This is from the “Accounting Makes Cents” podcast episode #101 released on Monday, 3 November 2025.

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Now today is extra special, because this is the 101st episode of the podcast! Yeah, yeah, it’s not 100 but it’s still special. To mark the milestone, I thought I’d do something a little different. Something reflective, looking back at the last 100 episodes. So maybe not a recap of the last 100 episodes but more about what I’ve learnt from the last 100 episodes. In the spirit of that, I thought it would be fun to treat this as our very own “Reflections 101”, a beginner’s class, but instead of theory, it’s about what I’ve learned.

Jump to show notes.

Lesson 1: Learning Never Stops

When I started this, I thought I was creating a resource to help students learn. What I didn’t realize was how much I’d end up learning myself: about teaching, about study habits, and about how people really grow.

Every time I prepare an episode, I have to challenge myself to explain things clearly. Sometimes, that means going back to basics – revisiting topics like budgeting, costing, or performance management. Every single time, I notice something new that I missed before.

It’s the same with CIMA studies. You can pass one level and think, “Okay, I’ve mastered it,” but the truth is, each level builds on the next. And even after qualification, your career keeps teaching you new lessons. Learning never really ends; it just changes form.

So if you ever feel like you’re stuck in a loop, revising again, reading again…remind yourself that this repetition is how growth happens.

Lesson 2: Every Student Has a Story

After a hundred episodes, one thing I’ve learned is that there’s no single “type” of CIMA student.
I’ve heard from people all over the world – working parents, full-time employees, career changers, and fresh graduates. Some are studying in between shifts; others are revisiting a dream they paused years ago.

Each story is unique, but all share something in common: perseverance.

CIMA isn’t easy. It takes long hours, self-discipline, and courage to keep going, especially after a failed attempt. But behind every success is a story of persistence. I’ve spoken to students who failed the same exam twice but came back stronger and passed on their third try. That’s something to be proud of.

So if you’re listening today and you’re not sure whether you can keep going, please know that you’re not alone. Every student has a story, and yours is still being written.

Lesson 3: Balance Effort and Intensity

When it comes to studying CIMA, many students feel the pressure to go all in: long hours, late nights, endless practice questions. It’s easy to think that the more intense your effort, the faster you’ll succeed.

But here’s the truth: intensity alone isn’t sustainable. You can burn out quickly if you push too hard for too long. What matters most is consistent, focused effort, small, deliberate study sessions that you can maintain over weeks and months.

It’s about finding your rhythm. A 45-minute focused session every day can be far more effective than five hours crammed into one exhausting night. Over time, that steady effort builds mastery and confidence, without the stress or overwhelm.

So instead of racing to do everything at once, focus on what you can consistently handle. Consistency beats short bursts of intensity every time.

Lesson 4: The Power of Community

Studying CIMA can feel lonely at times, but the truth is, you’re not alone. Around the world, thousands of students are navigating the same challenges, revising the same topics, and facing the same case study pressures.

The key is to actively seek out your community. That might mean joining a study group, finding an accountability partner, or connecting with peers online who share your goals. Even just listening to a podcast like this can remind you that other people understand what you’re going through.

Being part of a community matters. It keeps you motivated, provides support when things get tough, and gives you different perspectives that can deepen your understanding. Don’t wait for a community to find you; take the first step and find the people who will walk the journey with you.

Lesson 5: Keep the “Why” in Mind

If there’s one thing that’s stayed constant through all these episodes, it’s this: your “why” is everything.

Why are you doing this? Why CIMA? Why accounting?

When you’re deep into a tough topic or staring at a difficult practice exam, it’s easy to forget. But your “why”…whether it’s for career growth, personal achievement, or to create a better life for your family…that’s what fuels you.

It’s the same reason I keep doing this podcast. Some days it’s hard to balance work, recording, and life, but I remember my “why”: helping learners see that accounting can be approachable, understandable, and even interesting!

So before you go back to your notes today, take a minute to reconnect with your “why.” Write it down. Keep it close. It’ll carry you through.

Show notes simplified

In this milestone episode, MJ the Tutor reflects on the journey of the podcast and shares five key lessons from over 100 episodes. MJ offers insights and encouragement for anyone navigating their CIMA studies or personal growth in accounting.