Important reminder for our students as they get ready to prepare for exams; willpower requires practice and energy. We know multi-tasking, regardless of age, does not work. Now scientists are learning that we are better tackling only one task at a time that requires willpower. This is especially important for 1L’s, not all of whom have "practiced" willpower enough throughout the year to concentrate on more than one task that requires discipline. Unfortunately, many 1L’s are focused on looking for summer employment at the same time they need to be focused on studying for exams. A targeted campaign for a summer job after 1L year requires willpower; writing endless cover letters targeted to specific employers, double-checking spelling and grammar, as well as researching the employers. If they can put off the job search (not possible for all 1L’s) until exams are finished, they will do much better at each task, and practice their willpower skills in the process.
From the New York Times, Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Op-Ed Contributors: SANDRA AAMODT and SAM WANG,
Tighten Your Belt, Strengthen Your Mind
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/02/opinion/02aamodt.html?ex=1364875200&en=f5df03cfd6225f41&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
"On the other hand, if you need to study for a big exam, it might be
smart to let the housecleaning slide to conserve your willpower for the
more important job. Similarly, it can be counterproductive to work
toward multiple goals at the same time if your willpower cannot cover
all the efforts that are required. Concentrating your effort on one or
at most a few goals at a time increases the odds of success.
Focusing
on success is important because willpower can grow in the long term.
Like a muscle, willpower seems to become stronger with use."
(Rebecca Flanagan–I apologize–I keep forgetting to add my name!)
