[Anonymous]

I don’t compete seriously, but I used to run 10k or 5k every now and then and some vertical run here and there to stay in shape. I enjoy playing several instruments throughout my life.

Now I am studying for the CPA exam and I am lacking motivation to stay in shape (weather can be a part of blame especially this year).

It seems everyone is very dedicated to be a CPA here on another71.com and I am a bit hesitant to ask this question…

Do you try to stay being who you used to be, and enjoy what you used to enjoy? If so, how?

I feel like I have to drop everything(events with family and friends) till I pass, but I feel blue that I lost passion to everything.

It’s like I am mourning.

Does anyone start something new to keep your sanity?

I feel very guilty of that idea but I couldn’t help asking.

Sorry for the rumbling. Any input will be appreciated 🙂

[Anonymous]

It kind of depends on your exam timeline. I'm on a 12 month schedule, have a demanding job, 3 young kids at home, do a lot of work for my church….so, it's a struggle. Trying to bike and go to the gym are hard to squeeze in. But what I did was create an hourly schedule for each day of the week. I made sure to allow time for family, church work, and exercise, and I still managed to put aside 15-20 hours per week for studying. So, I'd suggest making up a schedule like that and stick to it. I don't know about trying to start something new, but you should be able to at least keep up with what you're used to.

[Anonymous]

It kind of depends on your exam timeline. I'm on a 12 month schedule, have a demanding job, 3 young kids at home, do a lot of work for my church….so, it's a struggle. Trying to bike and go to the gym are hard to squeeze in. But what I did was create an hourly schedule for each day of the week. I made sure to allow time for family, church work, and exercise, and I still managed to put aside 15-20 hours per week for studying. So, I'd suggest making up a schedule like that and stick to it. I don't know about trying to start something new, but you should be able to at least keep up with what you're used to.

[san4596]

I used to be very active as well. A 5K here, day of golf there, and some obstacle runs. Then, I started the exam, and have put off keeping in shape more and more. My goal is to pass the remaining exams in the next 6 months, and use the extra time to get back in shape.

Regarding family and friends, I do not miss special events/occasions such as births, reunions, holiday events, or anything of that nature. However, I do miss drinking with friends, and other gatherings that a less important. They understand, and if they don't that's there problem.

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[san4596]

I used to be very active as well. A 5K here, day of golf there, and some obstacle runs. Then, I started the exam, and have put off keeping in shape more and more. My goal is to pass the remaining exams in the next 6 months, and use the extra time to get back in shape.

Regarding family and friends, I do not miss special events/occasions such as births, reunions, holiday events, or anything of that nature. However, I do miss drinking with friends, and other gatherings that a less important. They understand, and if they don't that's there problem.

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[Anonymous]

I feel like I have hit the pause button on who I used to be.

I have a hard time justifying doing other things I am passionate about while studying for this exam. Perhaps it is just my own makeup, but whenever I go to the gym or out with friends or read books other than CPA, I feel that guilt as if this is time I can better use studying. As if every day I spend not studying is another day I have to deal with these exams.

I've come to the comfortable realization that between the CPA and a full time job – I will not be going out with friends, keeping in my fit shape at the gym, or reading all of the books I want to read – but those are short term sacrifices so I can dedicate myself completely to passing.

If I don't handle it that way, I will begin slacking off one day and it will become a trend.

[Anonymous]

I feel like I have hit the pause button on who I used to be.

I have a hard time justifying doing other things I am passionate about while studying for this exam. Perhaps it is just my own makeup, but whenever I go to the gym or out with friends or read books other than CPA, I feel that guilt as if this is time I can better use studying. As if every day I spend not studying is another day I have to deal with these exams.

I've come to the comfortable realization that between the CPA and a full time job – I will not be going out with friends, keeping in my fit shape at the gym, or reading all of the books I want to read – but those are short term sacrifices so I can dedicate myself completely to passing.

If I don't handle it that way, I will begin slacking off one day and it will become a trend.

[Anonymous]

Exercising and playing musical instruments will actually help you study. If you were initially an active person and regularly went for runs or worked out, then do not stop that – just adjust your schedule. Exercising help keep the mind sharp, especially if its what your body was used to. If you suddenly stop working out regularly, I think you'll see your comprehension and mental focus diminish – IMO. I try to work out regularly, which like I stated before, helps me keep a clear mind and helps me focus – although I just broke my heel so it's been a little harder to find ways to work out, but I still do something.

We have a spin bike at home, so I like to hop on that – yes even with the broken heel – and read notes or listen to audio while at the same time cycling. Killing two birds with one stone. Anyhow, what I'm trying to say is you just need to find out how to incorporate exercise and “right brain” stimulations into your routine.

[Anonymous]

Exercising and playing musical instruments will actually help you study. If you were initially an active person and regularly went for runs or worked out, then do not stop that – just adjust your schedule. Exercising help keep the mind sharp, especially if its what your body was used to. If you suddenly stop working out regularly, I think you'll see your comprehension and mental focus diminish – IMO. I try to work out regularly, which like I stated before, helps me keep a clear mind and helps me focus – although I just broke my heel so it's been a little harder to find ways to work out, but I still do something.

We have a spin bike at home, so I like to hop on that – yes even with the broken heel – and read notes or listen to audio while at the same time cycling. Killing two birds with one stone. Anyhow, what I'm trying to say is you just need to find out how to incorporate exercise and “right brain” stimulations into your routine.

[Study Monk]

I started going on hikes/walks with flashcards that I created. Listening to audio review material would work to. I am trying to keep this in my routine since i gained 15 pounds studying for FAR.

I spoke to an ancient wise man who sent me on a mushroom induced journey through an ancient forest to find the key to passing the CPA exam. A talking spider monkey told me to throw the last of my drinking water in the dirt to find what I was looking for. So I followed his instructions and the following message appeared in the soil:

"Do 5000 multiple choice questions for each section"

[Study Monk]

I started going on hikes/walks with flashcards that I created. Listening to audio review material would work to. I am trying to keep this in my routine since i gained 15 pounds studying for FAR.

I spoke to an ancient wise man who sent me on a mushroom induced journey through an ancient forest to find the key to passing the CPA exam. A talking spider monkey told me to throw the last of my drinking water in the dirt to find what I was looking for. So I followed his instructions and the following message appeared in the soil:

"Do 5000 multiple choice questions for each section"

[F15hy]

I started off my exam journey thinking I could do everything as I did when I was in college, how could this be that much different, right? Nope, so wrong haha.

I passed REG with very little effort (I'm in tax). So I figured I could keep competing and working and hanging with with my friends, no big deal, I'll skim right through. Well, that was definitely not the case.

I tried to keep my horse and I in shape to compete, which required me waking up between 3:30 and 4:00 every morning to study for a little. I have to leave my house by 6AM to ride if I have any hope of getting to work by 9. Then I would work from 9-5, sometimes later. Then I had to finish up with my horse after work and then get home, maybe eat and then back to the books. I wasn't retaining what I needed to because I was exhausted.

I had to stop competing, which is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. But, in the long run, this career is what is going to help pay for my passion. So for NOW it is what I had to do. What kept me sane is knowing that this is temporary and I'm doing something that will benefit me in long run, which is more important since I plan on living for awhile haha.

I'm waiting on my last score now. I was talking to my mom the other day about it. It was a REALLY LONG year while I was in midst of all, but if I get that final passing grade on February 25, it really doesn't feel that bad. I guess the gist of this is, it sucks really badly while you're taking your exams and you really have to sacrifice big chunks of your general routine, but it's only temporary. One day you will look back and realize that in comparison to your WHOLE life, 1 or 2 years spent taking this exam ain't that bad. Just have to put it in prospective and think about it as positively as you can. Being negative about the process doesn't make it go any faster, but thinking positively can keep you happier 🙂 Good luck and I hope you finish soon!

CA Candidate

B-79 (4th Attempt, finally killed you Nov 2013)
A-81 (3rd Attempt, Feb 2014) AND I AM DONE!!!!!
R-80 (1st Attempt, Feb 2013)
F-77 (2nd attempt, Jan 2014)

Becker, Becker Final Review, NINJA 10-Point Combo
($M.O.B$)

CA Ethics-92%

[F15hy]

I started off my exam journey thinking I could do everything as I did when I was in college, how could this be that much different, right? Nope, so wrong haha.

I passed REG with very little effort (I'm in tax). So I figured I could keep competing and working and hanging with with my friends, no big deal, I'll skim right through. Well, that was definitely not the case.

I tried to keep my horse and I in shape to compete, which required me waking up between 3:30 and 4:00 every morning to study for a little. I have to leave my house by 6AM to ride if I have any hope of getting to work by 9. Then I would work from 9-5, sometimes later. Then I had to finish up with my horse after work and then get home, maybe eat and then back to the books. I wasn't retaining what I needed to because I was exhausted.

I had to stop competing, which is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. But, in the long run, this career is what is going to help pay for my passion. So for NOW it is what I had to do. What kept me sane is knowing that this is temporary and I'm doing something that will benefit me in long run, which is more important since I plan on living for awhile haha.

I'm waiting on my last score now. I was talking to my mom the other day about it. It was a REALLY LONG year while I was in midst of all, but if I get that final passing grade on February 25, it really doesn't feel that bad. I guess the gist of this is, it sucks really badly while you're taking your exams and you really have to sacrifice big chunks of your general routine, but it's only temporary. One day you will look back and realize that in comparison to your WHOLE life, 1 or 2 years spent taking this exam ain't that bad. Just have to put it in prospective and think about it as positively as you can. Being negative about the process doesn't make it go any faster, but thinking positively can keep you happier 🙂 Good luck and I hope you finish soon!

CA Candidate

B-79 (4th Attempt, finally killed you Nov 2013)
A-81 (3rd Attempt, Feb 2014) AND I AM DONE!!!!!
R-80 (1st Attempt, Feb 2013)
F-77 (2nd attempt, Jan 2014)

Becker, Becker Final Review, NINJA 10-Point Combo
($M.O.B$)

CA Ethics-92%

[samdiegoCPA]

I live in a beach town in San Diego where it's summer everyday and where one of my friends has a birthday every fricking weekend it seems. I love going to happy hour. I love walking around the bay. Had to stop doing most to all of those things til I pass. I had to. I failed four in a row without working thinking I could study and party cus I had the time. Then got a job and started passing them. I allow myself to attend events during the beginning phase of studying when I am only re-writing the entire Roger book, but not when I am doing MCQ and extra notes.

AUD: 84
REG: 84
BEC: 79
FAR: 83

[samdiegoCPA]

I live in a beach town in San Diego where it's summer everyday and where one of my friends has a birthday every fricking weekend it seems. I love going to happy hour. I love walking around the bay. Had to stop doing most to all of those things til I pass. I had to. I failed four in a row without working thinking I could study and party cus I had the time. Then got a job and started passing them. I allow myself to attend events during the beginning phase of studying when I am only re-writing the entire Roger book, but not when I am doing MCQ and extra notes.

AUD: 84
REG: 84
BEC: 79
FAR: 83

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

Thank you so much for your input.

I read all of your comments and decided to change thet way I utilize my time…starting today.

@dg3989

Today is the day one to create a schedule or a time table. I probably needed to do that sooner in order to put some time aside for everything else…I probably don't have to feel guilty playing music for 30 min nor workout for an hour. I'll see.

I have 2 kids, travel hockey and figure skating. Even without CPA exam, our weekend is pretty much spent on driving or sitting around. So I know what it's like to have so much on a plate.

@san4596

My nervousness set in yesterday when I saw a reminder for a Hancock center(100floors) run I registered back in Nov.

It always has been a popular event, the registration gets full within an hour the registration opens.

I forgot all about it, it was near my AUD exam(hasn't registered yet but I am planning on taking AUD in Apr).

It might be a good idea to getting back to the gym to train 3 times a week. I will incorporate the study tool during my workout session and see what happens.

You can nail it in 6 months. My journey has just started so it's gonna take a while to pass them all…

Good luck, you are almost there!

@acg5000

I feel exactly the same way!

I have 3 magazine subscriptions. Since I started studying for the exam, the latest issues are sitting on the coffee table and kitchen counter, not that I absolutely don't have time to read, but I feel extremely guilty if I read anything other than AUD textbook.

I used to watch my favorite TV programs weekly, but I stopped. Now I can't catch up with my friends' conversation. haha.

By the time I'm done with the exam, they will be waaaay outdated.

@bdbruinsma

We just put our gym membership in hibernation status 2 months ago…bad idea.

I was having a hard time focusing, you convinced me that my hiatus membership is the reason (not to blame it on my FAR fail).

I will get back to the gym since I am running up the Hancock Center in Apr. My gym finally have machines I can charge my iPhone while listening to the lectures, they have 2hr childcare for free, I just bought NINJA flashcard I can use while running.

@Study Monk

When we had a dog, I had a reason to take a walk everyday.

Last year she passed away, so I have no reason to walk around the house & my gym membership in hibernation status(much less due than regular membership)…bad idea.

I lost 5lbs. I was having a hard time shedding those lbs while being active, I think those 5lb are all muscle since muscle weighs more than fat. I will slowly get back to the light exercise since I feel weaker.

@F15hy

I started this journey thinking the same way you did. I can multitask, have-it-all kind of attitude. haha.

It takes a lot longer to swallow the material, and it's never over till I pass (in college it's over in 4months no matter what).

I know some friends who used to own race horses. I kinda know what it's like. Having a regular exercise along with exap preparation is tough.

You are right. This is not going to last forever. I have a definite goal for our family and I really need this. I tend to forget and feel like a victim that I am the only one struggling. I need to focus, focus, focus and keep remind myself why I started it in the first place.

@samdiegoCPA

That's a very interesting point that you started passing while working fulltime. Maybe the pressure and limited time to study made you focus more? Congrats!

I am not a youngster like you anymore(I feel like 85yrs old writing this), but having so many events during the holiday season(kids' school had fundraising, Christmas events, goodie bags for Halloween and Christmas, donation for charity I missed several deadlines).

I feel a lot better after rambling and get my thoughts together.

Seems like a lot of you guys are sitting for the exam this month. Good luck to you all!

[Author]

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