I know it's a different, but when I was working on my CNE, I took my sweet old time. Right up to the point tests started to expire. Wouldn't expect that happen on the Cisco front now, but I was starting to panic, and ended up having to crank out like 3 tests in about 4 months time frame to finish up my CNE. Not a fun way to go at it.
I've been slacking lately with my studying too...I fell out of the same habits I had while working on my CCNP, and it's hard to get back on track. Once you are motivated, you need to keep at it.