CPA Exam Success Podcast with Dawn Edelstein CPA

Episode Summary:

If studying for the CPA Exam feels like pushing a boulder uphill—you're not alone. And you're not broken. More often than not, the frustration and lack of progress aren’t about intelligence, effort, or even your study plan.

In this episode, Dawn unpacks five clear signs that you’re truly ready to study—not just on paper, but in real life. When these signs are missing, study sessions become inconsistent, overwhelming, and draining. But when they’re present? You gain clarity, momentum, and a calm, repeatable rhythm that actually works.

Whether you're just starting, restarting, or wondering why progress still feels hard—this episode gives you the insight and tools to move forward with confidence.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ Why readiness is an internal shift—not a perfect schedule

✅ What quiet willingness looks like (and why motivation isn’t required)

✅ How to create space for study inside your actual life

✅ Why failure isn’t a setback, but a sign of engagement

✅ How to stop rushing and start building a system that lasts

✅ What to do when your resistance is louder than your reason

The Five Signs You’re Ready to Study for the CPA Exam:

1. You’re willing to put in the time and focus.
2. You’ve considered how studying will—and won’t—impact your life.
3. You’re prepared to fail—if that’s what it takes to figure it out.
4. You’re in it for the long haul—no shortcuts, no panic.
5. Your reason for wanting this is stronger than your resistance.

Truth Check + Reflection Prompt:

At the end of the episode, Dawn invites you to reflect on each readiness sign and check in with honesty.

Which ones earned a yes?

Which ones need strengthening?

👉 Download the free Episode 10 Worksheet to go deeper with personalized prompts and micro-actions for each sign of readiness.

Mentioned in This Episode:

🎯 The 30-Day CPA Exam Confident Challenge

✨ Join Anytime ✨

You’ll get:

– 30 days of focused study support

– A guided email sequence with all of the lesson replays

– Access to the private Facebook group

📚 Margaryta’s CPA Exam Success Story

From three FAR failures to passing the entire CPA Exam—proving that resilience, not perfection, is what carries you to the finish line.

Listen to Episode 7 for her full journey.

Final Takeaway:

Readiness isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build.

You don’t need perfect conditions to begin.

You need clarity, intention, and one step forward.

This episode helps you find that step—and take it.

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!

Let’s Connect!

📩 Have a question or want to share your breakthrough? Send me a message—I’d love to hear from you!

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