The _silver_ bullet would be a way to get into a study grind early. As stuff happens, like having a head cold that really took me out for a week a month before I first took the CFA level 1. (Sick the better part of two weeks more too but just less severe.) Consequently being in the top 10% who failed the December 2008 sure stung. These days I am more than happy to share my lessons learned with coworkers going for their securities licenses.
What worked for you doesn't necessarily work for everyone. Having said that, a rigorous understanding of the CFAI curriculum on exam day is indeed the path to success however achieved.
The _silver_ bullet would be a way to get into a study grind early. As stuff happens, like having a head cold that really took me out for a week a month before I first took the CFA level 1. (Sick the better part of two weeks more too but just less severe.) Consequently being in the top 10% who failed the December 2008 sure stung. These days I am more than happy to share my lessons learned with coworkers going for their securities licenses.
Being focused and having good study plan, or grind as you say, is indeed the way to put yourself in the best position on exam day.
Level 1 is easy if one does CFAI books religiously...nothing else is required!!
What worked for you doesn't necessarily work for everyone. Having said that, a rigorous understanding of the CFAI curriculum on exam day is indeed the path to success however achieved.