Creating Your Bar Exam Mindset

Here is a little secret: The bar exam is not just about how much knowledge you have of the law. It is also about how well you function under stress.

Not just the stress of the exam itself, but the stress of several months of preparation.

This stress can lead to a negative mindset that can sabotage bar exam success.

This post is about creating a positive mindset to help you succeed on the bar exam whether you are a first-time taker or a repeater.

Why Mindset Matters

Mindset matters because what we think has a powerful influence on what we do. Do you remember when you were taking Torts during 1L? Do you remember how you started seeing potential negligence lawsuits everywhere you looked?

That is how mindset works. If you think something is difficult or impossible or unfair, then, even if it objectively is none of these things, it will subjectively be so to you. If you think something is possible and fair, then it is.

“Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.” – Zig Ziglar

Establishing a Proper Mindset for the Bar Exam

There are lots of techniques for establishing a proper mindset. By “proper mindset,” I mean a mindset that will support you in the achievement of desired goals rather than undermine you.

Also, a proper mindset is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Some people may function better with a calm mindset focused on flowing with events, while others will function better with a mindset that views the world as one of obstacles to be overcome by force and struggle.

You need to know which works best for you.

The one concept that does seem to be common to all “proper” mindsets is the absence of fear. This does not mean the absence of potential adverse outcomes; it means that the potential adverse outcomes do not create a state of fear that sabotages your likelihood of success. I have written about one way to remove fear.

In addition to clearing out the fear, here are some other techniques to help you establish a positive mindset as you work toward passing the bar exam:

Have a healthy support system in place: If you have people in your life telling you that you can’t pass the bar, then tell them to stop saying it, avoid them while you study, or boot them from your life.
Take responsibility for your success: Avoid saying it is someone else’s fault that you cannot reach your goals. If there really is someone or something keeping you from achieving your goals, then take responsibility and get away from that person or thing until your goal is realized.
Get creative: If what you have tried in the past is not working, try something new. Ask around, use Google, and read about what has worked for others trying to achieve the goal you seek.
Believe and Repeat: Try using affirmations to help you create a mental state where you believe that you have already succeeded on the bar exam. Then, just connect the dots to reach that success.

Books That Might Help

There are several books out there that address bar exam mindset specifically, and many more books that address success mindset generally. Here are a few:

Bar Exam Mind: A strategy guide for an anxiety free bar exam. This is my book, so of course I will recommend it to you. It covers various topics from conquering fear and positive visualization to effective practice testing and nutrition. It includes a 21-day schedule for easy implementation. It is available in paperback and Kindle format.

Daily Reflections For Bar Exam Study: An Inspirational Companion For Law Students And Experienced Attorneys Taking The Bar, by M. G. Groepler. This is a book filled with short, inspirational readings and is designed to give you “a swift dose of calm and positivity” as you study for the bar exam. Sometimes that is all we need: A quick reminder that things are going well. Available in paperback.

The Zen of Passing the Bar Exam, by Chad Noreuil. If you have an affinity for Zen thinking and concepts, this might be the book you need to form the proper bar exam mindset. Noreuil discusses the need for balance while preparing for the bar exam, and offers advice on how to study and how to conquer negative mindset. Available in paperback.

Creative Visualization, by Shakti Gawain. This book provides a great overview on how to use the visualization process to conquer fear and negativity and create a life you want. I take much of my thinking about visualization from this book. Highly recommended. Available in paperback and Kindle format.

Life Unlocked: 7 Revolutionary Lessons to Overcome Fear, by Srinivasan S. Pillay, MD. If you think fear might be blocking your ability to be successful, then this book by a Harvard doctor is for you. Dr. Pillay examines a variety of issues and gives examples from his practice to show readers how to overcome fear and realize their potential. Available in paperback and Kindle format.