Updated: December 19, 2023

CFA Exam Prep:
Identifying Problems & Distractions

SESSION 1 includes: free download Detailed Solutions to CFA Exam Problems


Identifying CFA Exam Prep Problems & Distractions

When thinking about their exam, all CFA candidates know damn well that what they need to do is study their CFA exam syllabus.

The study content stays in a close relation with time.

There's always too little time to study and too much study content to cover...

But how about if we told you that your real problem is neither: I have much to study nor I can’t find enough time to study. If that’s how you see it, read on to get to the essence of the real problem.

First, let’s analyze the most common problems related to study content and time. That’s how we decided to label them:


STUDY CONTENT PROBLEMS: STUDY TIME PROBLEMS:
much to study overloaded daily timetable
hard things to study study time unarranged
advanced English (for non-natives) study time postponed
inefficient study time

While the source of study content problems is generally the same for all CFA candidates (it’s the CFA exam syllabus), time problems may have different origins.



It’s as if we had 4 types of CFA candidates thinking differently about their CFA exam prep:

Billy: I physically lack time to study.
Danna: I could find some time to study but I find it hard to arrange it.
Larry: I planned my study time but I find it hard to get down to work anyway.
Umber: When I finally get down to work – I’m inefficient.



For every candidate, the cause of their problem is different:

Billy’s too busy.
Danna is unable to organize her time.
Larry lacks motivation.
Umber is unproductive.

How can they overcome their limitations?


The answer is they need to develop relevant competencies.


Billy needs to learn to prioritize.
Danna’s going to need the ability to plan.
Larry could use some determination.
Umber needs to practice his ability to focus.


Developing the right competencies is a part of the Exam Learning Framework (ELF) we designed to make you aware of what you’re really dealing with when trying to pass your CFA exam. We’re so excited to tell you more about it in the next Session because the CFA exam is not just about getting to know the CFA exam syllabus on time.

CFA candidates tend to have "study" troubles. Like Busy Billy, Lazy Larry, Disorganized Danna, or Unproductive Umber.

We know that.

That’s why we want you to realize all the complexities of the CFA exam and help you identify your weak points ASAP. Only then can you turn this journey through troubles into your highway to success. Meanwhile, to read more on the already named problems related to CFA exam prep, see our free PDF file with some suggested solutions. (Are you Billy, Danna, Larry, or Umber?)


By way of conclusion to this Session 1 of our Workshop, let us say this:

Whether you call yourself Busy, Disorganized, Lazy, Unproductive, or perhaps All-In-1, you can still be successful as long you’re willing to MANAGE THESE DISTRACTIONS.

Because that’s what they all are.

Just some distractions making it harder for you to achieve your goal.

Managing distractions is the essence of your problem.

The Busy and the Lazy are probably the greatest villains here. The Disorganized and the Unproductive may be a bit easier to deal with. And although there’s no simple secret formula for overcoming the bad guys, you can certainly learn how to control them (instead of letting them control you).

You’ll see how you can do that in the upcoming two Sessions of this Workshop.



PS. Each year, about 40-50% of CFA test takers (depending on the exam level) pass their exam. They also struggled with the Busy and the Lazy inside them. But they prevailed. And you want to make sure you’re gonna be among those who pass when you take your CFA exam.

The statistic vividly shows it’s not gonna be easy but you can at least try to make it easier with the right tools and attitude. Session 2 is about attitude!



Source (stickmen and stickwomen): https://clipartix.com




About Soleadea:

Our CFA Exam Study Planner is available to candidates of all levels at groundbreaking Pay-What-You-Can prices. You decide how much you want to pay for our services. After you activate your account, you get unlimited access to our Study Planner 4.0 with study lessons inside (level 3 to come), various level 1/level 2 study materials & tools, regular review sessions, and a holistic growth approach to your preparation. Join & set up a study plan