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I can't concentrate

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Started 1 year ago by financeguy
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financeguy

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I am studying for FAR to take in July and a recent event w/ a girl has got me very depressed and I just can't concentrate. Last thursday I got my passing score for BEC and on the same day I also received a promotion at work. I was so happy. That same day I had just finished watching all 46 hours of lecture from my yaeger homestudy. That weekend I went on a camping trip. So basically to sum it up, I haven't done any studying since last thursday (5/19). I have tried to hit the books a few times and I just stop after about 10-15 minutes because I just can't concentrate. I have AUD and BEC passed, and I want to be prepared for FAR in July. I am in a really bad mind state right now and it is heavily affecting me w/ this exam. This post is somewhat just to vent, but I need to clear my head. I need to get back on track and get back into the right mindset. Any advice?

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!
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Posted 1 year ago #
hopeful_cpa

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that makes two of us my friend, except throw in a non passing grade on bec, being denied another promotion at work, and a divorce... lol... now tell me why you cant concentrate?

take a deep breathe, do some pushups or something, and maybe it will help.

BEC: Done
REG: Done
AUD: 74!!! ARRGHHHH!!!!! comparable/comparable you gotta be kidding me?!?!
FAR: 2/29/12 Leap year luck

Who's on a war path with the CPA exam!?!? I am.

Posted 1 year ago #
BrianM

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Keep reminding yourself of your long term goals. The doors this exam can open for you could have a tremendous impact on your life in the future. I try to think about this every day as my motivation to study.

I think we all have our times of not being able to concentrate. Just reminding yourself of the huge benefit this will be for your life might help overcome what's happening currently.

I stuggle right now with a long-distance relationship with my g/f who "understands" that I need time to study, but is consistantly very emotional and upset when I can't do something with her. I just have to keep my mind focused on the most important goal --- Finishing grad school, getting my career together (starting a job in August) and passing this exam. The rest will follow suit & my partner-in-crime will hopefully understand that.

Keep your mind set on all the positive things that may come after passing this exam! --- I took Audit yesterday, and I hit the books on FAR this afternoon. I don't know why, I just had a random motivation to get this thing done!

BEC (77, 1/19/10), AUD (86, 5/29/10),
FAR (65, 8/26/10 & 83, 1/18/11)),
REG (73, 10/11/10 & (05/28/11))

Posted 1 year ago #
CPAWannaBe

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financeguy and hopeful-cpa,

You both are regular posters on here and I like following your posts. (BrianM is kinda new to me but I totally agree with his wise words). All I can say is that it takes a special person to put up with a CPA exam candidate. You are all very articulate on the forum and I know you will be successful CPAs one day. It will be your girl's loss when you are.

It's hard to put everything else out of your mind except the exam, but I find that if I focus on just that, I can get my CPA-OCD kicked into overdrive and study. My husband lost his job at DuPont a few days before my REG exam and my grandmother died the day before FAR. A lot can happen in your life during the year or two it takes to pass. I just want to get the exam behind me so I can focus on my life again. That is the real prize.

REG - 75 (expired, retake July 2011)
FAR - 69, 64, 67 <-Becker, 80 <-Yaeger
AUD - 82 ETHICS - 100
BEC - 72 (retake May 2011)

Posted 1 year ago #
Ed

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@CPAWannaBe

I just want to get the exam behind me so I can focus on my life again.
That is the real prize.

That is so true CPAWannaBe. I’m 100% with you on that. In my case I promised someone I would not get “contaminated” by whatever happens. People that are not taking or have taken the exam have no idea of what it is or it takes to pass the exam. The long hours, the money spend, the waiting.

@financeguy

You already have 2 down your 50% done are you going to let your current state of mind ruined all that hard work?

If there is something we can’t afford to waste specially during preparation for the CPA exam is time. My advice do some soul searching and come to terms with what happened. It might take some time but make sure that is the only time you will spend on the matter.

Posted 1 year ago #
financeguy

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Thanks for the words everyone. Hopeful_cpa, that is tough, hang in there. I went out and went for a hike today after making this post. It was a nice long drive to the hiking trail and very nice weather today. It was good for me. I'm not going to do any studying today. I will get back at it tomorrow and hit it very hard in June. My mind is not cleared but I do know how important it is for me to pass the exam.

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

Posted 1 year ago #
Ed

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@ financeguy

By the way just for encouragement. I lost my job earlier this year and afterwards I found out I got a 70 on FAR.

Here comes the good part. After losing my job I took AUD which I passed thank God. Also there is a lot of wonderful people cheering me on and I do not want to let them down.

I’m pretty sure there is a couple of people also cheering for your success. Are you going to let them down?

Posted 1 year ago #
bluecrush73

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BrianM-

Definitely know how you feel. I'm having a hard time getting myself motivated to study the past few days too. Taking BEC July 1. The guy I was seeing moved 6 hours away a few weeks ago until he is done. He is starting starting his third year of med school and studying for his boards to get into residency so we just decided to end it because it would be easier on both of us and not talk. I miss him like crazy. Me being in a long distance relationship would be impossible because I can get very emotional, depressed, and can't concentrate on studying. I totally understand how your girlfriend feels. She understands, it just seems like girls handle the distance worse than guys do in my opinion. But anyways, I need to stay focused on my long term goals like you said.

BEC-67, 77
AUD- 76
FAR 90
REG- 74, 74

Posted 1 year ago #
Jerod87

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Sounds like this hits close to home for a few of us. I actually intended on sitting for REG and AUD in the month of May, but evidently my girlfriend of several years couldn't handle me studying for the CPA exam, and decided to end it. You always hear people say, forget about her, or whatever, but, as you know, it's not that easy. I couldn't focus on studying either, so I now have to wait until July to complete the exam. The only remedy for something like this is time, and now I am back by focusing on my own goals such as getting back into shape and achieving CPA status. I wish you the best of luck, financeguy.

FAR- 76, BEC- 79, REG- 82, AUD- Waiting
IL Candidate
Yaeger Review

Posted 1 year ago #
leebird

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Hey Financeguy, I am the same boat, sorta. My girlfriend and I are on the out and outs, and she makes my life unbearable with all of the games. there's one thing about being young and unmarried--one of you will always tell yourself there is no "real" commitment.

I live about 4 hours away from my ex-girl, so it's easier to keep my mind off of everything. The simplest advice anyone can give you is to don't think about her and concentrate on your goal. Easier said than done. The reality is, the CPA exam is more loyal than your girlfriend could ever be. This means no matter what happens between you and her, the three letters will always be behind your name.

I thought my ex was loyal and dependable, but I have found out that you can't really trust anyone now days. Except family. Don't take it personal. It happens to the best of us. Get through your exam and worry about meeting someone who you can depend on. It's like this: some people you date don't want to see you succeed. They like to see you fall, to stumble, to fail at your goals. And they play games to keep you strung out just so far as to not break the line--like fishing. But when it's time to reel you in, they take one long look and throw you back in the water.

Then the cast another line a little bit further, and a little deeper.

Posted 1 year ago #
leebird

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Oh and Financeguy, you better be ready for FAR. Its a monster. you're gonna have to be in the right frame of mind to get through it. But you can, of course! Don't let those head games F*c# with you.

However, the good news is you have already seen most of what is on FAR in college and elsewhere. Just a lot of material. Not as hard as some of the chapters from BEC. Or, perhaps about the same....

Posted 1 year ago #
financeguy

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Yes, Lee, I know I am going to have to be in the right frame of mind for FAR. It is so much damn material. If I took the test today I wouldn't even come close to passing. I have some serious work cut out for myself. The good thing I have going is that I don't get any anxiety at all for these exams, and I would say that I am pretty good at taking tests. And when it comes down to the actual test, it doesn't matter what has been on my mind, I can instantly switch up and be focused for that test. But I am having tremendous difficulty focusing on studying right now.

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

Posted 1 year ago #
Jerod87

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Excellent post, Leebird. You really nailed it.

-Jerod

FAR- 76, BEC- 79, REG- 82, AUD- Waiting
IL Candidate
Yaeger Review

Posted 1 year ago #
leebird

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Financeguy, hang in there. I suggest finding something you really want in life--a material item. For me, it was this $2,500 Canon SLR camera. I knew I had worked hard, and I treated myself to it--without a job. BTW, I lost my job right before the AUD, so I know about letdowns.

Find something you really want and set your goal. It will be bittersweet when you pass, and buy yourself something real nice. I am very conservative with money, but I knew I needed to treat myself for all the hard work. This camera I bought is going to be photographing new women in my life. Half-dressed, or in bikinis, all of that. Something I never did with my ex.

It's their loss; for the simple fact that all of us are writing about them lets me know how good we were for their life. But some people cannot be content and want a "perfect" significant other. By the time they figure it out, it's too late. Oh, and i am about to lift weights like Jerod suggested. Remember that rap song from a few years back: im'ma do me.

Posted 1 year ago #
financeguy

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I appreciate the advice lee. The fact is, the thing that I really want in life and as my ultimate goal, is a real genuine relationship. I can tell you w/ complete conviction that I don't care about material things. I have truly learned to "let go". I think the movie Fight Club is complete genius. I love the line, "The things people own, end up owning them." I have come a long way from being the kid w/ a Christmas list a mile long, and just basically wanting, wanting, wanting. Whatever motivates and pushes someone towards their goals, that is cool, whatever helps you get there. Material possessions is not it for me.

Now don't get me wrong - I want to make money. I want to make a lot of money. But I want to make it for the sport of making money. I'm a very competitive person. It is the competition that lights my fire. It is the rejection that motivates me. All the jobs, all the bosses, all the girls, all that felt that I wasn't qualified or good enough. That's what motivates me. It motivates me like nothing else can. I will get back in that mindset. There is absolutely nothing that will permanently derail me off my path, and I can say that with 100% certainty. This 3 day weekend has been very tough. I don't think I have been so depressed in my life, but I know that I will bounce back.

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

Posted 1 year ago #
hopeful_cpa

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my goal is to have a red ferrari sitting in my garage waiting... i thought i had a genuine relationship, there is nothing genuine except for your family. i know i sound super cynical but all i have ever wanted since i can remember is a loving wife who will share my life and responsibilities with me... and we all know where that ended up.

i agree with lee... set you eyes on something material to treat yourself to when you complete something... yea, i know the ferrari wont happen anytime soon, but i know it will happen.

keep your eyes on the prize and a narrow focus on what the final result will be.

BEC: Done
REG: Done
AUD: 74!!! ARRGHHHH!!!!! comparable/comparable you gotta be kidding me?!?!
FAR: 2/29/12 Leap year luck

Who's on a war path with the CPA exam!?!? I am.

Posted 1 year ago #
bluecrush73

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I'm also a very conservative person but I would love a new car within the next couple years. Probably will tape this on the cover of my review book to keep me motivated haha

http://www.lexus.com/configurator/#/colors/?zip=57078&modelid=228&group=IS

BEC-67, 77
AUD- 76
FAR 90
REG- 74, 74

Posted 1 year ago #
Ed

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@financeguy

Look at this situation not as a defeat but as a victory an opportunity for something far better and greater.

Just for encouragement, remember you will be competing with a lot of people on the next window. People will be bringing “fire” to FARE because of the changes on 2011.

And if you need more motivation remember there will be changes on 2011.

Posted 1 year ago #
financeguy

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Ed, and everyone, I appreciate the advice. I actually am really good w/ the motivation. I'm very good at motivating myself at most things I do. I haven't at all become discouraged w/ this exam. It is my recent concentration of studying which is hurting me. Are you guys trying to tell me that maybe I need a new motivation? One that will re-focus my concentration?

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

Posted 1 year ago #
NY GT girl

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FinanceGuy,

Something that really helped me was setting mini-goals. I would sit down to review a section and not let myself get up and walk away from it until I understood it. Also, maybe try finding a new place to study. I often have trouble studying at home. I did most of my AUD studying at a coffee shop near my house for a change of pace.

NY Candidate using Becker: FAR (2/20) - 81, AUD (4/3) - 92, REG (5/3) - 95, BEC (5/29) - 89 DONE!!!

Posted 1 year ago #
Ed

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@ financeguy

Are you guys trying to tell me that maybe I need a new motivation? One that will re-focus my concentration?

We know you have the smarts and the desire to pass the CPA exam. You have already proven that.

The question is was she your “motivation”. I’m afraid this could be affecting more than your concentration for the exam.

If that is the case my suggestion would be to re-focus the reason you do things to the One that will never fail you. Every day I try to do my best, improve and become better for His glory.

It worked for me and I’m a better person because of it.

Posted 1 year ago #
leebird

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Yes, financeguy, you need motivation. Without it, you have no desire to pass this test. Who wants to sit down and burn out looking at 500+ pages of material? Our motivations come in many different forms and contexts...

there is no easy way to get over a girl. Look, the grandfather of my ex was buried today, and she didn't invite me to the funeral...how rejected can someone possibly feel? It got me down earlier, but what was i to do? Show up, unannounced and uninvited? By myself?

Life is hard enough alone. With someone who plays games, it's next to impossible. You should feel real guilty for giving her the time of day to worry about it. It doesn't matter, young or old, white or black, beautiful or grotesque, male or female, love hurts. All of us go through disappointments with relationships. A good woman will come along, but you better be ready. the way you sound now, it ain't gonna happen. Get over her because in three to five years none of this pain matters. It's a sliver of your life. Believe me when I tell you that.

Posted 1 year ago #
Ed

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So true this situation and thinking about it is like poison to your brain. Its taking your life (time) away slowly.

Posted 1 year ago #
financeguy

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Well it was definitely not this girl in particular that was my motivation for passing this exam. But all of this got me thinking, and I really don't know what my particular motivation was. Back in 2008 I was still working at a subprime mortgage servicing company and I was frustrated w/ my job and just felt I was underutilized, and I was frustrated w/ job hunting in general. I just sort of thought, well maybe I will go to become a cpa. I did a bit of research and found out I needed some additional accounting classes (major was finance). A few months later I got a new job and then a couple months later I started my first class (auditing) on the way to qualifying for the cpa exam. I had been out of school for 5 years and I used to absolutely hate school, and at first wondered if I would be able to handle it. Obviously I did, and when I reached my 24 units of accounting I then applied for the cpa exam. I can't really think of a particular motivation. Its been more of something that I decided to do, and I just don't give up on things.

I'm into self improvement and always trying to better myself, and I'm also a big picture kind of guy. My motivation is to be the best person that I can be in all areas of my life, and always be on the path of constant improvement. Becoming a CPA falls into that plan in various ways.

I do find it very interesting the different ways that you guys motivate yourself for this exam. I'm curious Lee, are you REALLY going to buy a Ferrari? Once you pass the exam, will you get promoted at work and be able to afford it, or will you try for a new job?

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

Posted 1 year ago #
Jerod87

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CPA_hopeful, a new Ferrari F430 in the garage sounds pretty enticing to me. Maybe between the stock market and being a CPA, we may come close. For now, though, I still love Infiniti G37's.

-Jerod

FAR- 76, BEC- 79, REG- 82, AUD- Waiting
IL Candidate
Yaeger Review

Posted 1 year ago #
Ed

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I want to go on a cruise trip when I get my life back.

Posted 1 year ago #
leebird

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I was the one with the $2,500 Canon, not the Ferrari. That's ironic about your story. I guess most of us are pretty similar.

I graduated in Finance back in Dec 2002, took two years off, and went back to college to pick up accounting classes. My first two courses? Auditing and Business Law. It was also a goal that I set with several motivations. My primary motivation was not being able to land ANY job, and feeling like I was competing with everyone for the same jobs, with the same skills.

I looked into an MBA, the CFA exam, and the Acturial Exams. Ultimately, CPA was more manageable (and realistic) than the others.

I have plowed through many jobs and a few women. It's always the same story: high expectations, low amounts of effort finding them (both job and women), same letdowns. Sorry women + Sorry jobs = Sorry results. None of them are compatible to me. They have been mostly uneducated and without goals, or drive, like successful people. Therefore, besides having s*x, not much to talk about long-term. And find myself single again. Same women = same results.

Next time I will try harder. No matter how long I am single (and jobless) I will not accept losers into my life. Thank God I had a stash of money built up. It's been therapeutic actually. Jobless, wearing nothing except shorts all day, studying, playing PS3 and Xbox, and looking for jobs. A little depressing, but hey, so is being 33 and with a sorry ass woman.

Posted 1 year ago #
hopeful_cpa

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@Jerod: yea, a new 458 italia sounds even better =)

i will have to settle with my 335i right now make it as fast as possible... lol... thats a good way to get my mind off endless audit questions.

BEC: Done
REG: Done
AUD: 74!!! ARRGHHHH!!!!! comparable/comparable you gotta be kidding me?!?!
FAR: 2/29/12 Leap year luck

Who's on a war path with the CPA exam!?!? I am.

Posted 1 year ago #
Ed

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@leebird

Thank you, your post is so encouraging and full of reality. I feel like printing it and putting it on a wall.

Definitely a wake up call to anyone that reads it carefully.

Posted 1 year ago #
financeguy

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Yeah, real sh*t Lee. You sound like you got a really good mindset. I believe good things come to those who want it most.

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

Posted 1 year ago #