Mindset/Psychology | Page 2 of 12 | Make This Your Last Time

January 10, 2025January 8, 2025 - No Comments

Passing the New York Bar Exam After 20 Years (15 Attempts)

“L” graduated from law school 20 years ago. He finally passed the New York Bar Exam with a 271, enough to waive into any UBE jurisdiction.

Wow!

💬 “I’ve been waiting years to write an email like this.”

You don’t need to be a legal rockstar. It’s possible to pass the bar exam even if you’re a C student.

💬 “I graduated with a C average and was told that statistically, passing the bar exam would be very difficult for me.”

💬 “I am happy, proud, and relieved.”

Here’s how L made it happen.

January 4, 2025January 22, 2025 - 11 Comments

Predictions for the Bar Exam (What to Focus On for Efficient Study)

Before every exam, a handful of people come out of the woodwork and shamelessly ask about subject predictions for the bar exam.

“Does anyone know the essay predictions?”
“What do you think will be tested?”
“I don’t think ____ will appear on the exam.”
“Anyone think ____ will be tested?”
“I know we’re not supposed to listen to predictions, but…”
“What are ____’s predictions?”
“Here are my MEE predictions!”

Whose speculations are you going to listen to?

If you’re like many bar takers, or if you’re a repeater, you say: “Haha of course I’m not going to rely on the predictions. I shall adequately study all the subjects. You should too!”

And then you panic and look at the predictions anyway.

Did you want me to tell you, “Aww poor baby, don’t worry. It’s normal and happens to the best of us 🥺”?

You SHOULD worry if you’re secretly tempted to rely on predictions… because this kind of thinking is entirely predictable and avoidable. Sweating about predictions is NOT a good place to be and requires intervention.

Also, remember when subjects actually leaked for the California exam in 2019 and people got mad over it? Do you want to know the subjects ahead of time or not? Make up your minds!

Maybe you’re too young to remember ancient history. I’ve been dealing with you people for too long.

Here’s why you should look toward essay/MEE predictions for entertainment value and morbid curiosity only:

(and 3 things you can focus on instead to take control over your studies)

January 3, 2025January 5, 2025 - 1 Comment

Passive Learning = Anxiety

Joe passed the 2024 July California Bar Exam on his first attempt. I got on a call with him to talk about how he pulled it off.

Like most people, he started off with a big bar review course.

Then he saw that the thing that was supposed to hold his hand through the process was actually giving him anxiety.

I think it’s important to recognize the ups and downs that come with this process. So I made sure to ask about the emotions involved in studying for this exam.

Of course, as always, I’ll pull out practical bar prep advice based on his success story.

Here’s a breakdown of my 33-minute interview with Joe. We talk about how he passed the bar exam by tailoring his bar review course, shifting to active learning, and maximizing his understanding of key areas.

December 28, 2024December 28, 2024 - 1 Comment

Holiday Motivation for Bar Exam: 3 Ways to Keep Going During Bar Prep

What do you say when you’re not sure how to talk to a new person at a networking event (or holiday party)?

Here’s a simple script that worked well for me:

Walk toward someone.
Extend a hand.
Say, “Hi, I don’t think we met. What’s your name?”

And then you’re off to the races.

If this seems too simple, that’s the point. It’s not the perfect tactical wordsmithing of your intro that makes or breaks you. It’s the fact that you acted first and short-circuited your approach anxiety.

The parallel here to bar prep (of course) is to not spend too much time thinking about which supplements to use, which tutor to use, which newsletters to follow…when the most important thing is to have a plan, start moving, and stay consistent (and of course follow my newsletter).

In other words, make things easy to do, and get started.

If you get stuck spinning your wheels “getting your ducks in a row” deciding on the perfect plan of action, you won’t get anywhere. A good enough plan > no plan.

In the end, whichever course or supplements you use, this is a self-study endeavor. You’re responsible for preparing yourself. Don’t forget that courses and supplements are simply there to support that.

“But it’s too cold outside, and it’s too warm inside, and this temperature delta and holiday spirit are making me too relaxed to do anything.”

I’m not letting you off the hook thinking “new year, new me!” and then NOT following through with your plans.

You don’t need a New Year resolution. Don’t let a date on a calendar dictate your actions.

(Also, it doesn’t work. How’s this year’s resolution going?)

Instead, keep the following 3 ideas in mind to light a fire under your ass and keep those buns toasty. Let’s get going.

"This is the best post I have seen this year"

December 21, 2024December 23, 2024 - 2 Comments

Should You Study for the Bar Exam or Take a Break During Holidays?

Every time the holidays roll around, a pang of GUILT flashes across the bar taker’s heart as they balance social obligations and the big day looming two months away.

“Do I go to that wedding? Why is the wedding outdoors in December?”

“Do I grow a spine, or say yes to that holiday party with the mandatory $100 white elephant gift?”

“Do I study or hang out with my family?”

There are pockets of cultures surrounding work, rest, and “self-care.”

Let’s divide them into two extreme stereotypical categories. This false dichotomy will be a narrative device so I can make a point later: