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As we approach the festive season, the balancing act between holiday cheer and exam preparation can become particularly challenging. If you find yourself studying for your financial planning exams over the Christmas break, fear not – our episode of the NextGen Planners Podcast, titled "How to Study Actively for Financial Planning Exams", featuring guest Alex Langhorne, brings invaluable insights to help you stay on track.
Here are some good takeaways from the episode.
Managing Exam Pressure
There can be heavy pressures that come with preparing for financial exams. Alex Langhorne, Head of Business Support at Bespoke Training Solutions (BTS), shed light on the significance of managing self-pressure. Here’s how you can handle it during the crowded holiday season:
Set Realistic Timelines: Understand that it’s okay to pace yourself. Break down your study goals into manageable chunks and appreciate small achievements. By plotting out a realistic timeline, you can avoid burnout and maintain steady progress.
Flexible Study Plans: Make use of modular exam structures which allow for pauses and resumptions. Adjust your study schedule around family gatherings and festive events. Remember, the flexibility is there to be used!
Innovative Study Techniques
Traditional studying might not be the best fit for everyone, especially during a period where distractions abound. Here are some innovative techniques discussed in our podcast to enhance your learning experience:
Active Engagement: Rather than passively reading textbooks, engage actively with the material. Techniques like self-testing, asking questions, and explaining concepts to others can significantly improve retention.
Teach Back Technique: Teaching back the material to yourself, even if it's to an empty room, can deepen your understanding.
Revision Cards: Use flashcards to review key concepts. This technique not only suits short bursts of study time but also keeps you mentally engaged.
Digital Resources and E-learning: Harness the power of digital resources and e-learning platforms. The pandemic has expedited the development of these technologies, offering interactive and flexible study alternatives.
Emotional and Peer Support
The importance of emotional support during exam preparation cannot be understated as per our podcast’s discussion:
Peer-to-Peer Support: Find a study buddy or join online forums where you can share the journey’s challenges. Learning from each other, especially those who recently passed the exams, can provide motivational boosts.
Network Building: Utilise your networks. Engaging with global peers in the same field can be extremely beneficial. Update your LinkedIn profile and follow relevant hashtags for new connections.
Mindfulness and Mental Health
Mindfulness emerged as a crucial tool in managing exam stress, a sentiment echoed strongly by our podcast guests. Here are the five mindfulness practices Alex Langhorne recommends:
Connecting with Others
: Build meaningful relationships and find support groups.
Giving Back to the Community
: Volunteering or helping others can provide a break from your study grind.
Staying Active
: Physical exercise is vital for mental health and can enhance your study efficacy.
Continuous Learning
: Keep curious and engage in learning new things outside your study material.
Being Present
: Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation to stay grounded and present.
Practical Study Advice
Setting SMART Objectives: Define Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives to guide your study. This gives a clear target and keeps you motivated.
Modular Study Goals: Mimicking NASA’s careful trajectory adjustments, break your study goals into smaller, manageable tasks to keep stress at bay.
Reframing Failure
Finally, perspective is key.
Worst-Case Scenario Mindset
: By considering the worst-case scenario, you can demystify the fear of failure. This helps maintain focus on long-term goals and reduces stress.
As you embark on this dual journey of celebrating the festive season and preparing for your exams, let these insights help guide you. Remember, a balanced approach, leveraging peer support, inculcating mindfulness, and using innovative study techniques can lead you to success. Happy holidays and best of luck with your exams!