From: samccie2004@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Sun Oct 31 2004 - 17:37:05 GMT-3
Dear all
Just a short note to say I finally made it and got my number !
It was an over 2 years arduous journey than nearly cost me my sanity,
not easy when u have a family and obligations.
As it seems it is becoming custom, I thought I should share few things
with you all. But instead of going on about what I did, I will highlight
what I did not do and why I failed before this attempt.
1. I studied for my theory test and only when I passed, started on
lab itself. What I should have done, was to study for both at the same
time as it would have:
a. Enhanced my understanding of the theory part and speeded up the
process.
b. Once Theory was passed, I should have been able to hack my 1st
attempt 6 months later.
2. I did not have a study plan. I should have listed the various
topics and allocated estimated time to cover them, add sometime for
recapping after that and even unforeseen events.
3. I set myself deadlines that were to aggressive, I thought that
was efficient and would speed up my learning process. Instead, what
happened was:
a. I put loads of unnecessary pressure on myself, which lead to me
missing vital parts in some topics.the rest is history.
b. Tight deadlines meant no time to relax, as a result I became a
zombie. My performance decreased ad mos importantly I started resenting
the whole thing instead of enjoying the ride.
c. I ended up going to test unprepared.
4. I tried to do this myself, I mean material wise. I woke up and
smelt the coffee when I 1st saw IE sample scenario lab book. I worked
thru it and never looked back since. I am sure other books are equally
good.
5. I lied to myself many times. When I thought I understood some
technologies and I did not really. I was fooling myself in to thinking,
oh yeah I know this just so I can move to next topic and meet my
deadlines. As a result, I went to exams hoping I wont get them.well
guess what ? This is CCIE, ur worst nightmare and yes Shi@! Will happen
to u.
6. I was afraid to go back to basics, I felt it was a failure.
Nonsense ! it is always good to get back to basics as each time you
might learn something new.
But to make a long story short, allow for time to relax, and for
unforeseen events when you are making your study plan. Don't fool
yourself in thinking you understand something when you don't. And
finally try to enjoy the process, the odds are if you work hard and know
ur stuff you will end up with the number.so enjoy the ride !
If you can, get in touch with study partners. They will keep u motivated
and will return the favour. But pick them carefully ! I was lucky enough
to have some damn good study partners, I can recall the number of nights
we spent labbing away !
Good luck to al of you !
Sam Meftahi
CCIE #14016
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