I require my first-year students to complete a questionnaire and goal exercise during their first week of classes. One question asks, “What qualities do you believe a top law student has?” The answers this year included the following:
A top law student is diligent.
A top law student is tenacious.
A top law student is resilient.
A top law student has perspective.
A top law student has moral conviction.
A top law student is balanced.
A top law student is dedicated.
A top law student is ambitious.
A top law student is willing to learn from mistakes.
A top law student is prepared.
A top law student is self-aware.
A top law student is motivated.
A top law student is humble.
A top law student has grit.
A top law student manages time.
A top law student is positive.
A top law student is disciplined.
A top law student seeks help.
A top law student meets with professors.
A top law student is ready to learn.
A top law student works well under pressure.
A top law student thinks critically.
A top law student is balanced.
A top law student is persistent.
A top law student is adaptable.
A top law student is thorough.
A top law student is focused.
A top law student is self-regulated.
A top law student is confident.
A top law student is passionate.
A top law student has a good work ethic.
A top law student is driven.
A top law student is organized.
A top law student has integrity.
A top law student is efficient.
A top law student is willing to receive feedback.
A top law student is responsible.
A top law student is dependable.
A top law student is consistent.
A top law student is flexible.
A top law student is patient.
A top law student has goals.
A top law student pays attention to detail.
A top law student is resourceful.
I find this list fascinating for many reasons but primarily for what it does not include. The list does not say that a top law student is perfect. It does not say that a top law student has innate talent or a high IQ. To the contrary, the characteristics on this list can be obtained through small choices.
If you are willing to bounce back after encountering difficulty, you are resilient. If you have a study schedule but can deviate from it as necessary, you have goals but are flexible and adaptable. If you maintain a regular sleep and exercise schedule in addition to your studies, you are balanced and efficient. If you meet with faculty to review an essay or writing project, you are seeking help and are willing to learn from your mistakes. In sum, you can choose to have the qualities of a top law student through your everyday actions.
The Law School Playbook has four short podcast episodes/blog posts called Mind Matters. Mind Matters Topic 1 discusses mindset theory (7 minutes); Topic 2 discusses perseverance (7 minutes); Topic 3 discusses resilience (6 minutes); and Topic 4 discusses habits (10 minutes). In total, they take 30 minutes of your time. Law school is a mental game, so include these in your preparation during these final days of class.
The list of characteristics came from students like you. Remind yourself that you have the power and autonomy to choose. You have the power to embrace characteristics that further your purpose and impact your mastery of the information. Don’t hold yourself back—tell yourself that you can and will do this.