Quick Tip: Stop the Negative Self-Talk!
Do you ever beat yourself up about the LSAT? Whether it’s due to a low PT score, slower study progress than you expected, or something else, we all tend to be our own worst critic sometimes.
It’s okay to be frustrated or disappointed with a poor performance, but when that turns into a stream of negative self-talk, it’s no longer productive. Think about the words that you say to yourself in your head! If a friend said that to you, would you still be their friend? If the answer is no, try to be a little more patient with yourself. Disappointment and frustration are fine, but let those things push you to improve. Falling into self-deprecation does you no good!
Discussion: Developing Discipline
There is one trait that ties just about every high scorer together: discipline. Getting into the upper score ranges requires putting in work day after day, consistently. It’s said that discipline is like a muscle—and if that’s the case, we should be able to work on and improve our self-discipline. Here are a few tips to help work out that muscle!
1. Start light.
I used to work at a gym. If someone came in who hadn’t exercised in years, we wouldn’t tell them to just throw a bunch of weight on the bar and send them on their way. We’d have them start light, and slowly add more with time. If you’re just getting started and know your discipline muscle could use some work, start light. Begin by carving out a time each day where you can get 20 minutes of uninterrupted studying. Once you settle into that routine, gradually add time to your studying.
2. Learn to say no.
Studying for the LSAT is a sacrifice. You are embarking on a journey that is not easy! It is very likely that by choosing to study for this test, you’ll have to say no to things, whether that’s certain social outings, extracurriculars, or starting that new Netflix show. I’m not saying to go be a hermit and abandon all your friends—believe it or not, you can still have a life while you study for the LSAT. But, if you are shooting for a high score, studying has to be a priority. Feel comfortable saying no to the things that infringe on that priority!
3. Remember why you’re doing this.
The LSAT is just one step of many on the path to becoming a lawyer. Think back to why you decided to start this journey. What was your motivation? People have a myriad of reasons for pursuing law—and I don’t think one reason is necessarily better than another. The key thing is to have a clear “why” that you can think about when you are unmotivated. When you don’t feel like studying, remember why you’re doing this in the first place.
If, after reading these tips, you feel like you have some work to do—don’t worry! Self-discipline isn’t easy. Just remember to start light and be patient with yourself. The process takes time, but it is well worth it.