The Rule of Thirds

The first week of the 2024 Paris Olympics is well underway.

As we watch the feats of athleticism on the world’s biggest sports stage, it's easy to forget the years of grueling training and unyielding mental fortitude that brought these athletes to this point.

This reminds me of an important training principle described by Olympic runner, actress, filmmaker, and writer Alexi Pappas: the Rule of Three.

The Rule of Three isn't just for athletes. It holds valuable lessons for anyone facing a significant challenge, including those preparing for the bar exam.

Just as Olympians endure a mix of triumphs, routine efforts, and inevitable setbacks, bar exam takers can leverage the Rule of Three to optimize their study strategies and build resilience for the final push towards success.

What is the Rule of Three?

The Rule of Three in training, as described by Alexi Pappas, involves recognizing that in any effective training program:

One-Third of the Training Feels Great: These are the times when everything clicks, and you feel strong and confident. These moments reinforce your motivation and highlight your progress.

One-Third of the Training Feels Okay: This is when you’re putting in the work, but it feels routine or just "meh." It’s neither thrilling nor discouraging; it’s simply part of the process.

One-Third of the Training Feels "Crappy": These are the tough days when you feel exhausted, unmotivated, or discouraged. These moments are crucial as they build resilience and mental toughness.

How does the Rule of Three apply to bar preparation?

One-Third of Bar Preparation Sessions Feels Great: These might be study sessions where concepts click, practice questions are answered correctly, and essays come together smoothly. Cherish these moments as they build your confidence. These sessions can be highly motivating, reinforcing your hard work.

One-Third of Bar Preparation Sessions Feels Okay: These are study sessions that feel routine. Sure, you’re making progress, but it’s not particularly exciting. This is the steady, consistent—and important!—work that forms the backbone of your preparation. You might be going over outlines, reviewing flashcards, or watching lectures. They’re necessary, but they might feel repetitive.

One-Third of Bar Preparation Sessions Feels "Crappy": There will be days when the material feels overwhelming, practice questions are frustrating, and essays are hard to write. But that’s okay. These difficult moments are essential for growth and resilience. You might feel exhausted, and you might be questioning your preparation or doubting your abilities. Recognizing that these feelings are part of the process helps normalize them and prevents discouragement.

Remember: 100% of your bar preparation won’t go perfectly. If it does, perhaps you’re not appropriately challenging yourself in your studies.

So, as you’re preparing for the bar exam, understand that feeling great all the time is both unrealistic and not necessary.

Embrace the okay and "crappy" terrible days as important parts of the preparation process. Use the tough days to build mental toughness. Reflect on these experiences to understand your limits and learn how to overcome them.