[ixlr82day]

I work for a CPA firm as a tax accountant and I just turned 40. No kids but I do work around 45 hours a week and it is getting busier. My FAR exam is on August 28th and I am losing focus and motivation. I have gone thru Becker but don’t feel confident. I started rewriting notes and going through my MC questions. I also have FAR final review and am debating when I should start that. Any suggestions? How to stay focused/motivated? How to finish off this review?

[Anonymous]

For me it's a struggle almost everyday because it has taken up so much of my time and social life away.

It really comes down to four things:

1. How bad do you really want it?

2. You've come this far and there's no looking back…keep going at it and finish strong.

3. The more you study, the quicker you finish, the faster you get your life back.

4. The new positions and opportunities that will open up after completing the exam.

That is essentially my thought process whenever I start slacking.

Keep in mind, this exam is a test of endurance as much as it is anything else.

[QueenCPA]

Remember why you started in the first place!

Remember the end goal

Remember it is a temporary suffering and pain for lifetime bliss!

[Missy]

I treated it like my job. I had a set schedule that I often studied more than scheduled but never less. I only took an unscheduled day off if it was a reason I'd also miss work for. I gave it the same effort I gave my job, I'd never do something half way at work and tell the CEO I just couldn't focus so I gave my study the same attention. It's not fun, or easy, or inspiration but it's done.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[ixlr82day]

Thank you everyone for the great replies! I made a list of why I want to pass and hopefully that will help me stay the course.

I was wondering did any of you have any suggestions on how to study for the end of FAR. I have beckers and ninja. I also got final review for FAR so I was going to start that soon. Should I just hit MC and Sims and go off of audio at the gym? I just want this done.

[Tncincy]

I've battle the “what's the use” attitude all day today, I planned to study after church, that didn't happen but I decided something is better than nothing. So, I am writing notes since mcq is down for maintenance. It sounds corny but you got to do it (study) and the energy will come later. Hang in there, as you can see many of us have been there.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Tncincy]

I have read over and over the “why am I doing this” statements. I have to tell you its been tough staying consistent. I have far on the 21 and I am in and out of insanity. Everybody else is stressing over score release. I am just trying to take the dang thang…….vent over 🙁

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[HoosierCPA]

I'll echo with what others have said, keep your eye on the prize. For me I had plenty of doubters around me. A lot of negativity that drove my desire to pass even more. I can still see the snarks on the coworkers face every time I told them I failed an exam–that was as much motivation as I needed!

Good luck on the rest of your journey–never give up!

FAR - 78
REG - 72,74,71...please just go away REG nobody likes you!
BEC - 82
AUD - Aug 16

[Anonymous]

It is very challenging to stay motivated, especially towards the end of the examination process. I have been going at it for over a year and I am much more burned out than I was at the beginning. I used to be able to study for 4-5 hours and then take a break. Now, I can only study at most for 2 hours, then I need a break.

All that being said, I find ways to motivate me. I remind myself of the many benefits the CPA designation brings such as an increase in salary, job security, and respect.

Keep grinding away because you are not alone. There are people on here who have been trying to tackle these exams for multiple years.

Goodluck.

[TrojanMan]

This always motivates me: https://youtu.be/7tUGQs2KzOk

[Tncincy]

Bahhhh, that was absolutely great. I like the wiping sweat with dollar bills.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Anonymous]

Hey TrojanMan that was great. Thanks for posting that. I am going to share it with friends and family.

I especially like the second clip “There is an inverse relationship between your happiness and passing.”

That's a good way to put it, and coming from an instructor it might help others understand the effort put into passing this exam.

[M123]

Olinto better be ready to buy me some coffee.

[Author]

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