Use Visualization and Deep Breathing to Relieve GMAT Test-Day Pressure
Here are the top 3 ways to build consistency into your GMAT prep:
1. Study at the Same Time Each Day
The brain reacts well to predictable routines. Therefore, it’s important to make solid, specific GMAT study schedule habits.
Treat study time like an appointment and assign non-negotiable study windows, such as 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and stick to them. Further, creating predetermined study blocks can reduce decision fatigue. In other words, you’ll not waste time figuring out when to study because you’ll already know.
2. Pre-Commit to Rewards
It’s human nature to stay more consistent with activities that offer some kind of positive reinforcement. Thus, it’s a good idea to keep your GMAT study habits sustainable by building in rewards for your effort. You can:
- Reward yourself after meeting weekly goals. For example, plan an evening out with friends or family, or spend time on a hobby.
- Reward small wins, too. Something as small as completing a study session deserves recognition. So, treat yourself! Consider something as simple as reserving a particular show to watch only when you’ve met the goal of completing your daily session.
However, although rewards are a great way to help sustain your GMAT motivation, it’s important to use good judgment. Completing 10 minutes of work isn’t really worth a reward! And, if you’re continually rewarding yourself with something that can snowball, such as social media scrolling, you could end up wasting a lot of time.
3. Track Your Consistency
To strengthen your GMAT study discipline, make your effort visible. An easy way to do this is by using a simple calendar, spreadsheet, or habit-tracking app to do the following:
- Mark each day you study. Specifically, put a checkmark, an “X,” or color-code the days you complete your planned session. The goal is to build a streak of study days you feel proud of.
- Avoid breaking the chain. Once you’ve built a line of checkmarks, your job becomes simple: don’t break it!
- Review patterns at the end of each week. Look back and notice when you were most consistent, when you skipped, and why. This can help you adjust your GMAT study routine so it fits your real life better.
A small sense of achievement every time you follow through is incredibly effective for building habits.
Warmest regards,
Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep
