Sure, you know by now that the bar exam is stressful and takes a lot of guts, courage, and perseverance to surpass and win. But, try not to make it harder on yourself than you have to.
Staying optimistic during your bar exam prep will keep you motivated to keep moving forward, learn from your mistakes, and attract positive results.
Pessimism will cause negativity, increased anxiety, and if you let it spiral out of control, you may actually quit! Heaven forbid!
So, here are 5 very POWERFUL ways to keep you positive during your bar exam prep.
(1) Smile at Yourself
This is the most simple, basic, and yet most powerful exercise you can consciously do during your bar exam prep. In a group study, scientists took a group of people who were clinically depressed and gave them smile therapy.
The only treatment they gave these individuals for their depression was to look at themselves in the mirror for 20 minutes every day and smile. After a few months, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM recovered from their depression! Bazaaam!
You might not be feeling good, but certainly you are not clinically depressed. So, imagine how well this will work for you!
Here’s how:
- Look at yourself in the mirror
- Smile at yourself
- Hold your smile for 15 minutes
- Do once every single day
Guess what? This seems so simple to do, but I bet you money you’ll have a hard time doing it. It’s not as easy as you think. Why?
Because we really have a hard time smiling at ourselves and acknowledging ourselves for who we are and the work we do. Try it and let me know both how hard it is and how it helps you.
(2) I think I can, I think I can
Did you ever read the book, The Little Engine that Could, as a child? The choo choo train was trying to go up a hill and kept getting stopped. Whenever, the train started falling back, it said to itself, “I think I can, I think I can.” After enough persistence and repetition of this phrase, the train made it up the hill!
Oh, how we have forgot the wonderful lessons of childhood! This is a powerful incantation that will help your mind, thoughts, and beliefs very powerfully.
So, when in doubt, just say, “I think I can, I think I can.” <– Click to tweet this
Pretty soon, you’ll start to really believe you can.
Then you will.
(3) Connect with your Why
I have spoken several times about having a good reason for wanting to pass the bar exam. It’s the strong “why’s” that will keep you moving powerfully when the going gets tough.
If you haven’t done so already, write down the answer to this question:
“Why do I want to pass the bar exam?”
The more reasons the merrier. And if your reasons aren’t even about you, but about others who will benefit from your passing the bar exam, that’s even better.
Then post your answers up on your bathroom mirror and make sure to look at them daily.
(4) Watch favorite comedy shows
Did you know we remember items of information better when we are laughing? So, why not laugh more during your bar exam prep? Get on your netflix or hulu account and start watching funny shows.
Personally, I recommend Colbert or Jon Stewart on Comedy Central. You can also find them on hulu for free. They certainly keep me going through rough days.
(5) Journaling
One of the best ways to deal with what’s on your mind is to clear your mind. And journaling is a fantastic way to do this. Here’s how:
- Get a pen and notebook to write in
- Set the timer for 15 minutes
- Start writing and continue writing whatever comes to your mind. You are not allowed to edit or rewrite
- After 15 minutes is up, write down 10 things you are thankful for
- Either keep the paper, or tear the sheets out and shred them so no one has to see them
Try these tips out and let me know how they help you out.
If really want to keep positive, relaxed, and focused during your bar exam prep, check out the Bar Exam Mental Edge, which will help you stay positive at a subconscious level, as well as conscious level.
Article by Dustin Saiidi
Dustin has written 134 awesome articles.
Dustin Saiidi, author of The 7 Steps to Bar Exam Success, graduated in the bottom half of his class, but passed the bar exam on his 1st attempt. He shares how he overcame those challenges and gives tips, advice, and strategies so you can pass your bar exam, stress-free.
{ 0 comments… add one now }