When I first started mentoring bar exam takers, I had no idea how much imposter syndrome and second-guessing could hold back even the brightest minds. Recently, I worked with a bar retaker who shared something that resonated with me—and likely with so many others preparing for this grueling exam.
After her first day of testing, she felt like she had failed. Completely. She was anxious, second-guessing every answer she’d written in the essay portion, and ready to cry. By the time she got home, she was calling her mom and her best friend, convinced she hadn’t done enough.
I asked her a crucial question, one that I know many of you may relate to: “Could it be that what you wrote was enough, and the real issue is that you’re indulging in second-guessing?”
Here’s the truth I wanted her to understand—and what I want you to know, too: We can spend so much energy cycling through our answers, trying to find the perfect solution, that we end up convincing ourselves we failed. But in reality, we’ve likely done more than enough.
The next day, when she took the multiple-choice portion, she didn’t allow herself to go back and second-guess. She finished early, felt good about her timing, and left the exam room without a hint of that gut-wrenching feeling from the first day. The difference? She stayed focused, didn’t go back to review her answers, and most importantly, didn’t let her mind spiral.
This is what I call “staying in control of the voices.” Those little whispers of doubt and fear that tell you, “You don’t know enough,” “You’re not good enough,” “You’re going to fail.” They’re loud, but they’re not true.
If you’re preparing for the bar exam—or really any big challenge—remember that second-guessing yourself doesn’t lead to a better outcome. It only gives those negative voices space to run wild. Instead, focus on staying present, trusting what you know, and moving forward.
And always remember:
You are not defined by this test. You were good enough long before you sat down in that exam room.
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