8 replies to this topic

[almac_uk]

Hi,

This is a bit of a random, catch-all post that I hope will provide me with some direction and some advice. Basically I want to pick your brains. I am currently studying my masters degree at university and desperately want this next year to run as smoothly as possible. It is my hope and desire to become a barrister (those charming fellows with the wigs and gowns), and i think I need some pointers to help me get there.

Firstly, I have a slight issue with self confidence. It wouldn't be a problem for any other profession, but obviously barristers need to have it in spades. I know it's possible to develop confidence through practice, but at the moment it's a "fake til i make it" scenario. Does anyone have any suggestions, maybe something unconventional or a new idea. Would meditation be a good idea? If so, does anyone know a good source of info regarding meditation. I know nothing at all. Are there supplements or enhancers that give you that confidence or buzz, or that alleviate tension and anxiety in periods of stress?

Secondly, I find that i get distracted... and there aren't enough hours in the day. I want to feel a buzz - a drive and enthusiasm - right from the start of the day, from when I wake in the morning. I've been feeling slightly lethargic of late, and it's really starting to bug me. I know it's not a good idea to try and fix everthing with a pill or two, but if it's possible to enhance qualities we already possess, I really can't see the harm. Are there specific herbs, enhancers etc that can assist here?

Thirdly, I want to study for longer (or I want to pick things up quicker - actually, both would be nice). I already have a law degree, so I know what hard work means, but I'm really after that extra spark. I want to set the topic alive - infuse my research and writing with passion and flare. My memory is a little shoddy too, when it comes to facts and figures (i've always been a big-picture kind of guy), so any advice there is hugely appreciated.

And finally - barristers need to be good at public speaking. And I'm pretty mediocre. It's a skill, so it can be learned, but perhaps there's someone here who has experiences or ideas that can aid me.

Sorry to have been so greedy in my requests - it really does mean a lot that people take the time to reply.

With best wishes

almac_uk

[mewild]

I guess you could try some low dosage deprenyl

[Ghostrider]

In regards to confidence, nothing beats preparation.
In regards to motivation, you gotta find what you really want to do.

Thirdly, I want to study for longer (or I want to pick things up quicker - actually, both would be nice).

Get a good night's rest, exercise, maintain a healthy diet, and drink enough water -- cut back on soft drinks and caffeine.

[basho]

I'll cover some of your questions with some personal advice from experience:

I am currently studying my masters degree at university and desperately want this next year to run as smoothly as possible.

As Ghostrider said, "preparation"! Read Getting Things Done by David Allen (known as the GTD book). Regularly visit 43folders.com. Get organized and you'll find study and work related stresses diminish considerably. The subtitle "The Art of Stress-Free Productivity" means just that. Things may not always go smoothly, but when you are prepared and organized, you will be able to handle unexpected problems with confidence and without feeling overwhelmed. And "grace under pressure" is something you'll need as a barrister.

I have a slight issue with self confidence.

Firstly, workout! Get in shape. Flex those muscles in the mirror after a morning shower. Damn, you'll feel great about yourself! Next, try something out of your comfort zone. Something difficult, something challenging, or something that scares the hell out of you. Each person is different; maybe skydive out of a plane, or climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Try a martial art. Or say hi and flash a smile to that cute girl you have been admiring. You get the idea. And the "fake it till I make it" idea actually works!

For bouts of axiety and stress, the other guys on this board can help with suppliment advice.

I find that i get distracted.

Modafinil/Provigil might help as would meditation. But better to set yourself goals and plan ahead. Once again, the GTD method will help immensely with clearing your head of distractions.

I want to feel a buzz - a drive and enthusiasm - right from the start of the day, from when I wake in the morning.

You need to get passionate about what you do. Write down what motivates you about becoming a barrister. List out what is great about what you are doing. Every day, read that list! Commit to excellence, to being the best damn barrister no matter what. Believe in what you are doing.

I've been feeling slightly lethargic of late, and it's really starting to bug me.

Fundamentals first: a healthy diet, excercise, and passion. And include the best multivitamin suppliment you can afford (search the forums for plenty of info on that).

Thirdly, I want to study for longer (or I want to pick things up quicker - actually, both would be nice).

Me too! I'm interested in what other here say about this.

And finally - barristers need to be good at public speaking. And I'm pretty mediocre.

Toastmasters International is highly recommended.

[almac_uk]

awesome basho, thanks ever so much! I've just joined the local gym to start getting fit, plus I've signed up to something called the Free Representation Unit, where I can do some pro-bono work. That should help with the confidence and public speaking. As for organisation, it's true that it's an area of my life that's always been a little lack-lustre. At undergrad level I had a friend who was extremely organised and he kinda pushed me when I was sloppy, but now he's gone I really do need to be more proactive. I'll take a look at all the stuff you've suggested. I've also just bought a Palm PDA to try and plan and organise everything, which I hope will revolutionize the way i work.

As for Provigil, i've heard a few things about it and I wonder whether anyone can suggest a reputable supplier to the UK. It's expensive, so is adrafinil a suitable alternative, or is it vastly inferior? Is provigil the recommended version of modafinil, or would others suggest some of the other brands... alertec, modavigil etc?

Thanks guys

[xanadu]

I would point out in the confidence department that people do not know if you are solid as a rock inside or seething with anxiety. Put up a good front and you will fool them. That just takes practice. Most of the rest has been covered by other posters.

[ajnast4r]

Firstly, I have a slight issue with self confidence. It wouldn't be a problem for any other profession, but obviously barristers need to have it in spades. I know it's possible to develop confidence through practice, but at the moment it's a "fake til i make it" scenario. Does anyone have any suggestions, maybe something unconventional or a new idea.

temporary confidence from pills is possible, but a horrible idea... ive found that what makes me the most confident is knowing that im happy with who i am. which is not simply accepting yourself, but also striving to be a good person, and constantly improving on a personal level...

ive found exercise also goes a long way for improving confidence... im sure its something chemical, moreso than just having bigger muscles.

Would meditation be a good idea? If so, does anyone know a good source of info regarding meditation.

daily meditation is ALWAYS a good idea.. it will make you more centered, more calm, and increase your ability to cope with stress more than anything.

i would suggest reading the wiki on meditation (http://en.wikipedia....wiki/Meditation) and finding a few that seem good to you... and giving them an honest effort; ie: every night for a month. not just once and try something else

i personally have found yogic meditation & breathing exercises to be the most effective

I know nothing at all. Are there supplements or enhancers that give you that confidence or buzz, or that alleviate tension and anxiety in periods of stress?

ive found most substances that inspire confidence are stimulants, which increase anxiety. if youre not a caffeine addict, a cup of good quality green tea will give you a nice warm buzz without increasing anxiety.
rhodiola & ashwagandha also go a long way for helping deal with stress... and recover quicker from stressful situations.

I want to feel a buzz - a drive and enthusiasm - right from the start of the day, from when I wake in the morning. I've been feeling slightly lethargic of late, and it's really starting to bug me. I know it's not a good idea to try and fix everthing with a pill or two, but if it's possible to enhance qualities we already possess, I really can't see the harm. Are there specific herbs, enhancers etc that can assist here?

no one really jumps out of bed ready to conquer the world on a daily basis.

8 hours of sleep a night
exercise
good diet

and something to be PASSIONATE about... do things that are personally fulfilling.

Thirdly, I want to study for longer (or I want to pick things up quicker - actually, both would be nice). I already have a law degree, so I know what hard work means, but I'm really after that extra spark. I want to set the topic alive - infuse my research and writing with passion and flare. My memory is a little shoddy too, when it comes to facts and figures (i've always been a big-picture kind of guy), so any advice there is hugely appreciated.

as above , green tea

And finally - barristers need to be good at public speaking. And I'm pretty mediocre. It's a skill, so it can be learned, but perhaps there's someone here who has experiences or ideas that can aid me.

find a local community college & take a public speaking class... that will also improve your confidence A LOT

[almac_uk]

thanks, these are really great suggestions. I've also been told to try Rhodiola Rosea, just wondering what people think to this? What sort of potency is recommended?

Green tea is something I've never tried, so maybe i'll give that a try. Meditation is something I'm really very interested in having a go at, although i'm incredibly busy and I worry that I wont stick to it.

[Ghostrider]

Good advice guys, I would not recommend relying on pills though for confidence. If you find something that gives you that little extra bit of mental torque without any consequences, then great. In regards to physical fitness and appearance, that can help I suppose, but I would not recommend relying on it too much. Find your comparative advantage, that will help the most. In high school, I used to be extremely self-conscious about my looks. In college, I used to walk into a crowded classroom for a final exam without having showered in a day or two because at that point, personal hygiene was not my greatest concern. I do not recommend doing that before a trial as some members of the jury are likely to vote based on personal appearance, but find your focus and develop your abilities in that area. The finish line is a long ways off.