Conquer ANYTHING With These 10 Test-Taking Tips
It’s that time of year again—standardized test time, baby! No matter your profession, there are plenty of standardized tests and exams that can cause you stress. Whether it’s your first time taking your medical specialty boards or you’re re-certifying, you’re being tested and it’s time for a review. We have all the top test-taking tips for you all in one place.
This framework isn’t strictly just for tests, either. It works for practically anything and we know you have all the goals! Weight loss, going back to school, work promotions, expanding your family, you name it! It can even include big decisions like which job or city best suits you. Perhaps you’re prepping for a certification, or gearing up for a fitness competition. Whatever it may be, trust that these tips are helpful for any milestone.
Here are the life hacks for anything you’ve set your sights on!
1. DITCH THE MARTYR MINDSET.
Truth Bomb—you may be staying in your comfort zone or backsliding into Martyr Mindset. Many high-achieving women put other people’s needs first. Sure, it feels good to help others. It can even be flattering! But at the end of the day, who goes home feeling empty, exhausted, and unfulfilled? You do.
You’re used to being the ‘go-to person’, so you justify and rationalize why other people’s stuff comes before your checklist. Many times, it means giving up precious vacation time or free time to care for others. A Millionaire Mindset is where you really want to get to, right? Well, then no more feeling guilty. Time to be proactive. Time to crush your goal to serve more people and make a bigger impact!
2. SET A REALISTIC TIMELINE.
What does a realistic schedule look like to support your goal? Keep in mind that you may have to plan a longer time frame if your job is demanding or in-season. No matter what, you should never be cramming or studying at the last second.
Get your timeline organized in advance. Preparation is the name of the game so it’s never too early to start planning. Organize your calendar in segments of a year, 6 months, and 90 days before the big event. This allows you to navigate and account for unexpected roadblocks and obligations.
3. CHOOSE AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER.
An accountability partner is your secret weapon to success, especially when it comes to medical boards. They elevate your productivity and keep you on track. You could use a buddy to share and celebrate goals without fear, shame, or judgment. Instead, they’re your fiercest warrior, advocate, and personal cheerleader.
Remember, no one succeeds alone. We all need a team of knowledgeable experts who offer valuable advice or keep us from getting distracted. Reporting back to someone on your progress also increases the likelihood of your success and achievement. Read more about the power of accountability here.
4. GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY.
Often, your habits or routines determine your success. If there is a new goal, it’s time to make some new habits. It’s time to pay the piper, baby! If you’re not a morning person, it’s time to adjust your bedtime and stop relying on caffeine. Maybe it’s waking up two hours before the kids to squeeze in some study time or work. Or perhaps it’s showing up to the office an hour before everyone else. Whatever it is, the time is there. The goals don’t change, so the methods do.
Adjust to the interruptions, get rid of the distractions, and banish the temptations. The only thing getting in the way of your own success is YOU. Focus on the things you can control like your attitude about the world and the circumstances that surround it.
5. OUTSIDE VALIDATION DOESN’T DETERMINE SELF-WORTH.
Your self-worth is not based on what you have or haven’t accomplished. Looking to outside forces to validate your self-worth is dangerous and unfair. It comes from within.
Failure isn’t final! While you may feel shame or anxiety, recognize that we all stumble at times. Winners, keep your affirmations and mantras close. Speak them and be bold. Winners are not afraid of losing and fear or perceived risk should never prohibit you from reaching for your dreams. Assess your failures, reevaluate, and prepare for another try.
If you’re short on strong mantras and personal affirmations, grab my bestselling book, Reprogram your Mindset: 100 Winning Quotes and Affirmations for High Performers.
6. TAKE REJECTION AS REDIRECTION.
Sometimes, it will take more than one try to get it right. Remember that there are a million different routes to the same destination. Don’t beat yourself up for taking the unconventional route. Companies are hiring employees from diverse backgrounds and seeking outside-of-the-box thinkers. What makes you the wrong fit for one opportunity may be exactly what they need across the street. Worst case scenario, if someone tells you no, then consider it practice. Recognizing your value is an unbeatable skill. Keep that head held high, Sis! Repeat this affirmation: Abundance is around the corner.
7. QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF TO LEVEL UP.
Not every space or opportunity will be the perfect fit. In fact, many of them won’t be! Consider your values, experiences, challenges, culture, and collegiality of the opportunity in front of you. Then, ask yourself these three questions:
- Who do I want to be?
- Does this opportunity fit my goal (short and/or long-term)?
- Is this a future where you’d feel celebrated and valued (not merely tolerated)?
Be deliberate about where and whom you spend your time with. Your time is valuable so allocate it appropriately. Don’t be wooed by pretty promises of a big payday or false expectations. Always get everything in writing and if the job doesn’t feel like the right fit, then it’s time to move on to the next one.
8. STOP TALKING YOURSELF OUT OF THAT UPGRADE.
We’re all guilty of getting a little complacent from time to time. Don’t let that stop you from kicking things back into gear. Rather than talking yourself out of new goals, remind yourself of all you’ve overcome. You’ve achieved plenty and nothing has been able to hold you back. Revise, update and implement a new strategy.
As high-achievers, we’re constantly setting our sights on something higher. We’re always striving for something better—it’s just what we do! Rebound after failure and continue to reach higher. You are capable of so much more and there is no reason to settle. Stop comparing your progress. Let’s make it happen!
9. YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE.
If you are still seeking solutions or a community, just listen to what our clients have to say!
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10. FAILURE IS NOT FINAL.
Some of you may be asking yourself: what happens if you fail? If you have ever failed medical Boards or a standardized test…this section is for you!
Chances are, you’re probably feeling pretty down in the dumps about it. Failure can be isolating, especially since it’s hardly ever talked about publicly.
Many healthcare professionals taking certifications for the first time wonder: ‘What if you fail your medical board exam?’ What happens next? Can you retake the medical board if you fail the first time? How many times can you fail? What should I do?
For starters, see Tips 1-8 and cut yourself some slack! Review your score report and see where you missed questions or topics. Failing any test can feel debilitating, but don’t let it keep you from moving forward or asking for help.
If you’re really stuck, take our Boards Readiness Quiz to assess your preparedness. You’ll want to sign up for our mailing list, too! We have some serious Board hacks coming soon that you don’t want to miss.
The Long and Short of It
No matter the goals you have your sights on, these tools can equip you for victory. The only person getting in the way of your success is often YOU. Get organized, hatch a master plan, and surround yourself with winners! Each failure is a learning opportunity to make you stronger, smarter, or more efficient. No matter the obstacle or test, rise like a phoenix from the ashes and get what’s yours!
For even more tools to conquer anything, you can grab our downloadable checklist on how to CREATE in times of crisis. You can read the full blog post here.