You can probably remember a time in your life that was much more carefree than it is today. Old adages and literature refer to this as “a simpler time”—a time when you weren’t juggling family and a career or making large decisions that would change your life on what seems to be a daily basis. And definitely one that didn’t involve studying for the CPA Exam as the cherry on top. So as you embark on the fresh New Year that is 2016, try making your life better by making it simpler. Here are some top tips on how to simplify your everyday to make time for the things that really matter—such as the CPA Exam!
1. Declutter your home: tidy up!
Your home is your sanctuary. It’s the place you spend the most time in outside of work or school, and embodies everything that you associate with comfort, peace, and joy. Although your home is a reflection of your uniqueness, it can also be a reflection of your mood. After a long day, coming home to untidiness, messiness, and clutter can determine whether or not you’re going to want to study for the CPA Exam. So tidy up! Declutter every corner of your home, especially your study area, and make sure you keep it that way. Keep things neat and aesthetically pleasing and you’ll find that your mood will improve when you step into a space that’s organized and ready for productivity.
2. Evaluate your relationships
You’ll know who your true friends are when you begin studying for the CPA Exam. This tip will come in handy to give you an overall peace of mind when it comes to your social life. Evaluate your relationships with those who are draining you. If there are people in your life who tend to see the glass half empty and take more than they give, it’s time to decide whether you want to put them aside for a while or go your separate ways. Life is too short to invest your time in relationships that don’t allow for growth or optimism.
3. Reduce your time commitments
Whether you’re a full time student, parent, working professional, or some combination of all the above, you have to be realistic about how many hours are in a day. Cut down on any time commitments that are unnecessary or too extracurricular. You’re already putting in a good amount of time to study for the CPA Exam, so don’t sign up your kids for an extra sport or do tutoring on the weekends if you don’t have to. Use the time instead to dedicate to yourself such as going to the gym or spending time with family. This will keep you rejuvenated to study instead of stressing you out because you’re stretched too thin.
4. Make a plan to achieve realistic goals—and stick to it
Some people think that making ambitious goals will by extension make them more ambitious and motivated to reach those goals. But the truth is that often times, it has the opposite effect. You have to know which goals are going to be achievable based on your time and capabilities. Set realistic goals and make a plan on how you’re going to reach them. Then stick to it. If you take a day at a time, you will get there!
5. Manage your money wisely
As CPA candidates, we know we don’t need to go into detail about this one. When it comes down to it, having financial security plays a big role in living simply. For many, a major obstacle to being stress free is having debt. The sooner you’re able to manage your debt, the better your life will be. Managing your income also means setting aside savings for a rainy day and spending within your means.
You might find that this especially pertains to your CPA Exam journey, which can be costly—especially when it comes to purchasing a CPA Review course. However, our financing options can help you simplify your life by providing monthly payment plans that work best for you. Learn more here about the smart way to pay for your CPA.
We hope you incorporate these tips into your daily routine so that you can live a happier, healthier life!