Finding the Good in Distractions
Could distractions from your CFA exam studies actually be helpful? Our lead instructor, Mike Carmody, explains how balancing distractions and focus can benefit your overall well-being!
Studying for your Chartered Financial Analyst® exam requires focus. Often, that means you must isolate yourself from the rest of the world, so your full attention is on the material. As I previously wrote, this means finding a quiet place and turning off phones and computers. But could distractions actually be beneficial for your studying?
As someone with a large family—specifically, seven children—I know firsthand that kids demand a lot of attention. Young children, for example, have a tough time not interacting with you, as they don’t understand why you wouldn't want to play with them instead. As a result, studying for the CFA exam around my kids was challenging for me.
However, could kids actually be beneficial distractions? For me, spending time with my toddler Bo could sometimes help me refocus. Bo didn't care if I finished my work on time or not. He just wanted a hug or a quick game of hide-and-seek. He reminded me that life was not all about work and encouraged me to appreciate the little things. Who knew brushing teeth could be so amusing?
Of course, when Bo was around, I didn't get as much studying done. There were times when I needed to be away from him so I could focus properly. But I tried to see his distractions as a positive. It was a gift that wouldn't last forever. If you’re a parent, you know how quickly kids grow up. Toddlers aren't toddlers for long!
What good distractions do you have in your life? Do you have kids? Do you have a spouse? Do you have friends? Do you volunteer to help people in need? All of those can help you focus, in the midst of your CFA exam studies, on what really matters in life. If you keep life in perspective, your studies, along with everything else, will go much better.
So next time you get distracted while studying, look for the good in it!