You’re juggling a demanding job with the looming pressure of professional exams. Time feels like a precious and is constantly slipping through your fingers.
Many professional students find themselves in this predicament. The sheer volume of information to absorb can be overwhelming leading to procrastination.
However, the great news is small efforts can yield significant results. Embrace the power of “1% improvement”, a philosophy that focuses on making small, daily progress towards your study and exam goals.
How it Works:
The core idea is simple: Instead of aiming to conquer the entire syllabus in one go, ask yourself, “How can I earn just 1% in my exam by studying a little bit today?”
- 1% could be:
- Reading a single page of a textbook and doing a brain dump afterwards
- Solving one practice question
- Reviewing a single accounting standard and doing a practice quiz on this
- Reviewing your flash cards
- Watching a 5-minute video lecture and reflecting on what you learned in that video.
Why 1% Matters:
- Starting is often the hardest part. By focusing on such a small, achievable goal, you eliminate the initial hurdle and build momentum.
- Reduces Anxiety: The pressure to “do it all” can be overwhelming. Breaking down the task into small, manageable chunks makes the journey feel less daunting.
- Builds Consistency: Even 15 minutes of focused study each day is far more effective than a marathon cram session during your study leave. Consistency is key to long-term learning and retention.
- Encourages Continuous Improvement: By consistently making small gains, you’ll gradually build a strong foundation of knowledge.
- Focuses on Progress, Not Perfection: This approach shifts your mindset from achieving an unattainable “perfect score” to celebrating incremental victories.
Tips for Implementing the 1% Rule:
- Schedule Dedicated Study Time: Even 15-30 minutes of uninterrupted focus each day can make a significant difference.
- Create a Supportive Study Environment: Minimize distractions by finding a quiet space where you can concentrate.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work in 25-minute intervals with short breaks to maintain focus and prevent burnout.
- Reward Yourself: Celebrate your small victories, no matter how insignificant they may seem. This will keep you motivated.
The Power of Compound Growth:
While 1% may seem insignificant, the impact of consistent, incremental progress can be incredible. Imagine compounding your efforts over time:
- Week 1: 1% improvement
- Week 2: 1% improvement on the improved base
- Week 3: 1% improvement on the further improved base
This compounding effect can lead to exponential growth in your knowledge and understanding.
Embrace the Journey:
Accountancy exams are undoubtedly challenging. However, by embracing the 1% rule, you can transform the process from a daunting obstacle to a series of manageable steps.
Remember, it’s not about achieving perfection; it’s about consistent, incremental progress. Focus on making small, daily improvements, and watch your knowledge and confidence grow.