How to be Mentally Strong for the Upcoming ACCA and CFA Exams 

Qualifying for ACCA and CFA exams is quite difficult because of their extensive syllabus and increasing competition. However, they are the most in-demand certifications in finance. A lot of people are willing to begin their careers in them to ensure a better future. Passing these exams on the first attempt is possible if you prepare well and manage your time well. Besides, you need to be mentally strong; otherwise, you cannot put in the amount of effort required to attempt these exams. You need to stay strong and prepare again if you do not qualify on your first attempt. 

But the question is: Is being mentally strong something that can be learned, or are some people just naturally born with it? Read through this blog and understand some effective tips on how to be mentally strong for upcoming exams like ACCA and CFA.

Think Positively about Yourself. 

When you want to be mentally strong, visualize your dream as it happens in real life. Imagine that you are writing and passing the exam. Imagine hearing from your parents, siblings, and friends when you qualify for your exam. Feel it; joyfully feel it. 

This visualization practice is not the same as daydreaming. It is more of a visceral experience when you attempt to experience all the feelings associated with the joy of passing and your classmates’ pride. You don’t have to do it all the time. It should be sufficient to do this mental exercise for five minutes daily. 

Recognize Yourself

The secret is self-awareness. This simply means that you will be aware of your advantages and disadvantages, not that you will instantly become a Buddha. Recognize the things that motivate you and the things that set you back. For example, you might find that studying is more enjoyable when there is background music. You are aware of exactly what suits you. So take advantage of that. 

When you were in your zone, reflect on the past and write down what you were doing. What actions did you take to push yourself or get motivated? What other items caused you to feel uneasy or unpleasant?

Look Forward instead of Backward.

It’s quite simple to criticize and dwell on the bad parts of themselves. That negative voice in your head that tells you to give up or that you’re useless may surface if you feel like you didn’t do enough revision before exam season started or if you performed poorly on the test. Never pay attention to it. Rather, focus on the future and all the things you can do to do better on the next exam or keep to your revision schedule day by day.

See the Positive Side. 

See the positives rather than obsessing about the past or your mistakes.

Therefore, change your mindset and stop telling yourself things like, “I only spent an hour revising this evening because I was so exhausted after that exam.”

Say something like this instead: “I paid attention to my body and provided it with the rest it required.” This kind of self-talk can boost your confidence and help you feel better about yourself as you move forward. 

Engage in Meditation.

Meditation is a stress-reduction technique that helps you relax and release negative thoughts and tension from both your body and mind. Simply sit up straight, close your eyes, plant your feet on the floor, and inhale deeply several times. Just concentrate on breathing, keeping your thoughts from straying. Spending ten to fifteen minutes meditating will help you stay calm and focused during exam writing.

What should you do now if you start thinking negatively?

It’s normal to have negative thoughts despite your best efforts. Feelings like I’m not going to pass or that I don’t think I’m capable of doing this? I’m not interested in studying anymore; who do I think I am to have taken this up? Do these seem familiar to you? Even those with high test scores have them. So how can you put an end to these? Possess an internal trigger. For instance, each time you have pessimistic thoughts, switch the rubber band from one hand to the other. This will assist you in being more aware that it is only a thought. Hold that idea and refuse to let it define who you are!

Do you need additional help with this?

Here are some suggestions to stay mentally strong for your ACCA and CFA exams. It is quite simple to read a blog such as this, say to yourself, “Yeah, yeah, good ideas,” then quickly navigate to another website and completely forget about it. 

Never forget that your level of preparation will determine your success and score, so don’t compromise on it. Enroll at Mirchawala to receive the best academic professionals to help you reach all of your future goals. Please contact us with any questions, concerns, or recommendations, and we would be happy to help.