You’ve seen all the euphoria from people who passed the bar exam.
You’re probably “inspired” and “motivated” when you look at success stories, case studies, and accounts of people who excitedly announce they passed the bar exam.
When that happens, we say things like “if they can do it, so can I” (true). Or “I needed this today.”
Today? I’m not letting you off the hook just consuming intellectual candy. That’s some “new year, new me” type energy.
Anyone can desire to pass the bar. Anyone can fixate on the goal and tell everyone they want it. It’s not gonna happen just because you said it.
“I want to pass the bar exam” will require thousands of actions.
Being calm, collected, and confident on the bar exam is based on decisions and actions you make well ahead of time. You could try to conjure up “confidence” at the last moment, but all bets are off when it’s game time and the cards are on the table.
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”
Look, you probably won’t feel confident. That’s normal. Expect that. Don’t get misled by the allure of being confident on the bar exam. That’s not the point.
If you want someone to coddle you and give you cookies, visit your grandma. You want to be barred like those people? You want to know how exquisite that feeling is?
Don’t waste your time chasing after confidence. Chase after competence.
Then perhaps you will find yourself feeling reasonably assured of your answers on the exam (and they’ll actually be right). The point here isn’t to feel nice. The point is to pass the fucking bar.
That’s why I’m going to ask you now, while hopefully still early in the preparation process.
Whether you’re just getting started on preparing for the bar exam for the first time, or whether you’re retaking the exam once again, I want you to keep it up and not run out of steam over the next few months. But motivation is not sustainable by itself. There’s a long way to go.
So instead, use your fleeting motivation to create that determination, that momentum. Otherwise, you’ll email me in three weeks asking, “Are we there yet?”
Here’s a real-life example from someone who invented the future (and the best way to do it):
Continue reading “How to Maintain Motivation and Momentum While Studying for the Bar Exam: Enjoy the Process”
