Christina is a NINJA CPA blogger.

My brother visited last weekend. He told me he had just passed another certification for his line of work. Then he asked why I haven’t passed any of my exams yet.

My initial response wasn’t so nice because, let’s face it, I’m frustrated that I haven’t as well. I wanted to finish this exam before the new test took over.

Goodness, there have been many times over the past few years that I have started out for this exam and just haven’t gotten anywhere.

Learning the word “No,” and learning how to put what I want first has been a challenge.

He did get me thinking what to do differently. I’m more organized this go around, but the frustration from the past has been creeping up on me. It's time to let it all go, move forward and kick this exam’s butt!

I told my husband last night that I’ve done nothing but put everything I wanted on hold for everyone else’s needs and wants and it’s my turn to do something.

I want to focus on this exam without having to push it to the side. He pointed out the kids want to join sports this spring – to which I responded, “Fine, but my book is coming with me!”

No matter what your life circumstances are, this test is difficult. Some have circumstances that make it extra difficult, and some have a guilty conscious (me) that if we say no we will be hurting someone’s feelings.

It’s taken me a long time to realize that they can just get over it. If they’d let me finish this exam they can have my full attention and pull me whichever direction they need me. But first, the CPA exam.

Let’s kick some butt this first quarter!