November 22, 2024. Paris hotel room. 11:59 PM.

I had one minute before my DBA assignment was due.

I'd studied for DAYS. Read the case study three times. Highlighted every framework. Reviewed lecture notes for hours.

But sitting there at 11:58, I thought: "Did I study the RIGHT things?"

I had no idea. I was guessing. Hoping. Praying.

Hit submit. Not confident—just compliant.

This has haunted me throughout my entire DBA program (and honestly, my MBA before that).

I can spend 30 hours studying and still feel unprepared. Meanwhile, my classmates study 15 hours and walk into exams feeling certain.

What am I missing?

Is it just me, or does anyone else experience this "11:59pm panic" where you've done the work but have zero confidence you're actually ready?

How do you know you've studied the right things before the deadline?