Test Taking Strategy: Download what you know

Download what you know

Recall in a previous blog that: “when emotions are high intelligence is low.”  The anxiety of test taking often takes the “sense” out of “common sense”.  Something one would know under normal conditions, one may not have mental access to when feeling anxious.

For the insurance licensing exam, there is a scratch piece of paper for the test taker.  Take advantage of this scratch paper and mentally download key terms or concepts weighing heavy on your mind.  Include information you feel you may forget during the exam, whatever is on your mind regarding concepts you studied and write them down on the scratch paper provided BEFORE you start. This will help remove anxiety and create clarity about those key points so you can focus on the exam itself.

Life Strategy

I was at the gym last night and going through my regular routine of elliptical, weight training, and soaking in the hot tub.   As I was jamming on the elliptical and breaking a sweat, it hit me!  This is how I apply this strategy with my “morning pages”.  Morning pages is a practice I picked up from reading the book “The Artist’s Way at Work” by Mark Bryan, Julia Cameron, and Catherine Allen.  This book is transformational in nature.  Just picking up one of the practices can change your way of thinking.  At this point, you are probably wondering “morning pages” – what is that? Morning pages are a way to download everything onto paper.  In the morning, at the start of my day, I write three pages of what is on my mind.  it usually takes me twenty five to thirty minutes.  I just download and write. I write whatever comes to my mind.  I do not edit or editorialize my statements; I simply write.  As I matter of fact, I have not read any of my morning pages.  I began this practice in August 2011.  I notice the difference in my day when I have written my morning pages and when I have not.  This practice gives me the outlet to be with what is present, to let go, and articulate what is heavy on my mind.  There is no order to the pages – I just download what I know on paper and in handwriting.

The benefits of this “morning page” practice are:  clarity, increased productivity, focus, and creativity.  I wish I can say I practice this everyday, however I do not.  I strive for daily practice although end up with 3 -4 days of “morning pages”.

I picked up this activity from the book I mentioned above.  I highly recommend any of “The Artist’s Way” books.  They are transformational!  For more direction on the practice of “morning pages”.  Or go to page six of “The Artist’s Way at Work”.

If you choose to practice “morning pages”, please feel free to share your success on this blog.

Best wishes and have a super week.