With the unexpected rescheduling of our Introductory Sommelier Course & Examination event hosted by The Court of Master Sommeliers, we are finding ourselves spending less time in the books and other study materials. And while it is nice to take a break (along with a few deep breaths), it is becoming more and more difficult to stay focused. One thing I’ve noticed, however, is how easily the information we’ve acquired over the past five (5) months is retrieved. Even the most obscure information seems to be available on-demand 😉

Perhaps it’s because our brains aren’t busy calculating all the ways we could fail. With the new test date moved back four (4) months, we can slowly ingest and mentally absorb the information as opposed to cramming for a final exam. It doesn’t mean that the curriculum is any less difficult. It does prove how pressure and stress can affect learning. Removing pressure, as in this case, relieved our learning and cognition related stress… but also introduced a new challenge. Study fatigue.

To put it into perspective… imagine running a short sprint that suddenly becomes a marathon. As a result, the finish line (achievable at your current pace) has moved very far away. Would you have the stamina to keep pace and cross the new finish line? Perhaps. Given the fact that you didn’t train for a marathon… would you question your ability? Definitely. So what’s the solution? Since everyone’s approach to learning is different, there isn’t a single remedy for all. For us… we’ve temporarily slowed the pace and intensity of our studying.

The trick is to not lose focus on the end result or goals, but to become more immersed in the journey. Instead of memorizing all of the necessary facts about viticulture, vinification, the art (and science) of food and wine pairing, and the seamlessly infinite wine regions of the world, dive into the details. Question why oak is used in barriques or how some white grapes along with certain winemaking techniques can produce very dark wines–such as Pedro Ximenez Sherry.

Above all… stay focused!

Next article in the series: Enthusiast to Sommelier: ‘Tis the Season

First article in this series: Enthusiast to Sommelier: Getting Started