10 Top Tips for Better Focus During Law School

If I learned one thing when I started law school, it was how bad my focus is. I had to do a total overhaul of my study habits. I found that I felt my best when I actively worked on bettering my focus.

1) Remember: Law School Is Hard

Look, what you are doing is hard. Law school is hard. Don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back for showing up and working towards your self-improvement each day. You need to cut yourself some slack!

If you are struggling in law school, just remember that your peers are going through something of their own just the same as you are. The fact that you are taking some time NOW to get ahead in the areas you think need improvement is fantastic.

2) Keep Up With Your Health

You can’t run yourself into the ground. You will be your best, most focused self during your study sessions, class, and exams when you take care of your mental and physical health. The biggest lesson I learned during my transition from undergrad to law school was the importance of health. I simply could not treat my body the way I did before. Now, I prioritize sleep, I prioritize my diet, and I prioritize my fitness. Of course, no one is perfect! The more you prioritize your health, the better your focus will be during law school.

3) Reach Out For Help

Like I said before, you should give yourself a big pat on the back for taking the initiative to get ahead of your problem areas. If you need help, do NOT be afraid to ask for it. Talk with peers, mentors, professors, your family, or any other trusted person in your life. Your professors can help you especially because they have been in your shoes and know what you are going through. Don’t be afraid to seek the help that you need during law school.

4) Keep Distractions at Bay (& that means social media!)

One of the biggest distractions for people in law school is social media and the internet! Well, at least from my point of view it is. It is so hard to stay focused when you have instant gratification at your fingertips. I find myself scrolling and scrolling all day long, opening the app in order to avoid studying. Of course I you can’t focus with those distractions!

My biggest word of advice for better focus during law school: delete the apps. Not forever, but delete the apps if you find them getting in the way. Delete them off your phone and redownload them when you need a break.

I also like to set timers on my social media apps. You can override the timer, but they are generally effective. You can set the timer to mute your social media apps after you have spent a certain amount of time on them. I have mine set to 15 minutes. If anything, it is a great way to remind yourself that you have been on the apps too long.

5) Keep a Good Support System Around You

Keeping a good support system around you will help you feel more motivated to succeed and keep you on track with your goals. When you are feeling particularly distracted, a good support system can help you focus on the important stuff. Surround yourself with only positive, encouraging people.

6) Ditch the Toxic Classmates or “Friends”

Trust me, I learned this the hard way many times. The saying goes that you are who you surround yourself with. Why keep people around you who only bring negativity into the picture? Many people will be competitive in law school, especially in your 1L year. I have found that having the wrong people around will only distract you from your goals and the otherwise clear path you have set for yourself. Find people that empower you and push you to strive for better.

7) Keep Your Eyes on YOUR Prize

You’ve likely heard it all before, but your journey and situation is unique. You need to keep your eyes on YOUR prize and not anyone else’s. It will only distract you from your goals. Some people will be pursuing different things than you – different practice areas, different states, different jobs, the list goes on. Prioritizing yourself and your goals will make it easier for you to focus and find the motivation you need to move forward.

8) Keep the Comparisons at Bay

So they say, comparison is the thief of joy. In law school, comparison is basically the plague. Stay away from it! You cannot compare yourself to others or you will drive yourself crazy. This is especially important when it comes to grades and looking for a job. Some people may have a job before you. Some people may have better grades than you.

9) Know When You Need a Break

Sometimes a lack of focus is due to burnout. Check yourself! Sometimes you just need a break. Rest and recover! Sometimes it feels like you have no time to rest. However, rest can actually make you more productive. Take some time to practice patience. Success takes time – it will wait for you!

10) In General, Look After Your Mental Health Needs

Law school is tough and can take a huge toll on your mental health. But, when you prioritize it, your focus will thank you. Law school is hard, but you are tougher!