Chill and Conquer: Using the Slurpee Mindset
Today is July 11, which is Slurpee Day. It’s also 7-ELEVEN’s 96th birthday.
Taking the bar exam can be a nerve-wracking experience, much like enduring a scorching hot day. Just as a Slurpee offers a refreshing reprieve from the heat, learning to manage stress and stay cool under pressure can make all the difference in your bar exam performance.
Celebrating Slurpee Day is more than getting a free Slurpee at participating 7-ELEVEN, Speedway, and Stripes stores. It’s also an opportunity to think about how you can use the Slurpee mindset—staying cool—to tackle one of the most challenging tests of your life.
On the bar exam, you’ll face 200 multiple-choice questions. You’ll answer some correctly and inevitably get some wrong. If you’re average—and remember, average is good on the bar exam—you’ll likely answer about 70 out of those 200 questions incorrectly. This is completely normal and part of the process.
There will be questions that stump you. Maybe you didn’t recall the law. Perhaps it’s an area you chose not to focus on. It might even be a pilot question testing a principle that won’t count against you. Whatever the case, accept that mistakes will happen. It’s human nature to remember the questions we missed more than the ones we answered correctly. However, don’t let these few difficult questions affect your performance on the rest of the exam. Just chalk them up to the 70 or so questions it’s okay to miss and move on.
Just as a Slurpee cools you down on a hot day, finding ways to stay cool under pressure during your bar exam can help maintain your focus and composure. Here are some strategies to keep your cool:
💨 Deep Breathing: When you encounter a tough question, take a moment to breathe deeply. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale through your mouth. This can help calm your nerves and clear your mind.
🧘 Mindful Breaks: Use the breaks wisely. Step away from your exam environment, take a short walk, or do some light stretching. This can refresh your mind and help you return to your exam with renewed focus.
👀 Positive Visualization: Visualize yourself successfully completing the exam. Imagine the relief and joy you’ll feel when it’s over. Positive visualization can reduce anxiety and boost your confidence.
🔎 Focus on the Present: Don’t dwell on the questions you’ve missed. Focus on the question in front of you. Staying present can improve your concentration and performance.
🎁 Reward Yourself: Plan a small reward for after the exam, like a Slurpee or another treat you enjoy. Having something to look forward to can motivate you to stay calm and focused during the test.
It’s important not to let a few tough questions impact your overall performance. Remember, the bar exam is a test of endurance and resilience. You’re expected to miss some questions, and that’s okay. The key is to keep moving forward and maintain your composure.
One final point: Don’t forget to grab your free Slurpee today!
