Actually Finishing the Certificate You Started On

Success in finishing any certification depends on commitment. But sometimes you stop studying and you ask is the certificate worth committing to? Maybe not. Other times, certificates will play into the next promotion or job. It then becomes a matter of pressing on.

It's grueling work to become certified. I know, because as of this writing, I'm there with you trying to get my next certificate. I also know, like my previous certifications, it'll be worth it.

During my previous certificate study processes, I found some key points that helped remind me that it's worth it. I'm hoping these points maybe useful to someone else. 

Social Accountability

If your social circles cheer you on, that's your best guarantee. There are reasons others are recognized for self achievements - it's because they were needed to push on. Social circles are the giants to stand on, if anything is going to get done. Stand on them like you have before.

You can get creative in what this looks like. Just be consistent, even if it's brief. Just telling close family and friends about your updates will help. Social media can also be a place where this can happen. You can post your status updates with your progress. But only if you don't forget to #blueteamtechblog  :)

Set Reasonable and Specific Goals

This speaks for itself. 

It's easy to get carried away sometimes with planning. For me, I dream big. Nothing wrong with that, but my time line usually looks like zero to CCIE in 3 months. Impossible. Reasonable means, you've got a good idea on how long it'll take based on small steps in the past. You've got to set reasonable goals. 

Along with reasonable goals, being specific is helpful too. So that looks like this: finish the CCENT in 6 months by reading and annotating two chapters a month. You can make a check list out of that one. 

Study in Community

Go find people that are also studying. This also plays into the social accountability aspect, but this is more specific. It builds a lifestyle where you surround yourself with minds that are doing what you're doing. They understand your motivation and help you remember it.

These community groups can be local, like a school, workplace or Meetup. You can also develop community on line through forums, and Slack.

I hope these three tips help. Happy studies!