I remember full well the days leading to the CPA board exam 14 years ago. My schedule was so tight at study that I did not have any more time for myself. Accounting subjects here, accounting subjects there.

But there was one activity that I could not resist: Badminton on Saturday mornings. Those days were supposed to be the schedule of our Law review but I exchanged that for sweat at the badminton court. “I can read the law books later” I said to myself. Sweat now, study later.


It was fun. My shirt was wet everytime I entered the review with only a few minutes to go before break time. And I really felt good, even bragging to reviewmates that I still have time for badminton.

Examination days came and I felt relaxed. I was confident of hurdling the first subjects on the first three days of the exam. Law and taxation was scheduled on the last day. Remember, I exchanged badminton for the Law review. I was so nervous when I read the test questionnaires. A lot of the questions were discussed during that time when I skipped the review. “Oh boy! I am doomed” I said with both my palms in my forehead. Regrets, regrets, regrets. I just closed my eyes and uttered a prayer. I asked for forgiveness; for skipping the review and for playing badminton instead.

When the CPA board exam results were released a few days later, I felt relieved when I saw my name in the list. “Thank you, LORD” I shouted with glee.

Lessons learned? Don’t let sports addiction waylaid you in your studies. Time management is very important. Keep your focus.

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