Seeking Constructive Criticism

Hi GMAT2645,

You're describing a number of issues that are more about 'attitude' than anything else. The mindset that you bring to this process will absolutely impact your entire experience (and ultimate score result). There are some thing that you can do to improve your processes in these areas.

1) Having a scheduled Test Date often helps. Without a specific deadline, you won't feel the 'pressure' to schedule your studies, plan everything out, etc. Even if you choose to push back your Test later on, having an Official Test Date (which means spending the money and booking the appointment) should help make everything more "real" and should help provide more of a focus to your overall approach.

2) Schedule your studies the same way that you would schedule any other part of your life. If you have a schedule for your classes, or for a job, or to go to the gym.. then you should be able to schedule your GMAT studies in a similar fashion. You don't have to study every day (and studying 4-5 hours every day seems like too much), but having a routine and a time for these studies should help you integrate everything more effectively.

3) Studying earlier in the day (when you're more awake and alert) is often more effective than studying later in the day (or at night). Think about WHERE you're studying as well. Eliminate the external distractions. Try listening to music too (without lyrics).

Also remember that the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. When you study, you're not just answering individual questions - you're building up a 'bank' of knowledge, Tactics, patterns, etc. (even when you make mistakes, you should be noting the mistakes so that you can eliminate them with practice).

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

I feel your pain. Here are some simple psychological hacks that you can follow to help keep you on the straight and narrow:

1. Use the Pareto Principle: the 80-20 Rule

2. Understand your GMAT Persona

3. Declutter you mind for GMAT prep

4. Use small wins to maintain momentum

5. Create a "habit" of studying for the GMAT

You can watch the video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ler080Q ... e=youtu.be

Let me know if this helps,

Arun