For nearly seven years, I’ve dedicated countless hours to studying, practicing, and labbing cybersecurity topics. Earning 16 certifications and pursuing a cybersecurity degree—soon to be two. This journey shaped me into the penetration tester I am today. In this post, I’ll share the mindset and habits I’ve developed to achieve success in cybersecurity. Keep in mind that everyone learns differently. What works for me might not work for you, so take these insights, apply them, and tweak them to fit your needs.
Success in learning and career growth is often a process of trial and error. If you’re struggling with motivation, discipline, or understanding complex topics, these strategies could provide the foundation you need to excel.
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1. Shift Your Mentality: From Wanting to Needing
The first step toward success is a shift in mindset. Stop telling yourself you want to study or want a skill set—convince yourself you need it. A need is far more powerful than a want because it becomes essential, not optional. You might not genuinely need the thing you’re studying, but reframing it as a necessity tricks your brain into prioritizing it. This shift pushes you to show up every day and do the work.
Tie your studies to what you desire most: a better job, a promotion, financial freedom, or even just providing more for your family. Whatever motivates you, connect it to the skills you’re learning. Additionally, recognize that competition in cybersecurity is fierce. The myth of “millions of unfilled jobs” is misleading. In reality, you’re competing against others for limited opportunities. The more you study and practice, the more you increase your chances of standing out.
2. Create and Commit to a Study Schedule
Discipline is key. If you commit to studying for three hours a day, stick to it—no excuses. Discipline means doing the work even when you don’t feel like it. Most days, you won’t feel like studying, but showing up consistently is what leads to success.
If you struggle with sticking to habits, I highly recommend reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s an excellent guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones. Another tool I’ve found helpful is Andy Frisella’s Power List. The concept is simple: write down five critical tasks each day. If you complete all five, you win the day. If not, you lose. Winning more days than you lose over weeks, months, and years creates momentum that leads to long-term success.
3. Prioritize Your Studies
Don’t try to “find time” to study; make time. Studying needs to be a core element of your day, not something you squeeze into spare moments. This often requires sacrifices. For me, it means neglecting things like chores or socializing to focus on what matters most.
While you shouldn’t neglect essentials like family, health, and fitness, you can eliminate distractions such as binge-watching TV, excessive social media use, or nights out. Cutting these time-draining activities creates room for focused, productive work.
4. Remove Distractions During Study Time
Once you’ve set aside time to study, protect it fiercely. Find a quiet place, silence your phone, and let others know not to disturb you. Invest in your study environment to make it as comfortable as possible—ergonomic chairs, good desks, and quality equipment are investments in your productivity. A poor setup can lead to discomfort and hinder your ability to focus for long periods.
5. Start Small and Use a Reward System
When starting out, tackle small, manageable goals and reward yourself for completing them. Early in my career, I would study for 45 minutes and then reward myself with a game of Call of Duty. Over time, my system evolved, and now I only reward myself after completing all my daily critical tasks. Start with rewards that motivate you and gradually increase the intensity of your study sessions while reducing the need for frequent rewards.
Bonus Tips for Study Success
Here are additional strategies to refine your study habits:
Finish What You Start: If a course or training doesn’t resonate with you, complete it anyway. Then seek additional training that aligns with your learning style. Avoid leaving courses unfinished unless absolutely necessary.
Learn from Losses: Mistakes are opportunities for growth. Analyze practice test errors, lab misconfigurations, or even failed certification exams to identify areas for improvement. Losses often teach you more than wins.
Satisfy Curiosity: If a topic piques your interest during a course, take the time to explore it further. Going deeper enhances your understanding and retention.
Pay Attention: Be honest with yourself about your focus. If you catch yourself zoning out, rewind the video, reread the page, or revisit the material until you truly absorb it.
Conclusion
Success in cybersecurity, or any field, requires commitment, consistency, and a willingness to adapt. By shifting your mindset, creating a disciplined schedule, cutting distractions, and continuously learning from your experiences, you’ll set yourself up for success. Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about winning more days than you lose.
If you found these tips helpful, check out my guide on how to learn Linux, an essential skill for every cybersecurity professional. Keep pushing forward, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or share your own tips for success!