Build Confidence.

In all the years I have assisted students in preparing to pass their state licensing exam, I say with certainty the thing that effects the test taker the most is the mindset (confidence).  Knowing the information is important, however, students have not passed the exam not because of lack of knowledge in the content or lack of study; but rather because of confidence.

Confidence, the mindset, in taking the exam and maintaining a forward focus without getting stuck or distracted by answers that do not make sense. Focusing and drowing out activity that may be taking place in the testing area is essential.  Confidence helps the test taker overcome doubt and mental obstacles that get in the way of moving through the exam.  As you answer each question, it is important to move fluidly and not “park” at any one question for too long.  Remember: No parking allowed.  Rather maintain a pace and move through the exam by answering all the questions.  A few pointers on how to move forward:

• If a question looks ugly, long, complicated, or confusing – focus forward and make it simple. Answer it to the best of your ability, write it down, and move on.
• If it is a tossup between two answers, answer it to the best of your ability, write it down, and move on.
• If you are feeling anxiety or tension over a question, answer it to the best of your ability, write it down, and move on.

Focusing and “parking” on a question may result in feelings of confusion, second guessing yourself, overwhelm, or compounding feelings of “I don’t know” (if prepared, often you DO know) which ultimately leads to higher levels of anxiety.  Subsequently, all common sense is diminished.  Moreover, you will waste your time.

Our solution: answer the question to the best of your ability (answer it with your first instinct), mark the question number on your scratch paper, and move forward. Mark the question number on your scratch paper so that if you decide to, you may choose to go back to the question at the end of the exam.  We do not suggest going back to answer the ones you wrote on your scratch paper because it is likely that the test taker will not have the attention span to go back and repeat the question.  Furthermore, your first response is usually the right answer.  You know the answer before you consciously know the answer.  If you are prepared, remember to breathe, then confidence will be a natural outcome.

Remember, there is room for error and you do NOT have to know everything.    The primary objective is to score to pass.

For those of you that must go back to check the question numbers you wrote down:  At the end of the exam, if you have marked down fewer questions than what you are allowed to miss, it is futile to go back and dwell on those questions. For example, if you are allowed to miss a maximum of 45 questions and you have only marked 15, it’s not worthwhile to go back the questions you were unsure about. The objective is to PASS!

Life Strategy

Confidence is an essential force in moving one forward.  There is a fine distinction between confidence from the heart versus confidence from ego.  When one is serving the greater good from the heart and creating a win-win-win, then confidence has a way of moving activity forward to meet the objectives set out for accomplishment. Even when one still has some doubt, the forward focus generates momentum.  Confidence pushes activity along.

The key is to serve the greater good.  For example, one may strive to pass an exam to make a better lifestyle for yourself, family, and help your community.  If confidence is going to support the ego, then life gets challenging and difficult.  The flow is stop and go.

You do not always have to know everything to move forward.  Confidence is not about knowing, it is about being and trusting.  According to Collins New World Dictionary, confidence is defined as a feeling of trust in a person or thing, belief in one’s own ability.  It is the second definition that I am referring to in this blog.

Life does not always appear the way we want it to.  When challenged, belief in yourself.  You may surprise yourself in your ability and get exactly where you wanted to go by maintaining a forward focus.  In class I often say, “Say it like you mean it”.  Act and speak with confidence.  With confidence people will buy from you, want to follow you, and support you in most of what you set out to accomplish.  It is usually “you” that gets in your own way.  So without a second thought, remember to act and speak with confidence and integrity.

Best wishes and may you meet your finest accomplishments yet for 2012.