7 days until my PMP exam. Here's what I've done to prepare and here is my mindset going into it.

?? I am ready.

I studied hard over the last 3 months. I prioritized my studies over all other endeavors and I committed solid blocks of time every day to learning. I tried every study method available to me: reading, taking notes/re-creating the materials, creating mindmaps, watching training videos, creating memorization sheets, taking a course at CalTech, taking as many practice exams as I could get my hands on. As a result, my average practice exam scores went up from 65% to 83%. If my latest practice exams are any reflection of how I'll perform on the final exam, I'm ready.

?? I am grateful.

Beyond grateful. Really taking the time to learn this craft - the art and science - of Project Management has made me a better project manager. I worked for 7 years in project management as a self-taught professional without any formal training. I didn't know what I didn't know. But now I know ??. I'm armed with tools and techniques and processes and I will apply these towards all my future projects. The PMBOK, the knowledge and wisdom of the P.M. community lives inside me now and will find expression in all my projects to come.

?? I could not have done this alone.

There are so many people who have supported me in the process, both directly and indirectly. Here are just a few notable mentions:

• My husband - He supported me in my decision to quit my job and to devote the last 3 months exclusively to study. He's an avid supporter of my growth and he's been so incredibly generous to allow me the space and time to move towards this vision. Without his belief in me and his support, I don't know if I could have had the courage to make this leap.
• My community - I joined PMI-LA 3 years ago and I've been a long-standing member of the LinkedIn group, PMI Project, Program and Portfolio Management. Up until this year, I never fully took advantage of all of the resources that are available through this amazing community. I finally leaned into it and what I found there melted my heart. The members of the PM community are so incredibly generous and knowledgable. They are willing to answer questions, to provide suggestions, resources, and mentorship. I've been bolstered by their support and I can't help but want to give more of myself to this community now that I have more to give. I am incredibly grateful and proud to be a member of this beautiful, global community.
• My teachers - In my opinion, there is no greater service in the world than to teach. I've been fortunate to run into so many wonderful teachers in my course of study - some of whom I've met face to face (such as my CalTech instructors), some of whom I've met virtually (such as my Udemy instructor), and some of whom I may never meet (such as the writers of the PMBOK and other prep books I've read). To all my teachers, I give my most heartfelt thanks. You have not only made me a stronger P.M, but you've also made me a better human. AND what's more, you make the world a better place. There are many "me's" in the world, many hungry and eager students. Thank you for being there to quench their thirst for knowledge. Thank you, Thank you.
• My employers and colleagues - My previous employers gave me the opportunity to get my start in project management. As I mentioned, I'm self-taught. I have no college degree and as such my future did not look so bright in my 20's. I was waitressing full time and had no other qualifications. My first job outside of waitressing was as an Executive Assistant for a vodka company. It was at that company that my first boss took me under his wing and believed in me enough to allow me to take on more responsibility. Through his mentorship, I grew and found my passion for project management. Through his faith in me, I found my identity as a project manager. Ever since I've had the great fortune of calling myself a project manager. I'm so grateful to everyone I've ever worked with. I've learned so much from them and each and every one of them has left an impression on my heart that I will take with me onto all future jobs and until eternity.

?? I may not pass the exam the first time and that's a-okay.

The PMP exam has a reputation for being very difficult. It's comprised of 200 multiple choice questions and lasts for 4 hours. I've read that the failure rate is estimated at 40-50% for first-time test-takers. As much as I'd like to be an exception to the rule, the probability of success is only marginally in my favor as a first-time test taker.

That said, I'm going in with the mindset that I will pass. Yet if I don't, it's OK. I'm still having a party after the exam - pass or fail. Why? Because there is so much to celebrate. As mentioned above, the process itself of studying has been so rewarding. And I know I know the material. I just may not do well on the exam. If that happens, I'll take the exam again. And again. And again. Until I pass.

I'm determined to go into this exam feeling relaxed and confident in myself. For so many years I put pressure on myself to be perfect, to not fail, to be an "A" student. I created a self-imposed prison of perfectionism and stress. I don't need to be perfect. I don't need to be an A student. I just need to try and to do my best. Nothing more, nothing less.

I share this mindset in part to remind myself of these things and also to encourage other PMP aspirants. Go forth in ease, go forth in confidence.

To all PMP Aspirants:

If you love project management, if you want to get a PMP certification, go for it. Do not be discouraged. Do not be detered. The journey is as rewarding as the reward itself. It will take time, it will take effort, but you will get there. Go there in joy no matter what.

My preparation for the exam:

1. I read Rita Mulchay's PMP Prep book cover to cover twice and did all of the exercises and took all of the chapter exams. This has been my primary study guide.
2. I read the PMBOK 6th Edition and took extensive notes on each process. Note: PMI members, you can obtain a PDF copy of this for free!
3. I read through other PMI Standards to shore up my understanding of specific topics.
4. I took the Udemy PMP Prep course along with the exams.
5. I watched this great PM process group overview video (numerous times!)
6. I created and reviewed daily my "memorization sheets" to keep formulas and other items top of mind
7. I visited my exam test site so I don't stress out the day of the exam trying to find the building/parking.

If you are a PMP aspirant and I can support you in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to me here on LinkedIn or at [email protected] .