Joseph Paglinawan, MBA, MSSM, PMP (IP)’s Post

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Big 4 Consulting Expertise | Program Management | Project Management | Driving Business Transformation, Technology Implementation, & Change Adoption

It’s been a good eight years since I studied as a full-time student. Of course, I've upskilled in various ways since then; but pursuing my Project Management Professional certification, which is already underway, has reminded me of the vital need for tools, strategies, and time management to study effectively alongside other things, including work. In this week’s post, I’m sharing working strategies as I certify in one of the most difficult certifications my industry has to offer. Select a quiet place without distractions: For me, my home office is my non-distracting study hall. For you, it may be a library, your living room, or a cafe. Wherever you decide to study, try to: 💡 Add music–or anything that soothes (I use Binaural Beats in the background, which helps me focus and concentrate.) 💡Reduce distractions, like email, Amazon, and silence your phone 💡Settle any pets/children or anything or anyone needing your attention. Alert those you love and/or live with to not disturb. (It’s super hard to get back once we focus) Timebox: Research tells us the merits of time boxing, which aims to harness your vital energy and focus. To effectively timebox, you want to: 💡Study when your willpower and focus are strongest. For me that’s the morning and why I consistently rise at 5 a.m. 💡Stay consistent for optimum benefits and to stay most productive 💡Use the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method, to maximize focus and minimize distraction. Rest and Self Care: Hyper-achieving does not serve us well when we study. Eating well, resting, and getting in our fitness becomes key. For breaks, I use the Pomodoro Technique once more to ensure I’m learning and absorbing. I do intermittent fasting–16:8. (16 hours off of food and eight hours on.) I notice less fatigue at the end of the day, longer focus, and more energy with a positive mood—all of which helps as I study PMP. Select a Study Method which Works for You and Your Mind: Select a proven study strategy to maximize your time and retain the information. In addition to the Pomodoro Technique, I like the Thieves method which follows seven pre-reading steps including reading the title, headings, the introduction, visuals and vocabulary, the summary and asking yourself thought-provoking questions as you go through the text. I’ve provided some of my tips and techniques for studying the PMP (or other grueling trade exams and certifications). I hope these strategies work for you–and I invite my peers to share their tools and tips. If you’re like me relearning what we forgot when it comes to studying new skills and being test ready, bring it on. #projectmanagementprofessional #pmp #pmi #studytime #focus

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Nicholas Whitaker

Co-founder @ Changing Work | Wellbeing Coach For High Performers: Empowering professionals to prepare for volatility, tame uncertainty & thrive in ambiguity by managing their attention, time & energy

5mo

These are excellent tips. I'm so excited for you when you pass this thing but also for everything you're learning along the way. You got this Joseph Paglinawan, MBA, MSSM, PMP (IP) !

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