Episode 11 – 20 Ways to Kick Procrastination to the Curb

Do you ever find yourself looking for ways to procrastinate when you simply don’t want to study?

 

You know, when you’d rather twiddle your thumbs, bake a cake or take an extra long shower just to put off studying for a few moments longer?

Well, if this sounds anything like you then listen up. Procrastination is the ultimate enemy when you are preparing for the CMA exam because you can’t afford to lose valuable study time, especially if your exam date is coming up soon.

To help you get back on track and reclaim your study momentum, I’ve put together a list of 20 ways you can kick procrastination to the curb.

What’s even better is that you can start applying these tricks today!

Ready to get back on track and ditch procrastination for good? Click the play button at the top of the page, download this in iTunes or listen on Stitcher.

Like what you hear? Give us a 5-star rating or leave a review!

Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Week’s Episode:

• How to decide if taking the exam is actually what you want to do
• Powerful visualization and meditation techniques
• What to do to put the pressure on you and leave no room for procrastination
• Why you need to track your progress
• And so many more tips…

Resources:

• Headspace App — It will teach you how to meditate
• CMAExamAcademy.com — The best online, Instructor-led CMA review course

Like what you heard? Be sure to share it with your friends, family or coworkers and join me for brand new episodes every week.

Frequented Asked Questions

What are the most effective ways to stop procrastinating when studying for the CMA exam?

The most effective ways to stop procrastinating while studying for the CMA exam are to clarify your real motivation, create external pressure and accountability, and track your progress visibly. Start by honestly deciding whether earning the CMA is truly what you want — a clear, personal “why” makes it far easier to sit down and study.

How does procrastination affect CMA exam preparation?

Procrastination undermines CMA exam preparation by stealing valuable study time you simply can’t afford to lose, especially as your exam date approaches. With a 50% pass rate and a huge volume of material to cover across both parts, the CMA rewards consistent, steady preparation — and procrastination directly erodes that consistency.

What meditation or mindfulness tools are recommended for CMA students struggling with focus?

For CMA candidates struggling with focus, meditation and mindfulness apps like Headspace are a great place to start — it’s the tool Nathan recommends in this episode because it teaches you how to meditate from scratch. Even a few minutes of guided meditation before a study session can calm pre-exam anxiety, clear mental clutter, and help you settle into deeper concentration.

How can I stay motivated and track my progress while preparing for the CMA exam?

To stay motivated and track your progress for the CMA exam, set a firm exam date, break your material into weekly targets, and build in accountability so you can visibly measure how far you’ve come. Tracking progress is one of the most powerful anti-procrastination tools — checking off completed topics or hitting weekly study goals creates momentum and a steady sense of accomplishment.

Where can I find more CMA exam study tips and resources?

You can find more CMA exam study tips and resources across CMA Exam Academy’s free content library, including the full CMA Show Podcast, the blog, and Nathan Liao’s YouTube channel. The podcast covers practical topics like beating procrastination, time management, and exam strategy, while the blog dives deep into how to study, what the exam covers, and how to plan your prep.

Hi, I’m Nathan Liao (aka the CMA Coach)! For the last 11 years, over 100,000 accounting and finance leaders came knocking at my door seeking guidance and help. If you’re also aiming to pass the CMA exam on your very first try—without wasting away time or money—you’ve found your ultimate guide. Dive in deeper to discover more about me and the dedicated team that powers CMA Exam Academy. Click here and let’s embark on this journey together!