Work-life balance

that’s absolutely right @Zee when you speak something publicly you force yourself to perform so you don’t loose face. A little pressure is good right? 😉

Yea @tonypetrunin, that technique is commonly use for weight loss goals. By announcing to the world you want to lose 5kg, you’d better make sure you do it!

try not to multi task, i.e. blend in work and studies. Study on weekends, and if you must study during work or on weekdays, block off a solid chunk of time rather than trying to squeeze minutes here and there.

If your hours are volatile, then you should milk your downtime. Many people feel ‘guilty’, like they shouldn’t be doing other things and stare at their screen instead. But I say if your hours are volatile, you’re gonna be burning the midnight oil another day, so if today you’re free, make the most of it!

My two cents… study early and often.

I, too, am sitting for the L1 this December. I just started studying and decided that morning are the best for me. I wake up at 4:45 and study by 5:15 for 2 hours and then head to the office. I make it a priority in the mornings. This ensures that I make a deposit to my weekly study times. If I save the studying for after-work hours I will be absolutely fatigued by the day. Also, the morning is the only time that I really own as I often work irregular hours and live and die by each project I take on each quarter. I also plan on using my lunch, when possible, for review periods.

I agree with @tacheman, don’t be afraid to make it known that you are working on this. Own this journey. I think people will be more supportive and will appreciate your willingness to pursue this certification.

I try to remind myself the following every morning too:
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”
-Lao Tzu

Just plan to free up a lot of time a few months leading up to the exam. It’s simply unavoidable – better to chat with your roommates, family, etc to warn them than hoping they’ll magically understand without explanation, because they will need one.

They know you’re taking an exam of course, but they won’t know that this exam takes a load of time.

@tonypetrunin also making your effort public keeps a good check on yourself – you’re less likely to give up if you know everyone’s watching!