Competition reflections

Only four more days until the programming competition begins! The same event which has led to multiple articles in The Beacon, NWC's homepage, The Capital Democrat, and even a couple Sioux City papers. Also the same event which has been the subject of many conversations this semester.
At times I wish I would have prepared more. I didn't take nearly the time for this as I would with, say, an actuarial exam. For sure, I wasted time "procrastinating," which could have been used to work more problems. And this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which I'll remember forever.
On the other hand, there will always be "the big thing" in my studying/career. Getting an FSA. Perhaps other exams (EA, CFA). Finishing "the big job." Getting the promotion. Demonstrating myself worthy of the promotion I received. All these will come, and all these will go. But they aren't what life's about.
Sure, I could have prepared more. And I really respect those who have done hundreds, even thousands, of problems. But I absolutely don't regret spending my time with friends and family. In fact, I would rather that procrastinating time have been spent with them.

But, it is always easy to look back and be self-critical. Now, it's time to take on the world!