🎧 Episode 11 – Self-Trust: The Hidden Ingredient to Reaching the CPA Exam Finish Line

⛓️‍💥 Broken Promises = 💔Broken Progress on the CPA Exam

Episode Summary:

If you’ve ever said “I’ll study tonight” and then didn’t—this episode is for you. Most CPA Exam candidates assume the struggle is about time, material, or motivation. But what quietly stalls progress is the erosion of self-trust—the subtle doubt that builds each time you don’t follow through on a promise to yourself.

In this episode, Dawn explains why self-trust—not pressure or guilt—is the steady force that turns intentions into action. You’ll learn how small, repeatable commitments compound into confidence, shift your identity into someone who follows through, and carry you to the CPA Exam finish line.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ Why lack of self-trust—not lack of time—keeps candidates stuck

✅ How small, consistent promises build your “self-trust muscle”

✅ What happens when studying stops being a negotiation and becomes a promise you honor

✅ How identity shifts (from “I procrastinate” to “I follow through”) create lasting momentum

✅ Why self-trust spills over into work, relationships, and well-being

✅ How the STAR Study Framework supports reliable follow-through (Schedule, Track, Assess, Reward)

What Self-Trust Looks Like in Practice:

• Decide on one doable commitment—and keep it (e.g., a short set of MCQs or a focused 30 minutes).
• Align your actions with your word—especially on ordinary days.
• Expect discomfort at first; honor the block you planned anyway.
• Let repeated follow-through build evidence-based confidence.
• Watch the identity shift: from doubt to dependable.

Truth Check + Reflection Prompt:

• What is one small promise you’ll keep with yourself this week?
• Where do you most feel the urge to bargain (“I’ll catch up tomorrow”)?
• How will you apply Schedule, Track, Assess, Reward to reinforce your follow-through?

Mentioned in This Episode:

• 🌟 STAR Study Framework — Schedule study blocks that match your real energy, Track what actually happens (without judgment), Assess what’s working/what needs to shift, Reward yourself for showing up.
• ✅ The Ultimate CPA Exam Success Checklist (Free) — Use it (and Dawn’s custom GPT (Free) that walks you through it) to design your Ideal and Unique Study System with ease.
• 🎯 CPA Exam Confident! 30 in 30 Study Challenge — $30 for 30 days of supported, consistent study—one study hour at a time—to build self-trust and momentum you can sustain.
• 🤝 15-Minute CPA Exam Success Chat (Free)— Explore next steps and learn about a special 4-week 1:1 coaching option available to challenge participants.

Final Takeaway:

You don’t need more pressure to move forward—you need self-trust. Keep one small promise today. Repeat it tomorrow. That steady follow-through is what carries you all the way to your CPA Exam Success.

Ready to Stop Struggling and Start Passing?

Join my CPA Exam Success Mastery Coaching Program and get the strategy, mindset, and support you need to pass your first CPA Exam section—and then the rest—with confidence and ease.

👉 Click HERE to take your first step toward CPA Exam success!

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