Daily Routines For CAT | Tips From A CAT 100%iler | CAT 2023 Strategies | 2IIM CAT Preparation

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline and relentlessness in preparing for the CAT exam. They suggest creating a daily study schedule, focusing on the most challenging tasks early in the day, and maintaining a regular mock test routine. The speaker also highlights the need for flexibility and the ability to find joy in learning, even on tough days. They stress the importance of celebrating small victories and maintaining a positive attitude throughout the preparation process.

Takeaways

• 🕒 'Discipline is crucial': Having a consistent study schedule every day is essential for success.
• ⏰ 'Anchor your preparation': Dedicate specific time slots daily for focused study and stick to them religiously.
• 🌅 'Early bird advantage': Utilize the early morning hours for tackling the most challenging tasks.
• 🔄 'Find your rhythm': Identify your personal productivity peak times and schedule your study sessions accordingly.
• 📅 'Mock exam routine': Make taking mock exams a regular part of your routine, like every Saturday or Sunday.
• 🏋️‍♂️ 'Relentlessness over discipline': Even on bad days, show up and attempt to do some study to maintain momentum.
• 🚫 'Don't avoid the tough parts': Face the sections you find most challenging head-on, rather than avoiding them.
• 🏁 'Endurance over sprint': Approach preparation as a marathon, not a sprint, and be prepared for ups and downs.
• 🤸‍♂️ 'Adapt and overcome': If you have a series of unproductive days, take a short break and then refocus on a different area.
• 🎉 'Celebrate small victories': Find joy in learning and solving problems, and maintain a positive attitude towards challenges.

Q & A

What is the importance of discipline in preparing for the CAT exam according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that discipline is crucial for CAT exam preparation. It involves creating a daily and weekly work schedule and sticking to it without fail. This includes dedicating specific time slots every day for preparation and taking mock tests on a set schedule, like every Sunday.

Why does the speaker suggest having a 90-minute or 75-minute study stretch daily?

The speaker suggests a 90-minute or 75-minute study stretch daily because it helps in maintaining consistency and focus. This duration is long enough to cover substantial material without being too overwhelming and ensures that the preparation is continuous and uninterrupted.

What does the speaker mean by finding one's 'trick' in CAT preparation?

The speaker refers to 'trick' as the personal strategy or approach that works best for an individual. For instance, the speaker is an early morning person, so they tackle the most challenging tasks first thing in the morning. This 'trick' helps in managing the preparation effectively according to one's natural inclinations and energy levels.

How does the speaker manage to stay motivated during their CAT preparation?

The speaker stays motivated by focusing on the micro-level achievements, such as solving a difficult question or understanding a complex concept. They also emphasize the importance of having moments of 'micro celebration' where they appreciate the learning process, which helps in maintaining the joy of learning and prevents the preparation from becoming a chore.

What is the significance of taking mock tests according to the speaker?

The speaker highlights that taking mock tests is significant because it helps in simulating the actual exam conditions and provides an opportunity to analyze performance. It also aids in identifying weak areas and improving time management skills, which are critical for success in the CAT exam.

How does the speaker handle bad days during their preparation?

The speaker handles bad days by being relentless and not giving up. They might take a half-day off to refresh and then come back with a focused approach, targeting weak areas. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of showing up and attempting questions even on days when they feel uninspired or exhausted.

What does the speaker mean by 'relentlessness' in the context of CAT preparation?

The speaker defines 'relentlessness' as the ability to keep going even after facing setbacks or bad days. It involves showing up for the preparation, attempting questions, and not giving up even if the performance is not up to the mark. This quality is crucial for maintaining momentum and progress in the long-term preparation process.

Why is it important to have a part of the study schedule that is non-negotiable, according to the speaker?

Having a non-negotiable part of the study schedule is important because it ensures that there is a consistent and disciplined approach to preparation. This part of the schedule is designed to be rigid and followed strictly, regardless of external circumstances or personal mood, which helps in building a strong foundation for the exam.

How does the speaker balance discipline with flexibility in their study schedule?

The speaker balances discipline with flexibility by having a regimented part of their schedule that is non-negotiable, such as a specific study slot, and a flexible part where they can adjust based on their mood or energy levels. This approach allows them to maintain discipline while also accommodating personal preferences and energy cycles.

What advice does the speaker give for maintaining a positive attitude towards CAT preparation?

The speaker advises maintaining a positive attitude by focusing on the joy of learning and celebrating small victories, like solving a difficult question. They also suggest not letting go of the excitement and curiosity associated with learning new concepts or solving puzzles, which helps in keeping the preparation process enjoyable and less stressful.

How does the speaker view the CAT preparation process in terms of time management?

The speaker views the CAT preparation process as a marathon, not a sprint. They emphasize the importance of long-term, consistent effort rather than short bursts of intense study. This perspective helps in managing the preparation over a longer period without burning out and ensures that the candidate is well-prepared for the exam.

Outlines

00:00

📚 The Importance of Discipline and Relentlessness in CAT Preparation

The speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline and relentlessness in preparing for the CAT exam. They suggest creating a daily and weekly schedule, dedicating specific time slots for study without fail. The speaker shares their personal strategy of tackling the most challenging tasks early in the morning and using their strengths to maintain motivation. They also stress the importance of taking regular mock tests and analyzing them promptly. The speaker highlights the need for consistency, even on bad days, and finding joy in learning to sustain the preparation process over the long term.

05:01

🎯 Maintaining Joy and Micro Celebrations in Learning

In this paragraph, the speaker discusses the significance of maintaining a sense of joy and celebrating small victories while studying. They advise learners to appreciate the process of learning, focusing on the satisfaction derived from understanding a difficult question or solving a complex problem. The speaker encourages creating micro celebrations to keep the learning process enjoyable and to prevent it from becoming a chore. They also stress the importance of discipline and relentlessness, but remind that these should be balanced with moments of enjoyment to sustain motivation and prevent burnout.

Keywords

💡Discipline

Discipline in the context of the video refers to the self-control and consistency required to follow a study schedule and stick to it daily. It is crucial for preparing for exams like the CAT, as it involves setting aside specific time slots for studying and adhering to them religiously. The speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline by stating that one must have a daily and weekly schedule, such as studying from 6:30 to 7:45 AM every day, to ensure a structured approach to preparation.

💡Relentlessness

Relentlessness is described as the persistence and determination to continue studying and taking mock tests even on days when one does not feel inspired. It is the ability to push through the tough times and maintain a consistent effort in preparation. The speaker illustrates this by sharing their own experience of taking mock tests and analyzing them immediately, regardless of how they felt that day, highlighting the importance of showing up and putting in the work.

💡Mock Tests

Mock tests are full-length practice exams that simulate the actual test conditions. They are essential for gauging one's preparation level and identifying areas of improvement. The video script mentions that the speaker would take mock tests every Saturday or Sunday, which helped in reinforcing the learning and provided a realistic assessment of their readiness for the actual exam.

💡Anchor

In the video, 'anchor' refers to a fixed part of the study schedule that is non-negotiable and must be adhered to under all circumstances. It symbolizes the commitment to a routine that ensures a minimum level of daily study, such as the speaker's 6:30 to 7:30 AM slot for tackling difficult tasks. This anchor provides a stable foundation for the preparation process.

💡Inspiration

Inspiration, as discussed in the video, is the motivational drive that fuels one's study sessions. The speaker mentions having moments of inspiration where they would excel in their studies. However, they also stress that one should not rely solely on inspiration, as it can be inconsistent, and instead, one should develop a relentless approach to studying.

💡Comfort Zone

The comfort zone in the script refers to the areas of study or types of questions that one finds easier or more enjoyable. The speaker suggests that when they are not feeling up to studying, they would move to their comfort zone to maintain momentum in their preparation. This strategy helps in continuing the study process even on less motivated days.

💡Micro Celebration

Micro celebration is the act of finding joy and satisfaction in small achievements or understandings during the study process. The speaker encourages viewers to appreciate the process of learning, such as solving a difficult question or understanding a complex concept, which helps in maintaining a positive attitude towards studying.

💡Bad Days

Bad days in the context of the video are the periods when one's study performance or motivation is low. The speaker advises on how to handle such days by showing up and doing the work anyway, even if it means getting questions wrong. This approach helps in building resilience and the ability to continue preparation despite temporary setbacks.

💡Preparation

Preparation, as discussed in the video, is the overall process of studying and practicing for an exam. It involves creating a schedule, taking mock tests, and continuously working on improving one's skills and knowledge. The speaker emphasizes the importance of a disciplined and relentless approach to preparation, which is key to success in competitive exams.

💡Percentile

Percentile refers to the relative standing of a score in a group of scores. In the context of the video, it is used to describe the competitive nature of exams like the CAT, where one's score is compared to others. The speaker advises not to get disheartened by a low percentile in a mock test but to use it as a learning opportunity to improve.

💡Marathon

The term 'marathon' is used metaphorically in the video to describe the long and sustained effort required for exam preparation. It contrasts with a 'sprint,' which would imply a short burst of effort. The speaker uses this metaphor to emphasize that preparation is a continuous process that requires endurance and consistency, rather than short-term intense effort.

Highlights

Discipline is crucial for success, with a daily and weekly work schedule being essential.

Maintain a consistent 90-minute study session every day without fail.

Establish an anchor to your preparation, such as a specific time slot each day.

Find your personal trick, like studying early in the morning for difficult tasks.

Relentlessness is key, taking a mock test every weekend regardless of circumstances.

Create a schedule that includes both discipline and flexibility.

Use your strengths to your advantage, like focusing on geometry when feeling stressed.

Take half a day off after a series of bad days to recharge and then refocus.

Maintain a positive attitude towards learning, even when facing challenges.

Celebrate small victories, like solving a difficult question, to keep motivation high.

Keep the joy of learning alive by appreciating the process, not just the outcome.

Prepare for a marathon, not a sprint, understanding that consistency is more important than short bursts of effort.

When feeling uncertain, pick yourself up and keep going, even if it's just to complete a section.

Have a micro celebration for each question you get right or learn from when you get it wrong.

Never lose the joy of learning at the micro level, such as solving puzzles or reading passages.

Make your preparation enjoyable by finding joy in the learning process.

Maintain a balance between discipline, relentlessness, and the joy of learning.

Transcripts

[Music]

foreign

I'm going to blame pranav for this and I

didn't want to do anything anything to

do with from 100 Taylor fine so but hey

she said I have to do this so I'm here

fine I there's not I'm not going to say

anything magical uh what are the

important variables teams that are super

important one is discipline is important

super crucial so have a work schedule on

a daily basis and a weekly basis you

have to say that every day from 6 30 to

7 45 I'll prepare to cat for cat or from

8 30 to 9 45 PM I will prepare for cat

that's got to be a 90 minute or a 75

minute stretch that happens every single

day without fail on a continuous basis

you have got to have one anchor to your

preparation on top of this you should

say every Sunday I'm taking a mock

the discipline element of okay this time

I'm sitting in and doing that that is

super important thing uh you have to

find your trick I'm an early morning

person so when I Was preparing for cat

my toughest trickiest most boring the

things that I did not like doing that

would come early that would come right

in the morning so 6 30 to 7 30 I would

do three RC passages because that was my

bug bear back then so I would read and

solve read and solve read and solve let

that be there whenever I'm drifting

through the day I'll go to my comfort

zone so if I have to do another hour of

preparation but I'm not really feeling

up to it I would take daylr DLR back

then was dramatically different from

that DLR backgrounds multiplied divided

subtract fine 23.56 percentage so so you

don't need to be inspired to do this but

you need to turn up to do this that will

be my afternoon I was relentless at

Market taking and I would take mocks and

analyze them pretty much straight away

so that is one thing that you've got to

Anchor you've got to say very early on

that every Sunday every Saturday some

one day I am taking a mop for sure come

hell or high water so that has to be

very clear so one daily schedule part

either early morning or late evening or

some sweet spot of 75 minutes to 90

minutes every single day you've got to

Anchor World Cup football is happening

no I'm not getting up IPL finals no this

is my 90 minutes I'll watch highlights

later uh friends are all going for a

movie no this is my 90 minutes so if

it's 6 30 to 7 45 nobody's gonna disturb

you but 9 30 to 10 45 nobody's gonna

disturb you find one slot stick to it

right relentlessness

and this totally works for me my

discipline sometimes let me down but my

relentlessness is good what do I mean by

that discipline is creating a schedule

and sticking to it day after day I like

to keep my discipline part as one part

of my component one part is not

negotiable not every part that I can't

do it I can't say every part of every

element of my preparation is not

negotiable I'll do 6 30 to 7 45 to 3 30

to 5 I'll do eight to nine thirty no no

I have my moments of inspiration when I

go and nail stuff I have my bad days so

one part is anchored by that my second

part is where it is where I keep coming

at it I have three bad days I'll say

look three bad days today I'm turning up

and doing 100 questions if I get 70 of

them wrong I don't care so the days

where you're not inspired if the crit

can go through that every time you take

more time I can bet my bottom dollar if

you take 20 marks there'll be five or

six of them where after two sections you

feel like the score is going to be so

messed up that I don't want to see it I

don't want to see my overall percentile

if I dump now I've taken only two thirds

of the paper I won't have to see my

score so it's all right no you greet

yourself and see that one section

through you put Power yourself through

and do all the boring questions even

you're dead tired and you feel like this

score is gone that is going to help you

in the exam so that that ability to pick

yourself up in bad days after bad days

you've got a horrible mock take half a

day off and then throw back into

something else if geometry what's your

strength particulating every geometry

question wrong you're feeling stressed

out take half a day off and then go

through geometry entirely from Sunday 7

A.M to 8 PM one day with a couple of

breaks so that you you come back on that

so that element of relevantness that has

been my biggest strength not the

discipline but I can't stick to a

schedule if it is very regimented but I

have one part of my schedule regimented

and the floating path where I keep

coming back when I keep coming back so I

this this preparation is like to use a

very old cliche it's a marathon not a

Sprint

even if you're doing a very short spell

it's a four month five month spell it's

not a three week spell so you can't say

I'll put well grit my teeth through and

do this there will be moments where you

fall off where you feel like

where your your mind is little messed up

where you feel the the outcome is so

uncertain that what am I doing right

here you'll have to pick yourself up and

that is where your relentlessness has to

come back into the picture so that

element is super important

that part discipline is important

Relentless is important it's got to be

an element that puts a smile on your

face you've got to have this element of

looking at a question getting it wrong

and saying put that trap man I fell for

it oh this beautiful puzzle I missed

that one idea I got a recorded chat oh

what a nice word I walked into that trap

I thought he was saying this but

actually he's saying that the answer is

make it very clear this this RC is

really good I'm gonna mark it and come

back to it later the tiny element of joy

of learning at the micro level at the

question level at The Puzzle level at

the passage level if you lose it in both

discipline and relentlessness go out of

the window you've got to make yourself

have those moments of micro celebration

whatever you forget about cat and

percentile and Mark and score and

syllabus and you say wow good question

nice I got trapped there that you should

never let go because if that goes off

then it becomes a chore the whole whole

thing becomes like one one pressure

thing so keep that in mind the three

themes I would work with discipline to

Anchor one part of your thing where you

say I'm turning up day after day

relentlessness to say after my bad days

I'll figure out a way of picking myself

that I'm not that is not negotiable fine

where the micro elements you always say

ah that question good question and have

that

best wishes

[Music]

thank you