One of the biggest hurdles that bar takers face—whether they realize it or not—is the need for emotional support and connection during bar prep. I had a deep conversation with Marwa in one of our recent sessions, and it really drove home how vital it is to feel supported during this challenging time.
Marwa was grappling with the idea of group study. She had tried it in the past, but it never really worked for her. She found herself distracted, frustrated, and often overwhelmed by the dynamics of the group. This is something I see a lot—group study isn’t for everyone. For some, it feels like too much noise, too many interruptions.
So, I asked her about her experiences. It turns out, she had much more success when studying one-on-one with a friend. They would set a timer, do their work, and then reward themselves with something fun, like a dance class. That’s when it clicked: Marwa needed a study routine that fit her, one that allowed for focused work but also incorporated something joyful.
She realized that the idea of a study group didn’t align with her natural study style. Instead, what worked for her was the combination of structure and social reward. For Marwa, it wasn’t about forcing herself into a study method that didn’t work—it was about finding what did and leaning into it.
I encouraged her to build on that. Instead of trying to fit into a group study model that felt draining, she could focus on what energized her: a mix of solo study and one-on-one sessions with her friend. And to keep things interesting, she could add in variety—maybe studying at a coffee shop or the beach to mix it up. She needed to make studying feel like something she could own, not something that owned her.
This conversation wasn’t just about bar prep strategy—it was about self-awareness. Marwa realized that she needed to embrace her own study style, not force herself into someone else’s mold. By doing this, she could stay emotionally resilient and focused, without feeling drained by the process.
For anyone else out there struggling with the pressures of group study or feeling like you’re not doing it “right,” I encourage you to take a step back. What works for you? What kind of study routine makes you feel empowered and energized? Lean into that. You don’t have to follow anyone else’s path—you just need to create one that works for you.
Trust yourself, embrace your own process, and you’ll find your way through.
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