If you are finally coming home from spending a few nights in the hospital postsurgery, there are a few things you will be told to do, and not to do, by your doctor.
One of the things that will certainly be on your to do list is to continue to rest up, just because you have been allowed to leave your hospital bed doesn’t mean that you are ready to throw yourself back into your normal routine.
When you are discharged from the hospital, it is under the proviso that you continue to rest and recuperate and continue your recovery.
Depending on the surgery you underwent, your recovery time may well be weeks or months, and that certainly won’t improve should you not heed the doctor’s warning.
Here, we will cap some of the basic dos and don’ts that you should follow when returning home from the hospital.
4 Tips for When You Come Home From Surgery:
Do: Rest!
Absolutely the number one thing for you to do is to rest.
Do not return to work if you are not medically cleared and, even when you do, try to work out a return to work plan with your manager. It may be beneficial for you to alter your responsibilities at work depending on the type of surgery you had, and the type of work you do.
Companies will usually wish to carry out a fit for work examination before you return. Just as you should be careful returning to work, you should also be mindful about returning to any hobbies and activities that may involve strenuous exertion.
Sports, for example, should be off the table until your doctor has given you the all clear. The last thing you want to happen is to go against medical advice, partake in a game of football and end up undoing all the work the surgery has done, as well as potentially causing more damage.
Don’t: Rush Yourself!
When you are recovering from surgery and resting up it can be boring.
We understand, especially for those who are usually so active and always out the house keeping themselves busy. If you try to rush your recovery, you will likely only end up achieving prolonging your recovery time which, for those on an inpatient position, will certainly not enjoy.
If you feel pressured to return to work before you are fit and healthy, you should keep and note and look to speak to your manager or HR.
Any team member should only be allowed to return to the workplace once they are medically cleared to do so.
Do: Seek Support!
Friends and family will be there for support to help as you recover.
Alternatively, if for whatever reason that isn’t an option, then there are many hospital to home services that will ensure that your transition and recovery goes smoothly.
Whatever you may struggle with, from feelings of pain, rehabilitation to being able to undertake simple tasks, you can call on someone to provide the level of assistance you need during this time.
Even if you simply need someone to talk to, you will be able to find someone more than happy to lend an ear.
Don’t: Fall into Bad Habits!
When recovering from surgery and unable to keep as active as you ordinarily might, it can be all too easy to fall into bad habits such as eating junk food to compensate.
A poor diet will do nothing for your recovery or your physical and mental health.
Filling the void of regular exercise with unhealthy food and drink will form bad habits that will be harder to break the longer it continues.
Remember, the return home is just the first big landmark in your recovery.
As you listen to the advice of your doctors and continue your rehabilitation, you will soon be back to doing what you love most.
Always first listen to what your doctor advises you to do.
There is that classic saying: “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. But where did this outdated, and completely inaccurate mindset came from?
Not only can old dogs in fact learn new tricks but you can too!
We have all heard people make the excuse that they are too old to do something, we have probably made this excuse ourselves here and there.
Too old to go back to school, too old to change careers, too old to find love. But there is no such thing as being too old when it comes to making changes in your life.
If you want to find love, then get on those dating apps. If you want to go to nursing school as you had always dreamed, then sign up! If you want to retrain or learn a new skill, get started on it right now.
The Problem is Routine:
You have probably fallen into the trap of monotony. You have your way of life and a certain way of doing things, it is comfortable and familiar.
But are you feeling fulfilled?
Do you find yourself yearning for a new adventure?
Maybe you had some big plans but then life got in the way like paying off a mortgage or raising children, and your previous dreams were put on the back burner. That is okay.
Life happens to us all and different things take priority.
However, do not live in complacency or let fear rule your life.
If you want to go after something, then go for it. Do not settle.
Do not believe the myth that adventures and big life changes are only for the young.
It is never too late to revisit those aspirations you had in your 20s.
Something as simple as learning a new skill can give you a new lease on life, a new passion or interest.
It can improve your self esteem, enhance your quality of life, help to cultivate meaningful relationships or bring you a sense of joy and fulfillment. You can start living life with intention and purpose.
In fact, if you don’t know what your purpose is and you want to find out I have created a complete guide on How to Find Your Purpose for you, the same one I give to my clients, and you can use it for free.
The 6 Steps to Change Your Life:
The first step is to let go of any previous beliefs you had about your inability to make changes.
Shed that phrase “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
Approach this adventure with optimism and belief in yourself.
1. Find the what.
Close your eyes and think about what it is you want to achieve in your life. Make notes or journal about what you are considering doing.
2. Uncover the why.
Identify why you want to do this. What do you hope to get out of it or how will it benefit your quality of life?
3. Plan the how.
Make a plan and identify the steps you will need to take, no matter how small. You can start making little movements towards your ultimate goal today.
4. Feel into taking action.
Start to visualize yourself taking action and imagine yourself enjoying it! Focus on the positive feelings and the sense of accomplishment you will feel in the end.
5. Think into taking action.
Play this visualization over and over again. Everyday. Run this through your mind throughout every step you take and draw on it when things get difficult.
6. Take action.
Finally take one step toward your goals every day. This is crucial. Nothing is going to help you if you do not take this step. One small step, every day.
Being a Life Coach is very rewarding, but there’s no denying how exhausting it can be at times.
Being so invested in the success of helping others elevate their mental health can be quite an emotional ride! As I screen through clients and see who is truly ready to make changes, I’ve noticed a trend.
Readiness is determined by one thing: You just have to be tired of the way things are.
It’s that simple, really.
Oh, I’ve had callers who were excited but couldn’t make the time commitment, financial investment, etc. And I’ve had clients whom just wouldn’t do the work, their comfort zone won over their desire to change.
Those who have worked through the process, used the tools, and turned it into a lifestyle, have forever changed their mindset and probably their entire lives.
It’s not just about saying positive quotes all day or sitting in meditation for hours. It’s taking each method, step by step, day by day, and learning to integrate it into your life so it instills new perspectives, beliefs, and actions.
Whether it’s Relationship Coaching, Business, Spiritual, or any kind of Life Coaching, the changes are long lasting for those who choose to embrace it.
In a recent coaching session, I was speaking with a client who said, “I really need this every week to keep going especially when I think I can’t.” I love hearing when someone says, “You’ll be so proud of me!” To that I say, “YOU should be proud of you!”
Although a somewhat new premise, the idea of helping oneself or finding new ideas is not new.
It’s only the “where” you go to find it that is in question. If you are looking to change ANY area of your life, it is inclusive, and honestly, touches on every aspect even if you think you are seeking one type of coaching.
12 Thoughts Telling You It’s Time to Talk to a Life Coach:
If any of the 12 thoughtsbelow have crossed your mind it may be time to seek some guidance from a Life Coach:
1. I feel stuck in my life, as if I’m repeating the same thing over and over.
2. I can’t get motivated.
3. I don’t know what my purpose is.
4. I feel scattered and disorganized in my work and home balance.
5. My relationships don’t feel fulfilling.
6. I don’t know how to reach or set goals.
7. I have low self image and esteem.
8. I’m going through a divorce or break up.
9. I’m starting to date and find it overwhelming.
10. My partner and I feel disconnected.
11. I am feeling anxious or discouraged with life.
12. I have past issues I want to overcome by releasing them and moving forward.
The stigma around mental health is improving and we are learning how beneficial it can be to help ourselves.
It’s ok to be focused on yourself and your well being. You will change and the world will change around you.
If you are struggling today, I encourage you to reach out, talk to someone, and take action to invest in your wellness.
Mental health or mental illness comprise a plethora of conditions that may have an impact on your overall health.
Your mental disorders affect your thinking, behavior, and mood. A few common issues associated with mental health disorders include schizophrenia, eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia, addiction, depression, and anxiety.
The problem with mental health conditions is that they can intervene with your ability to function, study, or work normally.
Consequently, they will influence your quality of life.
Typically, you can manage the mental health disorder symptoms with psychotherapy and medication.
What Do The Statistics Say About Metal Health:
A lot of you may not know already, but mental health issues are relatively common. As a matter of fact, every 1 in five person is affected by it.
It has got nothing to do with age, and whether you are a child or an adult, you may have mental health issues.
The problem is we lead an overcomplicated life.
There is so much to do every day that you often fail to keep pace with things. This might often result in a breakdown and intervention with your mental health.
You are not weak to break down, but it should be your constant attempt not to drag you to that situation.
So, as a professional and as a student, if ever the tasks in your routine life become overwhelming, seek help.
Students can look for so called do my homework online services, and adults can delegate or postpone the tasks to another day.
Now, as a parent and as a student, you need to be self aware.
So, here, we will enlist a few warning signs of mental health that nobody should ignore. Let us get started and address them one by one.
4 Signs of Mental Health Issues You Should Not Ignore:
1. Frequent and intense mood swings.
Anytime some mentions mood swings, the first thought that strikes you is a difficult and problematic adolescent.
However, the fact of the matter is that all of us experience mood swings or a rapid switch in our feelings from time to time.
However, each one of us might have a different trigger, and we cannot call one more substantial than the other.
At times, your fluctuating hormones might be responsible for the mild moodiness. But in some people, the mood swings are intense and rapid.
This is when they do not fall under regular adolescent anguish.
If a child is prone to a regular and extreme change in mood, it might be an underlying symptom of depression or bipolar disorder.
Of course, bipolar disorder is a brain illness, but there is always an underlying cause.
Experts believe that it is often an outcome of the chemical imbalance in the brain, or it may stem from environmental factors, such as mental trauma, or both.
When a child suffers from mood swings, it might result in irritability, rapid shift in energy levels, and extreme happiness followed by extreme sadness.
You cannot ignore these shifts. They may personally not be easy for you to tackle. So, if needed, you can seek therapies or medications.
However, do not self diagnose or self medicate. Instead, speak to a mental health expert, get a proper evaluation, followed by a definite treatment.
At times, your performance is the key trigger of your mood swings.
For instance, there are some subjects that you are just not cut for, regardless of how hard you try. It may be SQL programming, or finance, or math, or anything for you.
If your underperformance is the cause of your mood swings, please do not put yourself through that stress.
There is abundant help available outside. For example, you can seek SQL assignment help or assistance for any subject you find hard to deal with. Do not let it hamper your mental health.
2. Prolonged sadness.
If you have been experiencing bouts of depression or sadness that stuck with you for longer than two weeks, then you can label it as long term or prolonged sadness.
Of course, all of us feel sad from time to time. That’s healthy and normal. However, typically these feelings may come and go.
If it lasts two weeks or longer, it could be a sign of depression and should not be ignored. The inability to snap out of sadness may be of grave concern. Hence, it should not be overlooked.
3. Suicidal thoughts or increased anger.
At times, you may feel suicidal or might feel rage or anger at even the drop of the hat.
You know some students fail a subject and get severely sad about it.
They feel that they are good for nothing, and the world will be better off without them.
So, they start believing that their life does not matter. This can, over time, increase their fascination with death, violence, and aggression.
Please understand that there is nothing in this world that is worth taking your life. So, if it is a failure in the subject that’s making you feel that way, seek help for the subject and not delve into it.
There are online courses available, or you can find platforms that offer do my java homework, math homework, finance homework, or other type of homework.
4. Anxiety issues.
Another warning sign of mental illness is that your anxiety has gone haywire.
Did it ever happen to you that you find yourself constantly worrying about something, and it just gets impossible for you to shut yourself down?
Experts regard this as a symptom of anxiety disorder. A few signs associated with anxiety disorders include insomnia or inability to sleep, problems relaxing, unexplained aches, being irritated easily, or racing parts.
Anxiety is an emotion just like any other emotion. It tells you that there might be something you are not preparing for, something important you might forgot about, that there might be something you have no control over.
But when anxiety remains within our system it might become an issue.
So, if this is how you have felt or continually feeling on most days of the week or if this pattern has continued for over six months, then you must consider seeking health.
What you should remember?
Your mental health is something that you must never ignore.
If ever you see these or any related warning signs, you must immediately take a pause and seek help.
You can seek refuge in your friend, sibling, parent, support group, or counselor.
Never disregard your feelings, and always remember there is nothing that supersedes your physical and mental health.
Jennifer Evans is one of the coaches we found and we did a little interview with her. She impressed us with her coaching approach that almost looks like going on a vacation but the benefits that you get out of it make your life feel as a vacation. Here is what she said.
Meet Life Coach Jennifer Evans:
Name: Jennifer Evans Pillar: The Heart Who is this coach for: Mostly women who want to live more free life, free from anxiety, overwhelm and worry, filled with self love and happiness. How they can help: Specially designed techniques for relieving anxiety, opening the heart and elevating the emotional state.
First of all, how are you and your family doing in these Pandemic times?
Myself and my partner live in Italy which had very strict lockdown rules, in the first 3 months we weren’t even able to go for a walk, just to the local shop for groceries.
We made the most of it, focusing on keeping ourselves healthy and uplifted, enjoying the peace and tranquillity, discovering new interests and hobbies.
Things are opening up here now, including travel, so I am very excited about offering Personalized Solo Retreats and Group Retreats here in the Green Heart of Italy.
How does the coronavirus pandemic affect your clients? Did it affect you at all?
I found there has been both uplifting and challenging effects with clients, depending on the specific issues they were dealing with, and where they were in their journey.
Whatever underlying issues my clients were having, the pandemic amplified and brought them up to the surface, giving an opportunity to be healed and released.
It has been a privilege to support, encourage and inspire my clients through the pandemic, helping them release and transform fear, worry, upset, judgement and uncertainty. Helping them heal and move through the rollercoaster of emotions and feelings.
Providing tools to feel calm and grounded, uplifted and energised, connected and present. As well as how to create more fun and enjoyment whether they were on their own or in a family unit.
Through the pandemic, my clients have created deeper connections and compassionate in their relationships with more communication, love and understanding.
They have gained more clarity and focus about what they want in life and how to get there, they are excited and curious about the future and all the possibilities available to them.
The pandemic and lockdown have given me the opportunity to deepen my connection with my partner, family, myself and with nature, as well as focus on the vision for my business.
What are the biggest lessons that you learned in this pandemic?
Life is precious and to make the most of what we have, truly appreciating it and live with as much love, compassion and joy as possible.
The Origin:
Tell us about you, your career, how you started with your coaching career?
It was a natural progression and a calling for me, I remember wanting to help others at a very early age, easing my Mum’s migraines through touch.
Due to ridicule from others, I suppressed my healing abilities because I wanted to fit in with the norm.
Finally, after 15 years in the Corporate world, I listened to my instincts and started my holistic practice in 2004 as a Certified Reflexologist. I continued adding healing modalities, including: Aromatherapy and Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Meditation and more.
As my intuition developed and became stronger my role naturally evolved into coaching clients.
I have and continue to invest time, money, and energy into my personal and spiritual development as well as my coaching practice, studying with leading spiritual masters, teachers and experts.
What was your biggest obstacle that you had to overcome in your life that made you who you are today?
Like most of us, I have experienced many obstacles, I realized I was my biggest obstacle, I used to look outside of myself for things to be different, until I realized it was me that needed to change.
Low Self Esteem, affected me in so many ways, and created negative patterns, always looking to others for approval, lacking healthy boundaries and making questionable relationship choices which were unfulfilling and ended painfully.
Self doubt and feeling overwhelmed, held me back in business more than I thought.
Procrastination, worrying about what others might think, not knowing where to start all kept me stuck in my business for several years.
The Coaching Style:
How do you innovate with coaching your clients?
Some of the key areas where I innovate include:
Activating possibility within my clients, it’s one of my superpowers, by using powerful insight, perspective and systematic questions designed to activate what’s possible.
With this process I help women visualize and feel what their life could be, versus feeling stuck and unfulfilled.
What their ideal life looks like: in their relationships, their careers or business, their health, lifestyle and finances.
Unlocking and transforming the hidden beliefs and obstacles which get in their way, clients actually feel a shift in their body as they let go of the old and create space for the new.
Reconnecting clients back to the heart of who they truly are, and what lights them up.
Tuning them into their inner guidance system, intuition and wisdom, including what their feelings and body are communicating with them.
If you are curious to find out more, I would be happy to send you further information, feel free to contact me via the link to my website below.
What’s unique about your coaching approach?
To understand my unique approach, it’s helpful to gain some insight into who I am and share a little about me.
Those closest to me have described me as a freedom seeker, lover of life, adventurer and activator for what’s possible.
Both loved ones and clients know me to be wise, insightful, intuitive, inspirational as well compassionate, loving and fun.
My approach is uplifting with loads of encouragement, inspiration, and play. Clients, experience plenty of “ahaa” moments and profound insights.
I was born in the UK and worked across Europe and North America for over 15 years, which has been quite the adventure. I moved back to the UK 8 years ago with 2 suitcases, 2 divorces, $2,000 and my dog!
I finally met my perfect mate and we have been living together for 4 years, moving to Italy in 2019 living the dream!
What I offer my clients is a unique experience which includes a VIP customized Solo Retreat along with a Personalized Coaching Package.
The Solo Retreat element is in the breath taking Green Heart of Italy, the perfect place to get away from it all, to reset, restore, reconnect and refresh your soul.
The Coaching element is crafted for the clients individual needs to bring them their desired results, incorporating my unique A.R.C.S method, Awaken, Release, Connect, Soar. A transformative system that I created, taking clients on a metamorphic journey full of clarity and self discovery.
What benefits do your clients get after working with you?
Clients who are invested and committed to their transformation walk away with a life they didn’t think was possible for them, a life free of worry, anxiety and overwhelm, free of self doubt and low self esteem.
Of course, there will be times when they are triggered or out of sorts, I still very occasionally feel overwhelmed or out of sorts myself, we are human after all. However, they have all the tools and techniques to transform and move through it quickly.
My clients feel filled with self worth, self love and self confidence, they feel whole and complete like they have arrived home.
They are in a position to flourish in all aspects of life, personal wellbeing, relationships, career, business and finances and live a life they love.
Do you use any specific tools to be efficient with your clients?
Yes, I have many, and it depends on the needs of each individual client, I use a combination of the very best practical proven tools, techniques, and spiritual principles, to elevate the clients emotional, spiritual and physical state of being.
From deep relaxation tools to help sleep or soothe anxiety in minutes to tools for creating clarity, focus and action, as well as tools to create a healthy work and life balance.
All the techniques I use are simple, highly effective and designed to bring my clients the results they desire and help them flourish in all areas of life.
The Impact:
If you had a super megaphone that, when you speak into, the whole world will hear your message, what would you say?
Life doesn’t have to be hard, stressful or a struggle, you always have a choice and options, there is always support and solutions, you don’t have to do it alone.
You get to choose how you live your life, and as simplistic and fluffy as it might sound by going within and following your heart you will find the magic of life. You will find your Treasure!
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your life?
One of the greatest lessons, is understanding that life is a gift and we are all unique with a unique gift to offer.
We are already worthy of love and we are designed to flourish in life.
One of my favorite quotes ”Where ever your heart is there you will find your treasure” by Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist.
Your final thoughts?
Investing in myself and my business was the best thing I could have done. I am filled with self love and self belief, and have unlocked unlimited possibilities, I can now be a far better contribution to others.
I live my dream life, A Life I Love… so why not You?
If any of this resonates with you, I invite you to discover more and click on the link below for my website. I am also happy to answer any questions you may have regarding transforming your life.
Where Can You Find Jennifer Evans?
If this interview made you want to dive deeper into ZenJen’s work feel free to visit her website at ZenJen.
Make sure to check out her retreat video and see the beauty of Italy and its Nature, where your potential coaching might occur.
Whether you come from a religious upbringing or not, many individuals reach a crossroads in their life where they either question their current religion or wonder if they should finally shake off atheist views and find faith.
The truth is you have to believe in something. That’s how we are as people. We need to have faith in something bigger than us in order to function.
Be it Nature, God, The Universe or however you explain the grand Intelligence from where we all emerged, we have to find our own path to the truth that all religions speak of.
However, choosing a religion is not always as straightforward as it may seem, especially when considering how many religions there are.
So, we’ve listed some helpful tips to help you find your way and settle on a religion that will bring your comfort and prosperity.
3 Advices To Find The Right Religion For You:
1. Stock Up On Various Religious Scripts.
Most faith based religions rely on religious scripts.
For example, Christianity relies on the religious scripts found within their bibles.
And the same is true for Mormons, Muslims, Hindus, and even earlier religions such as pagans and druids.
By stocking up on some religious scripts, you can delve into the religions on your own and determine which script speaks to you.
2. Visit Local Churches.
You don’t really have to join a church to gain access to their teachings, and it’s not only Christians who have churches or places of worship.
By visiting these establishments, you will have more insight into the religion and its practices.
Reading scriptures alone might not be enough to entice you into a specific religion, as you may find that the religious community doesn’t appeal to you as much as the religious practices.
In other words, treat people with common decency and kindness.
3. Compare The Rules Of Each Religion.
While most significant religions worldwide follow similar teachings and all have faith in a single all powerful God, each religion has varying rules.
For some, eating pork is forbidden, and therefore, it might not be the right religion for an individual who enjoys a Sunday Pork roast from time to time.
On the other hand, some religions forbid women from dressing in any manner that is not conservative.
Because each religion has varying rules, it’s a great idea to determine which religions appeal to you most and then compare the religious rules to fit you and your lifestyle best.
What you should remember?
There are several benefits to choosing a religion and walking a path of faith through life.
Even science confirms that those who believe in religion tend to have lower stress levels in general.
However, there are several other ways that religion will benefit your life.
If not lower stress levels, you will have a community to reside within and relate to, you will have a higher power to be guided by, and an interest in something beyond tangible hobbies.
Religion has been around ever since the beginning of time itself.
Even the earliest people prayed to higher powers for a particular result.
And whichever religion you settle on, you should be entirely at ease with your choice to ensure you can believe with your whole heart and reap the genuine benefits religion has to offer us.
We can conclude that religion does’t need us, we need religion, we need something to believe in, we need faith.
So even though you might have been born atheist or in a religion you don’t agree with, you can find a religion that fits your world view and keep your faith in something greater than all of us.
Mental Health is described by Wikipedia as, “…an individual’s ability to enjoy life and to create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.”
Although both genders are equally susceptible to symptoms of mental health disorders, the types show a difference between males and females.
Of course, very individual is unique, this is not a generalization, but a look at the most common per CDC statistics.
Women tend to have the most difficulty with anxiety and depression, while men have a higher tendency for addiction.
On average, 29% of women will seek help for their Mental Health, compared to 17% of males.
As children, we usually accept when our female child cries or expresses emotion. On the other hand, when a male child shows emotion they can be told to “toughen up” or “stop being a crybaby.”
You can see whether intentional or unintentional, the message sent to men is, “deal with it.”
Is There a Difference in Mental Health Between Men and Women:
I decided to ask my husband some questions to get a clear male view on this:
Me: When a guy friend would come to you with an emotional issue, what is the reaction you and your friends usually have?
Husband: Well first, it would make me uncomfortable to talk about it. Second, I would give advice about steps to take. For example, if it’s dealing with divorce, I would suggest a specific lawyer or explain the process. Third, I would try to suggest something to put their mind at ease or distract them from their problem.
Me: It sounds to me like men would prefer to focus on the logistics of helping solve the person’s problems and deploy some distraction methods.
Husband: Precisely.
This was interesting to me as I ponder how women support one another:
If a girlfriend of mine is having difficulties, we will meet for coffee and talk for hours about it.
Perhaps this is a contribution to why the suicide rate is 3.3 men to every woman. And to add to that, 76% of suicides committed are by men versus 24% women.
The most common reason for both genders is relationship problems (42%) followed by Past Crisis or Upcoming crisis in 2 weeks (29%).
In my experience, when a man reaches out for Life Coaching, they tend to express more shame than women. It has taken longer to make the decision to seek help.
However, they do tend to make the most progress in the shortest amount of time. It seems as if they have saved it all up for this moment.
Once they have a safe place to express themselves, there is a sense of relief and the ability to change is accepted.
Another observation with my male clients is the willingness to try new things:
I find my female clients prefer their “comfort zone” over the unknown.
If we really want to prevent mental health difficulties and suicide, we need to start from the beginning and encourage children to express emotion.
We need to let the men in our lives know that it’s ok to share their vulnerabilities and thoughts. Society should remove the shame of seeking help no matter what gender we are.
Finally, I must reiterate that connection, love, kindness, and compassion are the answer.
The CPA exam is known as one of the most rigorous professional exams in the world.
And in order to earn your CPA designation, you must pass all four sections within a rolling 18 month period.
Doing so is much easier said than done.
However, there are few things you can do to ensure that you have all the shots in your favor. And not just for this exam, but for any other similar too.
In this article we decided to help you out a little bit and let you know the 4 things you can do to better prepare.
First, How the CPA Exam Works:
Before we delve into some of the practical tips for passing the CPA exam, let’s make sure we’re on the same page regarding how the exam works. As mentioned, the exam is made up of four sections that must be passed within a rolling 18 month period.
According to NASBA, “You may take sections individually and in any order, but are required to pass all four sections of the CPA Exam within a rolling 18 month period. Credit for any section passed shall be valid for 18 months from the actual date the examination sections were taken. Examination credit expires by section. You will lose credit for each section passed outside the 18 month period, and will have to retake those sections. Your score notice will contain any relevant expiration dates.”
For example, let’s say you pass the AUD the very first time you take it.
Then three months later, you pass the BEC. Six months after that, you pass the FAR. Then you finally sit for the REG exam the final day before your 18 month AUD clock expires.
The only problem is you fail. You’ll now have to retake both the AUD and the REG sections before the BEC clock expires.
In other words, you can’t lollygag. You have to be intentional and efficient with your time. This means creating a study plan that allows you to pass all four sections with plenty of time to spare.
4 Tips for Passing All Four Sections:
The CPA exam is one of the more difficult and rigorous professional exams around. That’s why you should tackle it like conquering a country. Tactical and wise with a lot of discipline.
With the proper preparation, organization, and discipline, it’s definitely possible to pass each section the first time around.
Here are a few tips:
1. Start Preparing Early.
The first step is to create a study plan.
We’re not talking about a 30 day study plan. This is a 90 plus day study plan where you create daily and weekly learning objectives to serve as checkpoints in your preparation.
While you should only focus on one exam at a time, you can also loosely pencil in plans and dates for the other three exams, contingent on passing the first one.
Remember that the 18 month rolling clock begins as soon as you pass the first exam. Thus, it makes sense to already have a plan in place.
This allows you to begin studying for the second exam immediately after passing the first.
2. Choose the Right CPA Exam Prep Course.
Studying for the CPA exam on your own isn’t recommended. You’ll need to select a CPA exam course to help you prepare for each exam.
While there are dozens of reputable courses to choose from, we recommend doing your research and studying the facts.
Though a lot of courses will claim they have a good curriculum, let the data guide you. Wiley CPAexcel, for example, has a track record of 9 out of 10 students passing all four sections. That’s the kind of proof you want to look for.
3. Take Mock Exams.
In psychology there is something called “exposure therapy”. It’s when you gradually expose yourself to the thing that you are afraid of, in controlled environment, to reduce the impact that fear has on you.
Well, when you do a serious test like this one it’s normal to have anxiety and fear around it. So the best way to practice a form of exposure therapy is with mock exams.
It’s one thing to take some lessons and memorize some facts. However, if you want to increase your chances of passing the exam, you should take at least a couple of mock exams during the study process.
Not only will this gauge your proficiency, but it also helps you get acclimated to the test format so that it’s not such a shock when you sit for the real thing.
4. Refine Your Test Taking Skills.
Learning the material is the first priority.
However, it’s also smart to spend some time refining your test taking skills.
Since most of the exams consist of multiple choice questions, learning some different multiple choice techniques is a good idea. If nothing else, it can increase your chances of getting difficult questions correct.
What you should remember?
Don’t assume that you can casually study for a few weeks, cram at the last minute, and pass the exam.
This is a difficult test that requires your full focus and attention for months at a time.
Plan ahead and you’ll stand a much better chance. Try these advices and we are sure you’ll make it, or. atleast do the best you can.
