Let’s be honest—preparing for a major test isn’t just about books and study hours. It’s also about dealing with pressure, overthinking, and those occasional waves of “what if I mess this up?” I’m currently deep in prep mode for a target exam, and instead of pretending it’s all perfectly organized, I thought I’d share what’s really helping—and what I’ve had to adjust along the way.
1. Weekly Goals, Not Daily Stress At first, I made a super detailed daily plan. By Day 3, I was already behind. So now? Weekly goals. They give me enough structure to stay on track but enough flexibility to move things around if life happens. And it always does.
2. Mix It Up to Stay Awake (Literally) Spending hours on one topic makes my brain feel like it's buffering. So I switch things up—30 minutes of problem-solving, then a quick review of concepts, then a break. It keeps things moving and keeps me from zoning out.
3. Timed Practice = Eye-Opener Practicing under a timer has been humbling. Some sessions go great, others are a mess—but that’s the point. I’ve learned to manage my pace, handle the pressure, and not panic when I get stuck. Each test feels a little less intimidating than the last.
4. Progress Over Perfection Some days, I nail it. Other days, it’s a struggle to focus. Instead of judging myself for not doing "enough," I’m learning to count small wins: finishing a chapter, solving a tricky question, even just sitting down to study when I didn’t feel like it.
5. No Comparisons, No Noise It’s tempting to look at what others are doing—how many hours they study, how many mock tests they’ve taken—but honestly, that just messes with your head. I’ve stopped comparing and started listening to my own rhythm. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing what
works for me.If you’re prepping too, I get it—it’s not easy. But it’s also not impossible. Everyone’s process looks different, and that’s okay. What matters is staying in it, showing up for yourself, and learning as you go.
How’s your prep going? Anything that’s been surprisingly helpful for you?