The importance of "form"

Yes, "form" is extremely important when it comes to taking CCIE lab. When you are in your top form, you can solve a very complicated scenario in minutes and likewise, you would spend 8 hours only to find out you have missed just one ccna-level command for a very simple question.

I was in KL last Tuesday and a colleague presented us with a quiz during the lunch break. The quiz is : "There are three switches on the first floor and three lamps on the second floor. You cannot see the lamps from the first floor and you are only allowed to make one trip to the second floor. Find out which switch controls which lamp".

To be honest, I was dead exhausted that day having preparing for the deliverable and case studies for my customers. I tried to think for a minute but gave up instantly. Another friend also gave up. However, I know I was in a very bad form so I asked my colleague not to tell me the answer yet as I would like to think about it some time later.

The following day, on the flight back to Singapore, I suddenly remembered his quiz. Relieved that my job is done for the day, I started thinking over his quiz again. Amazingly, an idea struck in less than a minute. I immediately sms-ed my idea to that colleague upon arriving in Singapore and he confirmed I had the correct answer, albeit his is slightly different from mine (but the same in principle). I checked his solution and yes, I have to admit his is a much better solution but I was made to realize again that how important it is to have a top "form" when you take on something, be it CCIE lab or any other endevaours.

Can't think of the answer? Think a few times and if you still do not get it, email me. :-)