We all know studying is hard all on it's own; let's talk about how using your planner to help guide you through the process to make it so much easier.
Studying is probably one of the things I've completely forgotten how to do since graduating from College. Years spent without it has me at a total loss on how to even begun diving into the process. For those of you who don't know me well, I'm currently going through the process of taking ARE Exams (exams to become a registered architect). There are 6 exams and they really mess with me. Especially when I used to be a good test taker in my younger days.
My favorite companion to the studying process is having my planner at my side. It's my side kick through most things in life, so it's only right that it comes with me on this journey.
Below are some tips that I find useful in using your planner to help guide you through the studying process.
Tip #1 - Create a Study Guide
This is the hardest (second hardest) step, but it's the most important. I typically give myself six weeks of time in between tests - sometimes more depending on what time of year we are at (holidays, and all). If your exam doesn't have a study guide to help you, create one. Most tests will typically have some sort of format that will help guide you, so please check sources.
Having that as your biggest source will allow you the chance to create the path you need for success.
I like Study Guides because it gives me a linear process of what it is I need to accomplish. Some Study Guides come with a timeline, and some just have the information you need to study. Have that guide with you while you implement the items into your planner.
Tip #2 - Use Sticky Notes
Sticky Notes: my absolute favorite source of planning ahead. Why? Because, you can adjust them, move them, update them without having to mark up the planner with scratches or stickers.
The easiest of all steps - but the most important of the steps - is to take that study guide and write down each section onto a sticky note.
Understand your study habits - know how much you can keep up with throughout the week. Now, drop the sticky notes on those days that you believe you will be able to study. Seeing it as a whole spread over the course of your timeline really helps highlights how much you can accomplish throughout the week.
Remove and move the sticky notes throughout your planner until there's a study plan that is doable for you.
What someone else does is not important; how much time another person can dedicate to studying versus you does not matter. The only thing that does matter is how much time YOU can dedicate to studying.
Only you know what your day-to-day looks like to accommodate for other items that you need.
This is for you and your success, not someone else's.
Tip #3 - Schedule Study Time
There's an outline in the planner - goals set for what to accomplish each week. Schedule time each day to set aside hours to study. Maybe it's two hours after work, maybe it's an hour before work and an hour during lunch - whatever works for your schedule.
But, make it possible and doable.
A boss doesn't cancel on themselves. Do not cancel these important meetings with yourself.
It's important to also remember to schedule breaks, too. Life is busy, things come up - give yourself some rest days or catch-up days during the week to focus on something else. Self-care is really important; and, please forgive yourself if you don't stick to plan. The key is to have a goal in mind and stick to it as much as possible.
The biggest lesson I will offer is to schedule in a catch-up week or two, depending on how many weeks you're dedicating to studying, so when things do come up and you missed some days, you have the ability to catch up with that week you have and not fall off the wagon. It's easy to get discouraged when you get behind on studying. Give yourself a chance to understand that things will come up and you will need those forgiveness days.
Tip #4 - Color Codes
I like to schedule study days, and pre-schedule practice quizzes and exams throughout my course of the process. Highlighting those important deadline days in different colors will help visualize the length of time on a monthly calendar to keep you on track.
The categories I use:
Daily Studying
Quizzes (often 2-3x a week) - these are often short, so I cut my studying time to maybe an hour and a half, and finish that scheduled time slot with quizzes
Practice Exams - these set the course of my mini-goals. Depending on how much time I give myself to study for an example, I will sprinkle 3-4 practice exams.
I give myself the same hours that the test would take, set the stage and take the test with the
best of my ability. That is all I do that day. The next day will be dedicated to reviewing the
exam answers as part of my studying for that test.
Tip #5 - Fall Seven Times, Get Up Eight
It's okay to fall behind, to feel lost and overwhelmed, to want to give up. They key to all of this is -- do not give up, do not cave. Pick yourself back up. Did you fail the exam? It's okay. Give yourself a week, and then dive back in. See what areas you failed in and repeat the process again.
Do not give up on yourself. You can do this.
Believe in yourself, and keep going. Fall seven times, get up eight.
Believe in Yourself.
Studying for exams, whether in school or for career advancements or whatever the case is, is never easy. Sometimes, it works. Sometimes, it doesn't. But, keep going. You can do this and you will succeed. Remember to give yourself some grace. You deserve to be comfortable and confident. Don't dwell on mistakes or missed study sessions. Pick yourself back up.
And, good luck to all of you! You got this!
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