So what does it truly mean to live, breathe, sleep the GMAT?

In my previous GMAT attempts, I approached this exam as a necessary evil that would get me to the next step in the MBA application process. I didn't really integrate it with my lifestyle or thought process.

Needless to say, I don't think that approach worked for me. The scare that I got upon seeing my low score really catapulted me to think and approach this whole exam differently. Mind you, I'm still in the beginning stages of training my mind to approach it this way, but here's a few learnings:

1. Confidence is critical. You can go into that exam knowing your theory, but if you're not confident in your abilities, or in the prep you did to get to that exam room... you may as well say good bye to a solid GMAT score. In my prep this time around, I'm focusing on building my confidence through a two-pronged effort:
• Build confidence in my abilities (that's a psychological thing), and 
• Build confidence in my knowledge (a pure study/strategy thing
2. I'm not compartmentalizing the GMAT, but rather viewing it as a lifestyle. 
• I study, but, now I also make myself analyze my study schedule, and general approach to what I'm studying in my spare time. I don't mindlessly do questions. I think "Ok... is doing x number of math questions helping me learn or am I just doing them? Am I doing enough review? What are the questions I'm asking when I review my math content? Am I making an effort to categorize each question type (harder to do, but a better study strategy), or am I just jumping to the next question?"
• My main topic of conversation and thought process is GMAT - or I try to keep it that way. It sounds extreme, but, I find, for me at least, this focused approach keeps me going with committing to study hours. Eg. When I drive to work, I chill out to music, but then also spend 10 min of my drive in silence, thinking about why it is I'm doing this, and motivating myself to keep at it, and that I will see results
3. There will be good study days, and bad study days. I try not to beat myself about it too much if I only get in an hour during work days, when, really, I know I can fit in 2 hours decently. What's the point of making myself feel worse? Adds extra (and unnecessary pressure). So, I try as much as possible to let it go, head to bed worry-free and attack the next study day with zest, enthusiasm and energy
4. Find your stress-busting techniques - you'll need it! Points #1-3 are all well and good, but, I'm a fun loving gal and as serious as the GMAT is, I try not to let the seriousness get to my head too much - that would just increase the pressure and result in more fear - which is certainly not going to help me! So, I crank up my MacBook volume and dance to any beat that makes me want to get up and just enjoy the music ;) And, on the days I'm too exhausted to dance? I dust out my old travel pics from my globe-trotting days, or read through my journal entries from those days to remind myself that... hey... the GMAT is not a certification of my abilities/inabilities. I am quite an interesting person with or without the GMAT ... so its a reminder to me that getting a good score is not impossible - one just needs to keep things in perspective! :)

Carpe Diem!