Sustaining Momentum During Bar Exam Prep

By: Tubah Ahmad

Preparing for the bar exam can be a daunting and isolating experience, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can stay motivated throughout your exam journey. Here are some tips to help you maintain motivation during bar prep to achieve a successful outcome: 

1. Track goals and reward milestones:

Create a clear roadmap by setting goals for each day, week, or study session. Make sure your goals are specific and measurable, such as achieving a certain score on timed practice exams or completing a specific number of flashcards. Tracking your progress will provide a visual reminder of how far you've come and keep you motivated. Additionally, reward yourself when you meet your goals. Treat yourself to something enjoyable, whether it's indulging in your favorite dessert, meeting up with a friend, or taking a well-deserved nap.

2. Schedule purposeful breaks:

Taking a break is crucial for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. It can be challenging to step away from studying, especially when faced with difficult subjects or setbacks. However, knowing that breaks are built into your study schedule can help you push through challenging material. Consider using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for a designated period (e.g., 25 minutes) and then take a short break (e.g., 5 minutes). Adjust the intervals based on your preferences and energy levels. By scheduling breaks to eat, stretch, pray, or take a walk outside, you'll motivate yourself to stay focused and work more efficiently.

3. Optimize your focus:

Pay attention to your peak focus times during the day and schedule your most challenging tasks accordingly. If you find yourself most alert and focused in the morning, tackle difficult concepts or activities that require intense concentration during that time. Conversely, if your energy wanes later in the day, allocate that period for reviewing lectures or less demanding tasks. Matching your energy levels with the complexity of the tasks at hand will make your study sessions more productive and reduce unnecessary frustration.

4. Practice mindfulness:

Bar prep can be all-consuming, making it essential to practice mindfulness to maintain perspective and reduce stress. Engage in activities such as prayer, meditation, or exercise to cultivate a sense of calm and mental clarity. Remind yourself of your motivations for pursuing law school and visualize your future as a lawyer. Reflect on how far you've already come in your academic journey and the obstacles you've overcome. Cultivating mindfulness will help you stay grounded, motivated, and focused on your long-term goals.

By incorporating these strategies into your bar exam preparation, you'll be better equipped to stay motivated, overcome challenges, and ultimately succeed on the exam.

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Tubah Ahmad is the Muslim Legal Journal’s News/Features Editor. She is also a 2L at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law