Why I Ask My Students About Their Guilty Pleasures—and How It Helps with Bar Preparation
One of the questions I pose in pre-course surveys in classes I teach is, "What is your guilty pleasure?" Some might wonder why on earth I'd ask law students—especially those on the verge of bar preparation—such a seemingly trivial question. But trust me, there’s a method to the madness.
What Is a Guilty Pleasure?
A guilty pleasure is something you enjoy, even though it might not align with what others expect of you or what you think you should enjoy. Maybe it’s binge-watching reality TV, indulging in fast food, or blasting pop music while driving. Guilty pleasures are those little things that bring us joy, even if we sometimes feel we shouldn’t admit it.
For me, indulging in guilty pleasures occasionally means building a LEGO set.
Why I Ask This Question
When it comes to the bar exam, a lot of focus is naturally placed on study schedules, exam strategies, and academic performance. But something equally important, if often overlooked, is finding balance and maintaining your mental health. By asking students about their guilty pleasures, I’m not just making conversation—I’m encouraging self-awareness and stress management.
Law school and bar prep are intense experiences, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to sacrifice everything enjoyable to succeed. However, having something in your life that brings you simple joy, even during stressful times, is essential. By identifying a guilty pleasure, students are reminded that they don’t have to feel guilty about stepping away for a break. In fact, those breaks might be the key to keeping them on track.
How This Relates to Bar Preparation
Bar prep is often described as a marathon, not a sprint. Maintaining focus for weeks (or months) on end requires more than just discipline—it requires balance. Students who know how to manage their stress, who take short breaks to indulge in a guilty pleasure, are more likely to stay motivated and avoid burnout. A 15-minute break watching bits of your favorite reality show or taking a moment to indulge in a treat could be the recharge your brain needs before diving back into intense studying.
Plus, guilty pleasures often provide insight into what energizes and excites you outside of the legal world. When I know what my students’ guilty pleasures are, it gives me an opportunity to make connections with them on a more personal level, helping to reduce the stress and formality that law school often imposes. And, occasionally, I can even weave their guilty pleasures into examples or analogies that make dense legal topics more approachable.
So next time you’re deep into bar prep, remember to embrace those small moments of joy—guilty or not. They’re not distractions; they’re part of the process of becoming the best version of yourself on exam day.
Happy studying! (And happy indulging.)
