Facing a burnout - please help!

Question

Hi, I think am going through the burnout phase

Its been around 32 days (minimum 3 hours a day and a maximum 7 hours a day) since i started studying for gmat. I am facing a bit of a frustration and not able to concentrate much this week!! I feel a little doubt in me if i can make it right and i get nervous thinking of the D-Day!! And my errors are increasing!!

If someone has any similar experiences and has overcome the same, please do share your thoughts. Thanks.

gauravmarwaha · Answer

Dear Gayathri,
Well, the type of "Burnout" phase you are experiencing at present is normal for anyone preparing for the GMAT...But my advise, enjoy the journey and NEVER GET DISCOURAGED...You are in that particular phase of your prep when one is done with the basic theory and stuff and he/she starts to attempt some questions. This is a pretty novice stage, so don't get worried in any way. This particular phase of your prep is the most challenging, when you face different types of questions every now and then, no strategy of yours seems to work and in the end you end up doing more wrong questions. RESULT - FRUSTRATION AND ANGER!!

Now, the hitch here is that this is normal - YES!! This is the stage when it is allowed to make mistakes and learn from them, using the options (viz. study material, timing etc.) wisely and of course revising your mistakes. Another important point on which I would emphasize is the amount of time you spend on your studies - MAKE SURE YOU SPEND QUALITY TIME RATHER THAN QUANTITY TIME. Please go through an earlier post by me below for further clarification...In case you have any problem, please do let me know...

The first and the most important part - you are a warrior, so please don't let yourself down
Second - Looking at your scores, you have shown a marked improvement - keep it up!!
Third - Ignore Official Guide - AT YOUR OWN RISK!! - This might be the biggest mistake of your life (well, if you want to get into a good B-School)
Last - Do not focus on getting a good score, focus on a good preparation!!

Now, narrow down your study material resources to a few selected ones -

Quant - Official Guide, GMAT Club Tests
Verbal - MGMAT SC Guide, Official Guide, 1000 SC, 3000 RC
AWA's - Just skim through Chineseburn's guide to get a 6.0 on AWA - that's it!!
Review your mistakes regularly - very important

P.S. - My D-Day is 19 April, 2012...Absolutely enjoying my prep!!

Shko1 · Answer

Same here, someone provide guidance?

gayathriz · Answer

Thank you for the post gauravmarwaha!! You are right am still at the novice stage where i learn the basics and try out problems. So now i am planning to actually enjoy the learning part and not stress out! Hope it works

rajeevrks27 · Answer

At times, it's good to take a break from studies,thus, giving some rest to the brain. Also, it's good to watch some motivational videos. check out the link below cool-you-tube-videos-101042.html

gauravmarwaha · Answer

Good to learn that you are going to tread the "optimistic" path now....I wish you all the best for your preps and of course the exam...Keep Rocking!!

gauravmarwaha · Answer

Hey Shko1, just go through the previous post by me, and of course hundreds of other posts on the forum...Great resource to get motivated...if you still need some help, please do let us know...cheers and all the best!!

nikhilsrl · Answer

Agree with Rajeev. Take a break, a day or two should be good. Cool of and come back, I am sure you will do better. I am talking from experience. I prepared hard for 3 months and during this period there were times when I was loosing track. Taking a day off had helped me.

AbhiJ · Answer

More action doesn't always mean more results. Always see if you are actually learning or just reviewing the old stuff.
After going through 50 or so problems from a source reassess how much you have learned.
You have to select the right material for your level and gain mastery of it rather than going through every stuff on the market. The right stuff is one that will challenge but not overwhelm at the same time.

mohater · Answer

Burning out is a common problem on any test prep/review.

Couple points to keep in mind:

-Make sure you are benefiting from your time. Remove distractions by removing yourself from an environment of distractions and/or complete other tasks you know will linger in your mind (errands, cleaning, etc.) before you begin studying for the day
-There is a need for "brute force" studying at time (forcing yourself to study). This is normal, but it should not occur every time you need to study.
-Take breaks from studying. This is very important. The mind is like any other muscle, it needs to relax after working hard. There's no shame in taking a day off here and there to unwind, go out, etc. That being said, you still must give prep its due time.

Best of luck,

wallstreetbarbie · Answer

After 3 months I just went through a bad burn out. Took a week long vacation. I am back on track now. I also would ocassionally take a Sunday off to just sleep in (5am wake ups are THE WORST). This was maybe once a month. Kept my sanity in check. Oh and one night a week I would allow myself to watch TV or go out (usually Friday nights).

dzodzo85 · Answer

I had the same problem last week, where I did not fully study. At times it is very good to take a break from studies to help you recuperate and relax so that you do not burnout. I am now heading towards my EAT, SLEEP, DRINK, THE GMAT phase of my preparations.

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Facing a burnout - please help!

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