: a reasonable and logical way of doing things or of thinking about problems that is based on dealing with specific situations instead of on ideas and theories (Merriam-Webster.com/pragmatism)

Today I started studying for the qualifying exam that I will have to take in August. I’m 100% sure that I will pass the exam if I properly prepare. To do this, I have to pick at least 4 philosophies to know forwards and backwards, have an extensive knowledge of organizational leadership frames (hello class I slept through this semester), and be able to reference history and important legislation.

Easy peasy. right?

Today I started outlining the first of the 4 philosophies. I’ve picked ones that I can relate to each other, and ones that closely align with the organizational leadership styles that we have to use so that all of my answers fit together like a nice little jigsaw puzzle. I’m not sure why I decided to start with pragmatism other than the fact that it lends itself well to some of the leadership theories we discussed this semester and I love to pretend that I am logical in my thoughts and actions. I like to think that if I am logical about what needs to be studied, and how I go about making sure all of the info stays in my brain, then I will pass.

It should work, right?

I’ve realized that studying on my own is never going to work. I’ve made plans to meet with a study group, but might have to find a way to work in more than one. I realize that  right now, I am too easily  distracted by my messy emotional state. I do not want to fail this test. I do not want to have to take it again.

In the meantime, I am going to chain myself to my desk and outlining, drafting, and crafting responses to any question or scenario that might get thrown at me in a few months.

Today I even got the perfect present for studying.