This simple tool will make your CA preparation ridiculously consistent...

Summary

In this video, Harish, a Chartered Accountant, discusses a common issue students face during exam preparation: the difficulty in starting or maintaining study sessions despite knowing the urgency. He introduces the 'Study or Do Nothing Rule', a five-step protocol designed to overcome resistance and procrastination. The method includes clearing distractions, setting a timer for short focused sessions, and allowing time to just be with the study material, reducing pressure to be productive. Harish shares his personal experience in adapting this method, encouraging students to implement it for better focus and study discipline.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's common to feel stuck in your studies, knowing you have a lot to do but not being able to start.
• 😀 There are two main situations in exam preparation: losing awareness of the exam, or knowing you need to study but struggling with resistance.
• 😀 The goal of studying for CA is to clear the exam with more than 50% aggregate marks and at least 40% in each paper.
• 😀 Success in exam preparation requires consistent study hours, focus, and a solid preparation strategy.
• 😀 Resistance is the main factor stopping students from achieving focused study hours, leading to procrastination.
• 😀 The solution to this resistance is the 'study or do nothing rule,' which helps overcome procrastination and focuses on sustained study sessions.
• 😀 To implement the study or do nothing rule: clear your study space, keep electronics away, and set a timer for focused sessions.
• 😀 Focused study sessions should last 10-15 minutes, and you should either study or do nothing during this time without distractions.
• 😀 If you feel resistance, it's okay to just sit with the book and not push yourself to study. The key is to stay with the book for the set time.
• 😀 Keep a notepad to write down distracting thoughts, and only address them after your study session ends to stay on track.
• 😀 Adjust the duration of your sessions based on your flow, but stick to the main principle: stay at your study space for the entire session, even if you're not productive.

Q & A

What are the two main situations that hinder progress in CA preparation?

The two situations are: one where the student loses awareness of the upcoming exam and distracts themselves with movies and games, and the second where the student is aware of the exam but still struggles to start studying due to internal resistance.

Why is the second situation more painful than the first?

The second situation is more painful because the student is fully aware of the need to study but is unable to start, leading to a constant state of frustration where they neither enjoy distractions nor make meaningful progress in their studies.

What is the ultimate outcome that students aiming to clear CA should focus on?

The ultimate outcome is to score more than 50% in aggregate and at least 40% in each paper, and to give a spotless answer paper during the exam.

What is identified as the main obstacle preventing long study hours and great focus?

The main obstacle is 'resistance,' which refers to the fear or reluctance to open the study material and engage with it for long periods.

What is the 'Study or Do Nothing' rule, and how does it help students?

The 'Study or Do Nothing' rule is a productivity method where, once the study session starts, the student either engages with the material or does nothing, but remains at their study desk without distractions. It reduces pressure by allowing students to simply be with the book if they feel resistance, ultimately leading to progress.

What are the steps involved in implementing the 'Study or Do Nothing' rule?

1. Clear your study table of distractions. 2. Keep your electronic devices away, out of sight. 3. Set a countdown timer for 10-15 minutes. 4. Either study or just sit with the book, reducing expectations. 5. Keep a notepad to jot down distracting thoughts for later.

Can the duration of the study sessions be adjusted in the 'Study or Do Nothing' rule?

Yes, the duration of the sessions can be adjusted based on the student's preference, as long as the principle of staying at the study desk for the entire duration is followed.

What should a student do if they experience resistance during the study session?

If the student experiences resistance, they should reduce their expectations, simply sit with the book, and allow themselves to 'do nothing' during that time, as long as they remain at the study table until the timer ends.

Why is step number four important in the 'Study or Do Nothing' rule?

Step number four is important because it removes the pressure of needing to make significant progress during each session. The focus is on the act of staying at the study table and reducing mental resistance, rather than on the quantity of material covered.

How does the 'Study or Do Nothing' rule relate to overcoming perfectionism?

The rule helps overcome perfectionism by encouraging students to engage with their work without worrying about perfect output. It allows them to focus on the process rather than expecting flawless results, which can reduce stress and increase productivity.