Wasn't sure where to post this, but thought it was worth mentioning.
In studying for the GMAT, in particular, when practicing the OG questions (of all types, PS,DS,RC,CR) I've noticed that I've been making errors by not fully considering the consequences of my choices when strategizing a method to attack a question, if that makes any sense. In other words, I would often read a question, take the first method I thought of to solve it and run with it without taking time to scan it for any tricks/traps. I would be so excited with the prospect of thinking "yes, i know this, this is an easy one" to consider, carefully, my actions. Often times, I would check the OA, see that it was wrong only to go back and re-read the question slower, with more care, to discover a simple trick I'd fallen prey to.
Not only have I noticed this in my study for the GMAT but I'm guilty of it at work as well. So the other day I thought that perhaps engaging my mind in an activity where you must intensely focus on your actions and make sure they have been fully thought out BEFORE acting would be beneficial. The solution: chess.
I've never been particularily into chess, I'm more of a gym rat to be honest, so I just stated playing vs the CPU on the chess game in my accessories. This game really makes you think 2,3,4 steps ahead and if you find yourself zoning out or losing concentration, not fully thinking out a move, you can easily get burned - just like the GMAT. I've only been into it for maybe half-hour a day for 5 or so days but I can already feel myself making better choice on GMAT prep questions. Its been a good way for me to further calibrate my analytical skils without continuous GMAT study.
Try it out - let me know if it helps at all!
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G.T.L. - GMAT, Tanning, Laundry
Round 1: 05/12/10 handling-a-grenade-thesituation-s-official-debrief-94181.html
Round 2: 07/10/10 - This time it's personal.
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