Balancing Test Preparation and Personal Commitments
June 6, 2017 - By Ed Esposito
Seeking a promotion and going through the promotional preparation process can quickly become a stressor. If not managed properly, this stress will eventually become a major distraction and ultimately result in a reduction of your interest. Let’s face it, the world does not stop because a promotional examination is going to be administered in the coming months. However, striking a balance between your commitment to the promotional process and your family or personal life is a must.
Being successful and maximizing your potential requires you to make a commitment to continuously prepare for your examination. This commitment does limit your availability and otherwise free time, but the potential reward can pay dividends. For example, earning one promotion early in your career can add $500,000.00 to your income over the remainder of your career. So initially you invest six months of your time and in the end, you may realize ten, fifteen or even twenty years of benefits. The additional pay, increase in pension and less time working an overtime shift or road job are all benefits for you and your family.
I have found that family members and friends are not always informed about the dedication that is needed to properly prepare for a promotional examination. My best advice for anyone preparing for an upcoming promotional exam is to talk with family and friends about your goals and commitment to this process as you begin to study. Their support is one of the secrets to success and it can also serve as a motivator because you are setting a goal to advance your career.
Take the time to explain how much time and effort is involved in the process and ensure them that the benefits of a promotion will outweigh the sacrifices made during the promotional preparation process. When you are explaining the process, also explain that your success will depend on many factors related to your level of commitment.
Once they understand your commitment, have them assist in any way that they can to reduce distractions or free up your time to study. Even daily tasks that we do almost subconsciously, such as walking the dog, can be considered “time wasters” when preparing for an exam. Consider how much time is devoted to this task on a weekly basis. Now add in the incidental time you may spend talking to a neighbor while walking your dog. This is just one example of a small daily commitment that a family member can assist with to increase your free time.
They should also be informed that you will not automatically be promoted just because you took the test. Reassure them that your eventual success will also depend in part on your ability to remain positive throughout the entire process. If you constantly hear negative comments from family and friends about your availability, it can distract you and cause unnecessary stress. For instance, is it better to hear, “Why are you spending so much time without us?” or, “We know how much you are studying and all your hard work will pay off!” Convince family and friends that it is really important for them to remain positive and supportive of your efforts.
When you are torn between studying and time you might otherwise spend with them family and friends, cordially remind them that if you continue to put in the time, you will be successful. Do not become distracted and lose focus. Events that occur when you are not studying can quickly take you off course and in some cases, they can start to serve as a negative force. You must resist with positive thoughts that will continue to motivate you. To overcome some of these challenges, try to arrange your schedule to reduce or eliminate stressors in the coming months. This will also help maintain your positive attitude.
You must also make time for important events and reward yourself with an occasional family or social outing. As important as your dedication to the test preparation process may be, you still have to be there for your family and friends. Just be certain that you do not fall into a cycle of putting off studying. Remember your commitment, remain positive and stay focused on your goal.
It is your personal commitment and the support you receive from family and friends that will set you apart from your competition. Therefore, you must take the time to explain your plans to the people who are closest to you.
Being successful and maximizing your potential requires you to make a commitment to continuously prepare for your examination. This commitment does limit your availability and otherwise free time, but the potential reward can pay dividends. For example, earning one promotion early in your career can add $500,000.00 to your income over the remainder of your career. So initially you invest six months of your time and in the end, you may realize ten, fifteen or even twenty years of benefits. The additional pay, increase in pension and less time working an overtime shift or road job are all benefits for you and your family.
I have found that family members and friends are not always informed about the dedication that is needed to properly prepare for a promotional examination. My best advice for anyone preparing for an upcoming promotional exam is to talk with family and friends about your goals and commitment to this process as you begin to study. Their support is one of the secrets to success and it can also serve as a motivator because you are setting a goal to advance your career.
Take the time to explain how much time and effort is involved in the process and ensure them that the benefits of a promotion will outweigh the sacrifices made during the promotional preparation process. When you are explaining the process, also explain that your success will depend on many factors related to your level of commitment.
Once they understand your commitment, have them assist in any way that they can to reduce distractions or free up your time to study. Even daily tasks that we do almost subconsciously, such as walking the dog, can be considered “time wasters” when preparing for an exam. Consider how much time is devoted to this task on a weekly basis. Now add in the incidental time you may spend talking to a neighbor while walking your dog. This is just one example of a small daily commitment that a family member can assist with to increase your free time.
They should also be informed that you will not automatically be promoted just because you took the test. Reassure them that your eventual success will also depend in part on your ability to remain positive throughout the entire process. If you constantly hear negative comments from family and friends about your availability, it can distract you and cause unnecessary stress. For instance, is it better to hear, “Why are you spending so much time without us?” or, “We know how much you are studying and all your hard work will pay off!” Convince family and friends that it is really important for them to remain positive and supportive of your efforts.
When you are torn between studying and time you might otherwise spend with them family and friends, cordially remind them that if you continue to put in the time, you will be successful. Do not become distracted and lose focus. Events that occur when you are not studying can quickly take you off course and in some cases, they can start to serve as a negative force. You must resist with positive thoughts that will continue to motivate you. To overcome some of these challenges, try to arrange your schedule to reduce or eliminate stressors in the coming months. This will also help maintain your positive attitude.
You must also make time for important events and reward yourself with an occasional family or social outing. As important as your dedication to the test preparation process may be, you still have to be there for your family and friends. Just be certain that you do not fall into a cycle of putting off studying. Remember your commitment, remain positive and stay focused on your goal.
It is your personal commitment and the support you receive from family and friends that will set you apart from your competition. Therefore, you must take the time to explain your plans to the people who are closest to you.