for the overachiever who walks into the exam calm, not cramming
Goal
Walk into the exam calm after light recall only, no cramming.
Source principle
On exam morning, light recall only. Never cram, walk in calm, the work is already done. : from How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport.
The plan
- 💧6:30-6:35 AMWake, hydrate, no phone scroll.
- 🚿6:35-6:50 AMShower + dress, laid out last night.
- 🍳6:50-7:10 AMBreakfast, protein not sugar.
- 📖7:10-7:25 AMLight recall of the cheat sheet, no notes.
- ⏭️7:25-7:30 AMSkip anything you can't recall, don't cram.
- 🎒7:30-7:40 AMPack the bag, double-check ID + pens.
- 🚶7:40-7:50 AMWalk or transit, arrive 20 min early.
- 🧘7:50-8:00 AMSit outside the room, breathe, no notes.
- ✅8:00-8:05 AMWalk in calm, the work is done.