How to Create Good Study Habits -- Bar Exam Mind

Success on the bar exam boils down to this: Butt in chair time.

What I mean is that the only way that you are going to pass the bar exam is if you spend enough time learning bar exam law and practicing bar exam questions.

The amount of time needed will vary for each individual, but it is sure to be significant.

If you are having trouble getting your studying in, you may need some outside prodding.

Habit Forge

One way to ensure that you accomplish the study tasks that you hate (or find boring) is to have someone or something ask you whether you did that task today.

Let’s say that you really like reviewing flashcards, but you hate spending time practicing multiple choice questions for the MBE. You know you should be reviewing “x” number of questions per day, but you are having trouble getting it done.

Solution: Sign up for daily reminders at HabitForge.com.

This service lets you set a goal you want to achieve (or a “habit” you want to form) and then get daily email reminders.

Inflict Pain

Another way to motivate yourself to study is to do something painful when you fail to study.

I don’t recommend some sort of masochistic self-flagellation, but — for example — you could make a promise that if you fail to study “x” number of hours each day, you will donate money to a political group that you detest.

So, you could promise yourself that you will study for at least 7 hours each day Monday through Friday. If you fail to do this more than twice in each month, you will donate $50 to the _____________ political party (which you hate).

Just make sure that the punishment for failing to achieve the goal is painful. For example, if $50 is pocket change to you, then increase the donation to $200.

Future Me

If you head over to FutureMe.org, you can schedule emails to be sent to you to remind you to do something.

The only problem here is that you have to schedule the emails at least 30 days in advance, so this will work more as a motivational tool, rather than a daily reminder.

For instance, when you are in a positive frame of mind, schedule an email to be sent to yourself a few days before the bar exam. You might remind yourself how much you want to be a lawyer and how hard you have worked to get to this point.

Here is a sample email:

Dear Self:

The bar exam is in 5 days. I know you can do this. Even if you think you have not studied enough, you have. You have spent many hours, days and weeks preparing for this exam. Even though it will be difficult, it is something that you will be able to accomplish. Nothing that is worthwhile is easy. Passing the bar exam is worthwhile.

Recruit a Friend or Family Member

Probably the best way to stay on task is to have a real-live person ask you each day or at set intervals whether you have accomplished your goals.

So, find someone who is not studying for the bar exam and ask them to check in with you every ___ days to see how your studying is going.

It would be best to pick someone who is generally positive. That way, if you are stressed or depressed about studying, they can tell you what you need to hear to remain motivated.