Day 21: Enjoying studying

Yes... you read that heading correctly. I, GMAT Gal, am enjoying studying. This is BIG. Very bigg - considering that the last 2 times, I treated GMAT studying like an (extremely) odious chore that was killing my social life. A necessary evil to discard away with as quickly as possible.

However, the shock of getting a bad score in what I thought was my last attempt (last month), drove home a few points:

1. I really want to do an MBA. My previous attitude towards the GMAT and MBA was not serious. I know I wanted to do a grad degree, and an MBA was the right choice because of my career goals... but I wasn't so passionate about the MBA. I was reluctant. I didn't think I needed to put much effort and heart and soul into the GMAT. I figured... hey... I went to one of the best business schools in Canada (iBBA at the Schulich School of Business) ... I don't possibly need to study that hard... right? Wrong 
2. That huge desire to want to do the MBA came when I realized that if I couldn't successfully clear the GMAT... I'd never get an MBA and my future career aspirations would be halted. So.. Sept 19th onwards (the day after my exam), I found my attitude changed drastically:
1. Build up my shattered confidence
2. Learn to enjoy studying again vs treating it like a chore
3. Do NOT panic - dealing gracefully with stressful situations is a hallmark of a successful MBA candidate - and - even - a successful life!
4. Do NOT panic (I have to keep reminding myself that)

So, anyway, in the spirit of the Thanksgiving weekend, I was watching a movie that re-iterated to me the things I was thankful for:

1. My wonderful parents for supporting me fully in my educational pursuits
2. My friends - real, funny, warm and reliable
3. My good health
4. Living in a country where I can take advantage of opportunities... simply by wanting something. There are places where wanting something isn't enough. You have to have the money, or the connections, or the right political situation to get it too. In Canada, all I need to do is invest in the effort, and things will flow from there. (I love Canada!)

 So... back to rule #3, 4: Do NOT panic. I have a lot to be thankful for and really... I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to just focus on the GMAT for the next 1.5 months. Ready... set... Go!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! :)