Feeling really frustrated
I need to pass the MA or FA mock exam to have my employer cover the costs of the exams and fees. I’ve chosen to focus on studying for the MA because, honestly, I’m just so tired of dealing with numbers.
I’ve gone through all the OpenTuition lectures, reviewed ACCA specimen exams, and checked out Acowtancy too. I’ve managed to get some questions right, but I still feel really lost. I’m beginning to think I don’t even grasp the fundamentals of Accounting.
How do you cope with feeling this way?
One response
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure while preparing for exams, especially in a challenging field like Accounting. Here are a few strategies that might help you navigate through this feeling:
Acknowledge Your Progress: You’ve already put in a significant amount of effort by studying various resources and answering questions correctly. It’s important to recognize that you’re making progress, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
Focus on Concepts, Not Just Answers: Instead of just trying to get the correct answers, take time to understand the underlying concepts. Sometimes, reviewing the key principles and how they apply in different scenarios can make things clearer.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice, the more familiar the concepts will become. Try working through more past papers and different scenarios to reinforce your understanding.
Study Groups or Forums: Joining a study group or online forum can provide you with support and allow you to discuss concepts with others. Sometimes explaining things to someone else can solidify your own understanding.
Break It Down: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of material, break your study sessions into smaller, manageable sections. Tackle one concept at a time, and build your knowledge step-by-step.
Seek Help When Needed: If you’re struggling with specific topics, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mentor, tutor, or instructor who can provide clarification and guidance.
Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: Remember to be kind to yourself. Everyone learns at their own pace, and feeling stuck is part of the learning process. Practicing mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and improve your focus.
Visual Aids: Sometimes, visualizing information through charts, diagrams, or mind maps can make the information easier to digest, especially in Accounting where relationships between concepts are key.
Finally, try to shift your mindset from feeling “dumb” to viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. You’re already taking steps to improve yourself, and that’s something to be proud of! Good luck with your studies!