I write about this a lot, but it’s because I see it happen over and over.
Look over these common study mistakes and see if you are making or more of them.
1. Not Studying at the Same Time and Same Location Every Day
Even if you have to get up at 5am do it, you should study at the same time in the same place each day. When I first started out studying for the CCNA, I knew that the afternoon was out of the question and I often worked evening shifts on the helpdesk. That only left the morning for me, so I went to bed early each night and set the alarm for 5 am.
2. Not Working Out Your WHY
I was desperate to pass, so I could get a better paying job and move back to where my family was. The four guys I was sharing a house with made half-hearted efforts at studying but never took an exam. They had all left college and had no kids. They never had a powerful reason to study, so they never did. No reason WHY = no motivation.
3. Not Setting an Exam Date
If there is no date on the calendar, then you aren’t taking the exam. It’s that simple. Just like a driving test, when you have the date booked and paid for, you have a goal to focus on.
4. Not Studying First
So few people seem to use self-discipline. I found out when I started on a weight loss program that all the successful people were highly disciplined. Yes, we can all do it, but you need to change your habits (and find your WHY as I’ve said).
We work well with rewards, so set your reward to enjoy AFTER you have completed your study tasks for the day. I used to watch a DVD or see a movie. I knew that if I didn’t study, then I wouldn’t be able to have fun, which motivated me every time.
5. Not Planning in Advance
This is why my Cisco CCNA in 60 Days program works like magic. It’s all planned out for you. Same with the gym I go to. I know that Monday I train my back; Thursday, I train my legs. I never turn up not knowing what I’m training that day.
Map out your study sessions in advance. If you have to adjust, then do so. If you turn up to study without a plan, you can pretty much guarantee distractions, confusion, and frustration. I know because I’ve been there many times.
6. Not Getting Family Buy-in
Many partners resent it when we hide ourselves away to study. Kids often don’t understand it either, which is why you need to involve the family in your WHY.
My friend tried to study for years, but his wife kept complaining and shouting at him. He just gave up, but years later he is still stuck in the same dead end job, and now his wife shouts at him because they are broke. He should have gotten rid of that wife, but that’s another story.
Get your family involved in your reason why and the reward. When you pass, have a big family treat planned. Get your study and life balance right, so that you have quality time with them but also spend time studying so you can improve your life situation.
Don’t be one of those people who neglect their family for years but tell them that you are doing it for them!
7. Losing Momentum
A career in IT means you will always need to be learning. I take a week off between most exams, but then I’m back on it. Just like going to the gym, you need a bit of a rest, but without consistency, you will lose everything you worked so hard to achieve.
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Have fun.
Paul Browning
Many True words Paul…..
Often being the sole IT Guy in the Company leads to its own issues…not least of which, no peers to challenge. Your same place same time idea is a good one – I will give it a shot
Good blog, it’s really all common sense isn’t it. So why don’t we get it, self included. It’s a lack of discipline. I’m hoping to finally get it. Articles like this are eye opening. Thanks, I’ll do it.
Thanks Paul, true words of wisdom and encouragement. If I may add “Don’t Make Excuses…Make Plans” If you have a plan and you follow it with discipline how can you fail? Sure there will be setbacks along the way but nothing you can’t recover from to complete your plan, remembering that the discipline along with motivation must always be front and center. You will reach your goals if you remember that no one can stop YOU But You!
Best Regards and Good Luck to all who are pursuing their dreams.
I need to get on the CCNA study track to compliment my kindle CCNA in 60 Days.
I also need to update my credit card info for the How To Network registraion.
This article is great, it was so useful for me, thanks a lot Paul 🙂
You are so right. I used a similar plan while studying for my PMI CAPM exam. It paid off and I’m certified. I’m using the same approach for my Cisco studies.
Actually, those are great advices.
I found the hard way that not having a date makes a huge difference. For my CCNA and CCNA Sec end dates for that version and the end date of a discount coupon made it. Those details made me hit the booking button. That made me study harder for a few weeks as I had the pressure, but it was worth it.
There’s one thing I have issues with doing. It takes me a lot to make a plan. I can plan to read a chapter, view the videos and take notes for that chapter. Am I doing this the right way? Is there any kind of “technique” to make a study plan?
Thanks for this great website you built Paul. Is helpful, clear.
I very much appreciate your efforts.
Keep doing such a great job helping us 🙂
Regards,
Igor
Hi again,
I was just wondering, how about making a poster with this 7 points? This could help remember this everyday until they get into the skin and become a habit?
That’d be awesome!! 🙂
Regards,
Igor
Hi Paul
I want to be an IT Engineer who can work everywhere. I’m in my second year in HND in Network engineering and telecommunication systems.
how much does the 60 days cost?
London
Very true points and I’m very inspired by them. Its funny, for weeks I still haven’t completed day one tasks. Reading this helpful guidelines i believe will help me do some adjustments… Thanks
It’s $97 bud.
Regards
Paul
I like to start at the end and work back.
What do I need to know before I take the exam? What do I need to know before that, and before that?
Cheers
Paul
Thanks Wayne
regards
Paul
Great idea
regards
Paul