Lately I've found myself in a bit of a slump; I've been studying for the LSAT for about a year and a half and I've taken three total tests in that time. The past three times didn't go so well, so I find myself grinding to do better for the fourth time. It can be very frustrating not seeing the results despite whatever work you've put in, and it gets harder every day to find reasons to stay in the fight. So I wanted to drop something here that I like to think about that helps put things into perspective:

When the Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated in the first round by the Pacers during the 2022-23 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked if he saw this season "as a failure." To answer the question, he asked if Michael Jordan's nine seasons where he didn't win a championship would be considered a failure. A little parallel reasoning there, right? Not a lot of people reminisce about the seasons when Jordan lost - they extol the six seasons when he won. So to sum up the question, the Bucks 2022-23 season wasn't a failure - it is simply a step toward success. For every game lost, every playoff series missed, and every playoff exit, there's always an opportunity to learn from it and grow for the next season.

So what does this have to do with the LSAT?

The same principle can be applied. Did I fail because I scored a 148 on my diagnostic a year and a half ago? Did I fail because I scored a 153 on my first official test? Did I fail because I didn't like the next two tests? Did I necessarily fail at anything, or did I simply just take steps closer and closer to a win?

We will all have good days and bad days - days where we will all find success and days where it's simply not our turn yet. It can be very frustrating to not see positive results and it can be even more tiring to try and stay in the fight, especially after a year. But one thing that I've learned that has helped me with my perspective on things is to understand that you will face adversity in order for you to succeed. So wherever you are at with your journey, remember that there is no such thing as failure - only steps to success.

"There is no failure in sports." - Giannis Antetokounmpo