TOPIC: Problems with the PMP mindset (I don't feel well)

I’m about 13 days away from retaking my PMP exam after failing my first try in November. I’ve been studying a lot even with a 10-hour job, a wife, and a newborn. I usually study 1–2 hours a night (until I literally fall asleep) and 4 hours on weekends.

What’s stressing me out is that my SH simulator scores are going down instead of up. I used to get around 75% on tests and 72% on full exams, but now I’m stuck at 71%, even after redoing the questions three times. It’s not from lack of effort, i’ve been giving this everything I can.

PMI’s report said I did worst in Processes and People, and I was told to focus on those based on the ECO tasks. The problem is, I can’t find a clear list of what topics go with each ECO task, so I end up jumping between a bunch of documents.

A lot of people say I need to “get the mindset,” but honestly, I’m still not sure how to apply it. I’ve read the notes from Third3rock, AD, DM, and MR, but 90% of the time, I still can’t see how that mindset fits into the questions.

If anyone has advice, examples, or notes that helped you understand and apply the mindset, I’d really appreciate it. I’m feeling pretty lost and hopeless right now and could use some guidance.

Hey Mark,

I read your post, and I want to offer some direct advice. It sounds incredibly stressful, and your reaction is completely normal given your circumstances.
You're not failing due to a lack of effort; you're likely experiencing burnout and need a strategic shift, not more brute force.

First, stop thinking of the "mindset" as some abstract concept. It’s a concrete decision framework. For any PMP question, you need to act as the ideal PMI Project Manager.
Here's a simple framework. For every question, ask yourself which answer best demonstrates one of these principles.

Principle 1: Servant Leadership & Team Empowerment.
Your main job is to enable your team. Look for answers where the PM collaborates, asks for input, provides training, or removes an obstacle.
Avoid answers that involve the PM making unilateral decisions or escalating issues without first consulting the team.

Principle 2: Proactive Assessment over Reactive Action.
An effective PM prevents fires, not just fights them. Before you act, you must assess. The correct answer is almost always the one that starts with "Assess the impact."
"Analyze the situation," or "Review the relevant plan." Acting immediately is usually the wrong choice.

Principle 3: Adherence to Process & Plans.
Projects run on agreed-upon processes. If a stakeholder requests a change, you should not simply implement it. You follow the change management plan. If there's a conflict, you consult the team charter.
The plan is your guide.

Principle 4: Direct, Collaborative Communication.
Go to the source. If two team members have an issue, facilitate a conversation between them. Don't just email or escalate to their managers. Escalation is a last resort.

Principle 5: A Focus on Value & Benefits.
Every decision must be measured against the project's objectives and business case. Choose the option that best aligns with the project charter and protects the value the project is meant to deliver.

Now, here is a new 11-Day Strategic Plan for you.

Phase 1: The Reset (Next 2 Days)
Absolutely, stop taking complete exams. You're just reinforcing bad habits.
Day 1: Do not study. At all. Your brain needs a break. Spend the time with your family. Sleep.
Day 2: Take 20-30 questions you previously got wrong. For each one, write down why the correct answer aligns with one of the five principles above, and why the other three answers do not.
This involves analyzing the logic, not just obtaining the answer.

Phase 2: Targeted Drills (Days 3-
Focus on your weak areas: People and Process. Do short, 20-question quizzes in these domains only. After each quiz, repeat the analysis process from Day 2 for every single question,
even the ones you got right. Explain to yourself why the correct answer was the best choice based on the mindset principles. This builds the decision-making muscle.

Phase 3: Final Approach (Days 9-11)
Day 9: Take one final, full-length mock exam.
Day 10: Review that exam using the mindset analysis method. Do not try to cram new information. Solidify your decision-making framework.
Day 11 (Day before exam): Study for a maximum of one hour. Just review your notes on the five mindset principles. Then stop. Relax. Get a good night's sleep. Your mental state on the exam
day is now your biggest asset.

The knowledge is in your head. The problem lies in how you apply it under pressure. Switch from memorization to this strategic framework. You can do this.

Please do not hesitate to reach out for any further guidance.

BR