I have been attempting to study for the last several weeks in preparation for the upcoming GMAT on April 26th. Here is what I have noticed:
1. Lack of Focus – I am unable to focus on a single activity the way I used to be able to in High School. While I am still confident about doing well (whether well is going to be enough is a separate matter altogether) this realization provides some insight into both personal development as well as the changed manner in which I work. I recall the time way back in 1999 when all I did for the better part of the year was study for CBSE grade X exams (often referred to as 10th boards to those familiar with the Indian education setup). I did reasonably well, and felt that the experience provided assistance in developing a certain work ethic which has held me in good stead since that time. However, the last couple of years seem to have precipitated a mild form of attention deficit. This warrants closer inspection to finds ways to ameliorate my habits.
2. Changed study habits – This is an interesting development since it seems to indicate some baselines changes in my method of study. Whereas, earlier I would have blitzed through the material and would have attempted to make practice volume a goal. I find myself attempting to prepare in a ‘smart’ fashion. I am adroitly attempting to avoid learning through sheer practice, instead focusing on fundamentals and principles. This may be an influence from undergraduate work and even my consulting role in the real world. Perhaps it is a function of not having enough time to be able to evaluate everything and hence having to make decisions based on incomplete information.
Suffice it to say that the proof will be in the pudding as the proverb goes. GMAT is only a couple of weeks away … whatever the means may be, the end result needs to be accomplished.
Chanakya and his travails 