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The clock has struck midnight, the
crystal ball has dropped in Times Square, and the corks of champagne bottles
have popped – it’s 2014! It’s also that
time of year for New Year’s resolutions.
Lose weight, quit smoking, try something new are just some of the more
common resolutions, and most people ditch those plans by February. The reason many New Year’s resolutions fail
is because people tend to set too many and/or unattainable goals. This can be overwhelming. Avoid losing your gumption by choosing one
resolution that is really important to you, creating a plan to reach that goal,
and writing it down somewhere that can be a constant reminder. For all you law
students out there, here are a few New Year’s resolutions designed just for you
and tips on how to sustain them.
When you select your goal, try to make
it time-specific, achievable, and measurable.
These are keys to making a successful resolution. When you create your plan, write out small
steps that you can take towards your end goal. Small accomplishments can give you something
to physically cross off, and will motivate you to stay on track as well as boost your
morale. Finally, write your goal and
your steps down, and then place it somewhere you will see every day such as on
the desktop of your computer, on your fridge or as an alert on your cellphone.
1.
Goal: Improve class rank by the end of the spring
semester. Achieving a high class rank will increase your chances of employment
upon graduation. Example Plan: Drop
extracurricular activities that are stretching you too thin. Form a study group with those in the top ten
percent of your class. Tweak your study habits
(check out Learning Your Learning Style for tips). Do
one practice test every other week.
2.
Goal: Make Law Review or Moot Court. Both are competitive, and will help your résumé
and increase your job opportunities. Example Plan: Talk to whoever is in charge to find out when
selections will be made as well as the requirements – this will give you your
specific time and some of your steps.
Practice in mock trials or get a research assistant position to fine
tune or improve your skills.
3.
Goal: Pass The Bar.
Whether you’re a 1L or 3L, passing the bar is the ultimate goal to
practicing law, and it’s never too early to think about it. Example
Plan: Look up the state’s admission
requirements and deadlines. Invest in a
good bar prep course. Take courses that
are tested – most of your 1L classes cover the MBE and MPRE, but electives may
be needed for state-specific essays.
Read 4 Bar Exam Bargains While You’re Still in Law School and 4 Bar Exam Purchases That Got Me Through the Bar to get more
ideas as you build your plan.
4.
Goal: Acquire a scholarship for next year. Free money will help lessen your financial
stress during school and your burden upon graduation. Example
Plan: Talk to your school’s
admission office and career counselors, search online, and check with local and
state bar associations to find out about opportunities and requirements. Take steps to fulfill those
requirements. Determine a certain number
of applications to submit each week or month. Check out New Scholarship Opportunities for Law Students.
5.
Goal: Create a budget and stick to it for 3
months. Establishing a 3-month time frame
is less overwhelming and you will be less likely to abandon it if you mess up a
week or two. Plus, after doing something
for 3 months, it will probably turn into habit.
Example Plan: Spend like you normally do for a set period
(1 week or 1 month) or look at the previous month’s expenses and design your
budget. Pick an area that you can cut
back (don’t cut back everything all at once – again, this can make it
overwhelming). Add a new area to cut
back each month. Clip coupons. Read Barrister on a Budget: Investing in Law School…without Breaking the Bank for specific
budgeting plans and tips.
So, here’s to 2014 – a new year, a new
you! Cheers!
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