Coming through!
If you have read many posts on this blog, you know that a central theme is dealing with fear and anxiety about the bar exam.
For instance, I think using negative visualization is very helpful in getting rid of fear.
I have recently come across another tool for battling fear, and I would like to share it with you.
Yesterday, I was listening to an interview with Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, in which Cameron discussed a tool for dealing with fear and anger relating to creative blocks. She called it “blasting through blocks.”
“Blasting through blocks” is somewhat similar to negative visualization, and I think it could be used successfully to help decrease any fear or anger you might have about the bar exam.
Blast Through Fear
The first step is virtually identical to negative visualization. You begin by writing a list of all your fears and angers you have relating to the bar exam.
- What do you fear might happen during the test?
- What outcomes do you fear?
- What do you hate about bar preparation?
- What do you hate about the bar exam system/process?
- Etc.
Write them all down. Make the list complete.
Next, find what Cameron calls a “believing mirror.”
A believing mirror is someone who has your best interests at heart. Someone who will not judge you no matter what you say.
This could be a trusted friend, a spouse, or even a therapist.
Once you have identified your believing mirror, tell that person you want to read your list to him or her, and then read the list.
Cameron says that it is her experience that reading your list aloud to another person has a detoxifying effect on your mind. The corrupting influence of your fears and angers subsides and allows you to get on with your work.
Concluding Thoughts
It seems to me that this process could work for many people.
The value is the systematization of confronting and then shining — with the help of another — a light on your fears and angers. By getting all of your concerns out at once, you should feel a huge sense of relief.
Excuse the gross imagery, but “blasting through blocks” reminds me of when you have a stomach flu and know that you will feel better if you would just vomit, but you really, really do not want to vomit. Of course, once you vomit, you feel 1000 times better and you can relax, sleep and start getting better.
***
P.S. -- Want a FREE copy of my Bar Exam Mind audiobook?
You can get a free copy of my audiobook when you sign up for a free trial at Audible. Get the details by clicking here.
