One of the most difficult challenges we need to overcome when we want to become a CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is actually getting started in the first place.

For those in the world of accounting and finance, how to become a CMA is a challenge many students and professionals face. Everybody procrastinates; however, if you take the following steps, you can ensure you convert your dream into reality starting today.

1. How important is it?

One of the first questions people ask is how to become a CMA?

You need to introspect and first ask why you want to earn this prestigious designation. Having a clear understanding of your why will help you keep moving forward when it gets tough.

Once you are clear on that front, you will be more determined to make it happen and develop an execution mentality.

2. Clean up your environment

Everyday life can be noisy and hectic – ie. distracting. It’s essential that you remove any distractions so it becomes easier for you to concentrate on the task at hand. Until you complete your CMA test prep, surround yourself with things that remind you of your goal and nothing else.

Creating a vision board helps a ton. A vision board in its simplest form is a collage of images/pictures that will remind you of your goals and dreams. Don’t use a picture of the CMA logo in it, unless it really inspires you. Instead use images of the benefits you hope to get after earning your designation i.e. higher salary, respect, promotion, etc.

3. No excuses

Your first priority must be to plan and prepare for your CMA exam and not wait until you have enough spare time. No more “I’ll get to it tomorrow”s and “Just one more episode of TV.” Do not fall into the trap of giving excuses.

There will always be something else to do. It all starts with a personal commitment to really pursue this designation and make the necessary short term sacrifices for long term benefits.

This WILL be one of those things you’ll look back 10 years from now and thank yourself for.

4. Meditate

For the uninitiated, meditating for a few minutes every day helps your concentration levels so that you can laser your focus and cut out the distractions that come in the way.

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5. Get rid of plan B

A counter-intuitive strategy is to not have anything to fall back upon. Once you are aware that there is no safety net, it makes you put in more effort and work harder towards accomplishing your goal.

6. Visualize the end goal

A powerful technique used by many professionals is to clearly imagine how success would look like and think backward from there. Again, create a vision board.

“Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. Hold this picture tenaciously. Never permit it to fade. Your mind will seek to develop the picture… Do not build up obstacles in your imagination.”

– Norman Vincent Peale

7. Pain = Action

A slightly difficult strategy, but if you can get yourself to withhold certain desires or benefits until you complete a particular chapter in your course then that deterrent can work wonders on your productivity.

I love muffins. Especially when I’m having coffee. So I would withhold my desire for a muffin until I scored 80% on my mock exam. It’s such a small thing but it really worked, and I believe it’ll work for you too. Not the muffin part but you get my point.

8. Self-discipline

The best motivation is the one that comes from within. The more you rely on external events and forces to get you into action mode, the more difficult it will be to be interested in it every single day.

Like I said before, it all starts with a personal commitment.

9. Have deadlines

You can keep certain deadlines for certain milestones. That way you will know exactly how much time you have to complete a particular task and the ticking clock will move you into action.

Having a solid study plan will do wonders for you here. Nothing like knowing when to study each section of the book and for how long.

10. You can’t be perfect

Once you have understood a concept in your head, do not waste time trying to perfect it by memorizing it. The grasping of it is more important than replicating it during the exam.

11. Reward yourself

After you complete a few sets of problems, reward yourself with something that makes you look forward to having it again when you complete the next set of problems. Remember my muffin example above? It’s the simple things.

12. Now is better than later

If something can be completed in 5-10 minutes then the best time to do it is now. Do not delay small progress for a later date. It could be something as small as planning your next week’s study plan.

“My advice is to never do tomorrow what you can do today. Procrastination is the thief of time.”  – Charles Dickens

13. Kill your mood

Your moods will often play spoilsport which will lead to procrastination. Identify them when they arise and understand what you can do to overcome those moments of mental fatigue.

14. Hold yourself accountable

Commit this goal to a trusted friend or colleague who can act as a reminder that you need to stay on track and be more disciplined about your studies.

15. Stop playing the victim card

You are not a victim of your circumstances. You can mold or change any situation to your advantage if you have the mind-set to do so. Playing a victim will only make you feel sorry for yourself and won’t get you anywhere.

16. Small things matter

If you find yourself having a few minutes of idle time of waiting then you can use those by quickly going through notes in your head that you studied recently.

17. No negativity

Think positive thoughts and shun any negative thinking before it sidetracks you from achieving your goal.

18. Track your progress

Every time you complete a chapter, make note of it. Do this regularly to help you review your learning process and give you the motivation to complete the remaining study material.

19. Do not question your ability

If you constantly ask yourself whether you can become a CMA or how to become a CMA then that thinking will hamper your actual preparation. Quit double-questioning!

20. Keep calm and become a CMA

Ultimately, it’s only about taking small steps and daily efforts to get you to become a CMA. There is no magic formula or big break that you need. Focus on maximizing each day’s preparation.

Even if you only feel comfortable implementing half of these strategies, you’ll be surprised how much more productive your study sessions will be and how much more effectively you make your way through your CMA designation.

” Success is not obtained overnight. It comes in installments; you get a little bit today, a little bit tomorrow until the whole package is given out. The day you procrastinate, you lose that day’s success.” – Ishraelmore Ayivor

 

How will YOU kick procrastination to the curb? Share in the comments section below.

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Hi, I’m Nathan Liao (aka the CMA Coach)! For the last 10 years, over 82,000 accounting and finance pros came knocking at my door seeking guidance and help. If you’re also aiming to conquer the CMA exam on your very first try—without wasting away time or money—you’ve found your ultimate guide. Dive in deeper to discover more about me and the dedicated team that powers CMA Exam Academy. Click here and let’s embark on this journey together!