What do you think of this…
- “We’re all in this together”
- “You’re not alone”
- “With everyone gathered together, we finally stand a chance against the final boss”
All very good? I guess?
Feeling like you’re part of a crusade against “them” can be uplifting and inspiriting.
I don’t say these things out loud, but I’m basically guilty of it. Trying to make the prepping process more palatable for you. Feeling like I did something helpful when you tell me things like “I needed this today.”
But I have mixed feelings about letting comforting words wash over you like a warm shower TOO much. The bar exam is considered difficult for a reason.
And you know me… I live in practical reality. The more you make the exam a priority (see MTYLT rule #3), the more I’m willing to help. I don’t JUST want to tell you what you WANT to hear.
Here’s what you NEED to hear instead:
1. Stop getting distracted.
Your job right now is to prepare. Some people just won’t listen.
Don’t argue back with some extreme version of “are you saying I need to abandon my job and family? How privileged”
No, but you could stop caring about things you don’t need to, watching things you don’t need to, getting upset at things you don’t need to, participating in things you don’t need to, going to events you don’t need to, posting things you don’t need to, or doing things that are just not a priority at least for now.
Your luxury of time is a privilege you should direct to your real priority of passing the bar and moving on with your life.
Or not. Don’t let me or anyone tell you what to do.
If passing is not a priority, great! Just be honest with yourself, and move on.
2. Stop overwhelming yourself with things you don’t need, just in case.
“It can’t hurt to–“
Yes it CAN hurt to hoard 10 random outlines and shred your attention running around in circles to make sure you got the perfectly accurate rule statement.
Pick a few resources you trust, and USE them. I’ve already outlined some recommended resources on my website and in Passer’s Playbook (you can pick up the Supplement Shopping List 2020-21 for free here).
The point is you don’t need PERFECT preparation. You don’t want to get stuck in research mode while your friend passes simply because they were GOOD ENOUGH.
3. Stop hesitating.
We went to law school to be lawyers, to procrastinate on the real world maybe, to DO something. (Remember your personal statement?) Now when the opportunity is in front of us to finally make it there, there’s a bit of hesitation.
There’s a fear of failure. There’s fear of being judged by your peers and family. There’s fear of success too!
It’s actually normal. But I don’t want to be normal. I don’t want to be stuck and say “at least we’re all in this quicksand together.”
Being aggressive overcomes fear. I teach this in Mental Engines.
If you want to “get through this hurdle and onto your dreams,” if you want to put this behind you, stop hesitating. Pursue what you want. GET that shit. Don’t let anyone including yourself stop you.
Or call it quits. There’s no shame! There’s a difference between discipline and stubbornness.
Just don’t half-ass it and stay in limbo.
We’re all in this together, but it’s also all up to you.
That’s fine because despite everything, you’re still you. You still have it in you.
OH GOD, this message might have accidentally turned out “inspiring.” The best way to troll me now is to say you “needed this today.”