November 2024
We all have moments of self-doubt, when it just gets too much. Nasheen Wuisman has some advice on how bounce back from the setbacks.
There are many upsides to progressing through your CGMA journey – pay rises, promotions, building a rewarding career and, most importantly, self-fulfilment. It is, however, all too common to hit a stumbling block, or even multiple blocks, along the way.
There is that topic we just can’t seem to get to grips with or an exam we just can’t seem to pass, or personal circumstances that create challenges when studying, stopping us from taking that exam as planned or moving forward altogether.
For most of us, the journey can feel long and slow, and that’s when you end up relying on yourself for resilience and self-motivation.
In my experience of working with accounting and finance students I know that finding it in yourself to push forward can be extremely hard, and even the thought of progress might feel impossible. So how do you get your mojo back?
Quiet your inner critic
We can be our own worst critics; negative self- talk can be comforting at times, especially when the going gets tough and our fears take over. It is important we try to stop this, but that’s often easier said than done.
Try not to tell yourself that “it’s too hard”, or that you “can’t learn all that theory”, or that you “can’t improve your mock performance”. Instead ask yourself, “are my goals still realistic?”; “can I meet this timeline?”; and “does my routine meet my needs?” Essentially, trying to turn a negative thought into a positive one.
The self-awareness gained here will allow you to navigate your journey better. Asking yourself to consider positive changes, instead of telling yourself that all is doomed, will allow you to see that you are trying your best. Or if it is apparent that you are not trying your best yet, it will allow you to apply the extra effort where it may be needed.
Self-motivation starts here
Review your personal motivation for being on this journey and find out what you could be doing differently to get back on track:
- Cut yourself some slack. Extend the same level of kindness to yourself as you would to a friend. Don’t say something to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else.
- Accept that your feelings aren’t always fact. Write down how you feel – getting it out is of huge benefit. Releasing these feelings will then allow you to try to reframe it – for example, change “I am not good enough to do this” to “I will try again tomorrow”.
- Practice mindfulness and focus on the present. Sometimes we let ourselves get consumed with the guilt of not having studied over the past few days or weeks, and then we convince ourselves that there is not any point in studying now as we are too behind. Forget the last few days, breathe, focus on the now and what you can achieve from today onwards.
Visualise your goals
A sure-fire way of keeping your head and motivation up during your CGMA studies is to practise goal visualisation. It is one of the most popular tools suggested by sports psychologists to athletes prior to a big event to help them succeed. Its main purpose is to replicate a competitive environment while training, rehearsing specific actions, scenarios or game situations to stay engaged in the present moment.
After all, doesn’t completing your CGMA qualification feel a little bit like completing a marathon? Sit down and imagine yourself on the day you pass that exam, the relief, the sense of achievement, the praise, the pride of your loved ones, the acknowledging nod from your boss. You are going to show everyone what you are capable of. You can even imagine yourself spending an extra penny or two from that pay rise!
Take good care of yourself
Feeling under pressure is a common theme with any professional study journey, especially as you try to balance work-life-study on a daily basis.
While is hard to avoid feeling overwhelmed or stressed, you can learn to manage it. Remember that this may look different for everyone, so you will have to find out what works best for you and your lifestyle – whether that’s getting more quality sleep, getting some fresh air, going to the gym or having a more balanced diet.
When we feel pressure we tend to withdraw from other people. However, we know that socialising has many benefits for both our physical and mental health. It can lighten our moods, makes us feel happier, and create a sense of belonging and community. So, give yourself time to connect with people close to you.
Never underestimate the importance of self- care, you can still be successful and go on to achieve what you desire, but always make sure you are fuelling yourself with what your mind and body needs.
CIMA’s flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of studying with CIMA is the flexibility offered by the exams to fit around your life. You can sit your Objective Tests on-demand throughout the year and get your results straight away. You have also got some planning room around the four annual Case
Study exams windows. All exams can be taken at a test centre or remotely.
You also have great flexibility around study options, giving you complete control over how, when and where you study. If you like studying with others and appreciate having a tutor on hand to answer questions, attending a course with an accredited tuition provider maybe the best option. This could be face-to-face or live online. On the other hand, if you have a lot of conflicting priorities to juggle, self-study via recorded online and distance learning provisions may better suits your needs.
Remember that every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to the end goal: becoming a chartered global management accountant. Keep taking those small steps, don’t compare yourself to anyone and always celebrate your progress.
- Nasheen Wuisman, Senior Manager – Global Academic Progression at AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
