will drive yourself crazy with so much CFA. What I like to do after a while of studying is to relax doing things I love. One of my favorite things to do after a long study session is to sit back and play some World of Warcraft and immerse myself in the world of Azeroth. Another thing I love to do is to watch old episodes of Game of Thrones (go House Stark!). These are the kind of things you should be doing after studying, not studying more.
I have to side with paperman on this one. You really want to watch out for CFA burnout and find ways to incorpoate truly relaxing and rejuvenating activities (exercise, movies, video games, etc.) that will allow you to maintain maximum intensity during your study sessions.
Remember, your CFA prep is a marathon, not a sprint.
We are all here for the same reason, to pass the CFA examination. Every one of our study habits and styles will be different, but the intent is still the same. I am the type of person that needs to be completely surrounded by it with no distractions. What works for me, may not work for other people. As we all should know, intelligence can only carry you so far on the exam. There is an element of potential success that is characterized by brute force; the only way to learn some of the material (pension accounting, temporal/current rate method, corporate governance, soft dollars. ROS) is to read it over and over, do practice problems. I already have a fair understanding of these unintuitive topics and others like them, but my belief is that if I want to be successful on this examination, I need to BRING it!!!
Very strong motivation indeed! but I would suggest incorporating an exercise plan and regular jerk off to increase blood circulation which actually prevents brain from rusting and smoother to use. I’m still a student so I still remember what exams really are. Some of the people i know becoming euphoric after passing level 1, but i’m a more pessimistic person so kinda know i will be living in hell for the next 3 months. good luck!
You are absolutely correct. I just implemented light exercise into my study regime and I have noticed improved results. I think as CFA candidates, we need to utilize any tactic possible to further our success this coming June. My plan on watching Andrew Holmes’ videos has been extensively helpful thus far. I strongly recommend candidates to watch them if you can find the time! They are informative and aid in understanding LOS topics like never before.
Let’s all stick to our study plans and succeed together!