Top law students value consistency over intensity. This is an idea communicated in James Clear’s best-selling book Atomic Habits, which I cover in The Law School Playbook Mind Matters Topic 4: Evolve and Be Kind.  But let’s be candid—choosing consistency over intensity is difficult to do. 

I am quite aware of the logic inherent in valuing consistency over intensity. Examples from folks like well-known author and motivational speaker Simon Sinek make it abundantly clear. He explains that if, for example, you go to the dentist twice a year but don’t brush daily, your teeth will fall out. He reminds us that working out once for nine hours won’t get you in shape, but working out daily for twenty minutes will. 

I am an intense person. I have strong opinions, love fiercely, and am unrelenting if there is something I want to accomplish. Yet, I am consistently inconsistent in various aspects of my life. When work and family are demanding, I skip exercise. I suffered Whole30 and then returned to old habits. If brush my teeth regularly (yes, I manage to do that), why can’t I be consistent, rather than intense, in other facets of my life?  Because it’s easier not to.  But, as we all know, nothing worthwhile is easy. 

Evaluate your own behavior.  What do your actions show?  Do you practice consistency or intensity? 

Do you read for an entire week in one day?  Do complete an entire course outline at once?  Do you pull all-nighters to finish a legal writing project or prepare for an exam?  If so, you likely practice intensity over consistency.

In contrast, do you generally read the night before each class?  Do you outline on a weekly basis?  Do you keep a regular sleep schedule even if you have a legal writing project or an exam?  If yes, you likely practice consistency over intensity.

James Clear says that intensity makes a good story while consistency makes progress. I’m all for a good story, but I know that goals are achieved with progress. So I’ll keep trying for consistency over intensity. I hope you’ll join me.