Blogger: Clayton Farris

OK, I’ll admit it. I am burnt out at school. After five years, my gas tank is running on empty. Fortunately, I am in my last semester of courses. After this semester, the only thing that lies between me and test-free weeks is the CPA exam. Yes, the CPA exam is not an easy feat, but at least it is a culmination of everything I have been learning over the past five years. With my apathy towards studying at an all-time high, I have to come up with creative ways to motivate myself. Recently, my conscience has been negotiating with me—“OK, Clay, read a chapter of Corporate Taxation, and you get to watch a half hour of television. Or even better, finish your Audit case and you get an ice cream sandwich!” Yes, I have resorted to rewarding myself with frozen desserts.

I know all of this may sound like childish nonsense, but it has taught me a valuable lesson. Setting short term goals for yourself can be a valuable tool when trying to get through a task that is not very enjoyable. Accomplishing a goal, no matter how small it may be, makes you feel pretty good about yourself. I find myself having to split a one-day project into several one hour sessions, with short breaks in between each hour of work. This is something I’ve never had to do before, but it is the only way I can stay focused this semester. These short-term goals combined with my long-term goal of becoming a CPA help me get through each assignment.

At this point, I am just ready to get through school, and I am excited to start my career in public accounting. I know all of the professionals reading this blog just laughed and said, “HA! Just wait a few years, and you’ll be wishing you were back in school!” But that is not my sentiment at the moment. For now, I will keep splitting all of my course work into manageable pieces and keep enjoying my ice cream sandwiches.