1. Find Your “WHY” and Hold onto It Like Your Life Depends on It

First things first, what’s your “why”? Want to see yourself in an IIM classroom? Are you dreaming of that big corporate career leap? Whatever your reason is, keep it front and centre. Motivation isn’t a constant—sometimes you must remind yourself why you started.

Pro Tip: Write your goal down, set it as your phone wallpaper, or stick it on your mirror. Whenever you feel like quitting, look at it.

2. Master the Art of Small Wins

CAT prep is like running a marathon, not a sprint. The trick? Break it into bite-sized chunks. Every time you check something off, it feels like a victory—and those little wins add up.

Treat yourself after hitting a target. Maybe it’s a hot coffee, a Netflix episode, or just a 10-minute power nap. Rewards can be your biggest motivation boosters.

3. Don’t Compare Your Prep Journey to Others’

This one’s tough, especially with WhatsApp study groups buzzing about mock scores, but everyone’s journey is different. Focus on your progress, not someone else’s timeline.

4. Bad Mock? Shake It Off!

Bombed a mock test? Welcome to the club—it happens to everyone. Instead of sulking, analyse where you went wrong and fix it, a bad mock isn’t the end—it’s a clue. Use it to decode your next move.

5. Add Fun to Your Prep (Yes, It’s Possible!)

Studying 24/7 isn’t sustainable. Add some fun to your routine to keep things interesting. Solve puzzles, watch a motivational TED Talk, or dive into a book that inspires you.

6. Build a Routine, but Keep It Flexible

Having a routine keeps you disciplined, but don’t make it a prison. Adjust it based on what works for you. If you’re a night owl, don’t force yourself to study at 6 AM. If you’re a morning person, tackle tough topics when your mind is sharpest.

7. Celebrate How Far You’ve Come

It’s easy to stress about what’s left to do but take a moment to reflect on what you’ve already achieved. Go back to your first mock test—see how far you’ve come to get a small dose of motivation.

8. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health

Burnout is real, and it can kill your drive. Get enough rest, eat well, and move your body—even if it’s just for a quick walk. Your brain performs best when your body is taken care of.

9. Surround Yourself with Positivity

Find a support system—study buddies, mentors, or maybe a Mel Robbins podcast. A quick pep talk from a friend or even your favourite celebrity can go a long way.

10. Remember, It’s Okay to Have a Day Off

Not every day will be productive, and that’s okay. If you’re feeling down, take a breather. Watch a movie, chat with a friend, or just relax. One bad day won’t derail your preparation—quitting will.

CAT prep isn’t just about solving questions or acing mocks—it’s about your resilience, consistency, and self-belief. You’ve already made it this far, and that’s worth celebrating. Keep going, keep pushing, and remember: you’ve got this.