Struggling to Focus on Executive MBA Studies: How Do You Stay Concentrated?

Hello Seniors, I am Veena, working in a Trading Co. I am a working woman, not a student. But still, my dream is to complete my Executive MBA in Finance. I don't know if it is due to my age or something else. Unfortunately, I am not able to concentrate on my studies. Whenever I try to start studying, within a few minutes, I lose focus, close my books, and start chatting. Could anyone please help me? My exams are coming soon.

Thanks

I have questions for you. What was your last formal education and when did you complete it?

No Age Limit for Learning

There is no age limit for learning or studying; please remind yourself of that. At times, when you have a break in studies and think of continuing, you may find it difficult to concentrate, but this will only happen for a few days. You need to have the willpower, interest, and determination to study; then, this is perfectly possible at any age. Don't look at an MBA as yet another degree that will not help you at all.

Study Plan and Environment

Plan and dedicate a particular time of the day when you prefer to study, and every day observe that as your study time. Keep yourself away from people, mobile phones, and TV. It is preferable to study in a room with sufficient light and air, with little or minimal sound.

Physical Exercise for Better Concentration

It's good to do some physical exercise 20 minutes in advance before you start studying; this helps in concentration and quick learning. Most of all, it's important for you to spend dedicated time on studies.

Regards,

It's your attitude towards studying that needs to be modified. If you really value your dream, then no one can stop you from studying. My grandfather completed his Master's in Law at the age of 76, so age is definitely not a deterrent for studying. Believe in your dream and pursue it with full vigor. Try meditation and a few stretching exercises to set your study mood.

Regards,
Ashutosh Thakre

Both Getsie Jesse and Ashutosh Thakre are right on the dot. Like Getsie Jesse asked, when did you study formally? Also, details like your family background, any kids, husband's work, etc.—all these aspects have their own level/grade of bearing on such situations you mentioned. Do you get support from other family members? The queries can go on and on—the more inputs you give, the more focused and practical the suggestions would be from the members.

All the Best.

Regards,
TS

Hello Veena,

Others have provided you with valuable advice on motivation and focus, and TS has raised relevant questions about your background and situation. Allow me to use your post as an example and explain the additional information I would have provided when seeking help.

In addition to stating that I am a working woman and not a student, I would have clarified whether I am pursuing the course through distance learning or attending classes. If it's the latter, I would have specified if it's an evening or weekend course. I would also elaborate on what I mean by "age fault." For instance, does it refer to my personal age or the comparison between the present and the past? During my studies, I used to go to the local library to maintain focus and avoid distractions from family. I started my first course in my early 30s and completed my Master's in my mid-40s, without the convenience of web resources back then.

As a friend once bluntly put it, sometimes one must metaphorically glue themselves to a chair and study diligently to achieve academic goals.

Just like tending to a garden to grow vegetables and flowers requires time, nourishment, and weeding, pursuing an academic dream demands dedication and effort. While shortcuts like purchasing degrees online exist, I don't endorse them as viable alternatives.

Regards

Hello Everybody,

In my family, there are only three people. My husband is employed, and he encouraged me to enroll in distance learning. My family supports me, and now I am 42 years old, which means I completed my graduation almost 20 years ago. It's my personal issue that I find it hard to concentrate on my studies.

Thanks to all.

Age does not matter if we have the desire. Certainly, a gap of 20 years will have some effect, but it can be overcome. I know of people who have gone back to studies after 40 years, done research, and got PhDs in their 80s. I am sorry to keep asking questions. Have you any children? If so, study along with them. You say your husband forced you? Whom do you work for? If you feel your husband forced you, then how can it be your dream? I presume he coaxed you and supports you to achieve your dream. I know a lady who was coaxed by her husband and her boss to take up teaching. She attended a teachers' Training Course (BEd) after 20 years of graduation. She had two young kids at that time, and her husband was also studying for his master's degree by the part-time route. She completed the course and became an excellent maths teacher and retired 5 years ago. So, you can also achieve your dreams if you can resist chit-chatting with others.

There are two types of dreams. One is a daydream, and another is one that takes you to reality. Which dream would you like to pursue? The former or the latter? The former does not require any hard work, whereas the latter requires a lot of hard work and, above all, strong willpower.

Concentration power is absolutely linked to one's motivation. The higher the motivation, the higher the power to absorb knowledge.

Imagine if another woman writes posts like this: "I am a working woman, not a student. But still, my dream is to complete my Ex. MBA in Finance. I do not like anyone disturbing me in my studies. When a family member disturbs me, I start shouting at them. How to handle this situation?"

I recommend setting a target for yourself - "I will complete Chapter No ___ in the coming one hour." This target will bring focus to your studies. Secondly, keep your mobile off. Keep it in silent mode and in another room. Also, keep the TV off. If another family member is watching TV, then close the door of your room and tell others to keep the TV volume low.

The Importance of Self-Discipline

Why do we observe fasts? Why do we pray to God? Indirectly, these are the means of bringing self-discipline. Abstinence is a virtue. Loosely, it can be called "Sanyam" in Marathi. A person attains or retains success because of this "Sanyam."

I appreciate your openness. You have asked for a solution to your weakness. Identifying the weakness itself is a strength. Other members have given valuable advice. Start working on it.

Make a strong determination, come what may, I am not going to deviate from the target for the day. Attainment of these small targets will start motivating you. It will increase self-confidence in you. With this very confidence, you will be able to complete your MBA with very good marks. In the future, when you look back, you will possibly be astounded at your success. But today, what matters is the development of this strong willpower.

Examples of Strong Determination

Remember you are from a place where examples of strong determination are replete. Gopal Ganesh Agarkar had walked from Karad to Pune to complete his M.A. Bal Gangadhar Tilak raised the building of his English School himself, which was made of mud and cow dung. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar studied under streetlights. While in prison, instead of wasting time, Bal Gangadhar Tilak wrote "Geetarahasya." It is this determination that makes a person extraordinary from ordinary.

All the best, and I will wait for a post from you, say after 2-3 years, telling that you have completed your Ex MBA. Not only me but all the members of this forum will be glad to hear this news.

Regards,
Dinesh V Divekar

I work 9-6 and am a single parent to a 15-year-old daughter. I also work a second job from home. In between, I am studying for my MBA. My problem is that I keep forgetting what I have studied. It has been almost 15 years since I completed my degree. My first-year exams are coming up in December. I hope you will be able to help me find a solution.