1% Better Every Day: Your New SQE1 Study System

Preparing for SQE1 is like running a marathon—while carrying a law textbook in each hand and dodging a barrage of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) thrown at you. With 14 subjects, hundreds of MCQs, and what feels like an impossibly tight timeline, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in legal jargon. But what if you could chip away at the chaos, 1% at a time, until you emerge victorious?

Enter the 1% better every day system, inspired by James Clear’s Atomic Habits. This approach focuses on incremental improvements that compound into massive progress over time. It’s not about studying for 12 hours straight until your brain turns to mush. It’s about building small, consistent habits that make SQE1 preparation manageable—and dare we say it—almost enjoyable.

Here’s how to make James Clear’s principles work for your SQE1 prep.

The Power of Tiny Gains: Why 1% Better Matters

James Clear’s concept of “1% better every day” is simple: small, consistent improvements lead to exponential growth. If you improve just a little every day, those gains compound over time—resulting in a 37x improvement by the end of the year.

Applying This to SQE1

Let’s face it: with SQE1, you can’t afford to study “just 10 minutes a day.” But the principle still applies. By breaking down your revision into manageable chunks and improving your workflow incrementally, you’ll avoid burnout and stay consistent.

Realistic Example:

• Day 1: Spend a few hours skimming the basics of several black letter law subjects.

• Day 2: Dedicate a few hours to summarise key principles.

• Day 3: Tackle MCQs in a few sittings and analyse your mistakes.

Small, repeatable actions compound. If you review just one extra topic or answer 10 more MCQs every day, by exam week, you’ll have covered mountains of material without collapsing in exhaustion.

Focus on Systems, Not Goals

Clear emphasises: “You don’t rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.” Goals set your destination (e.g., passing SQE1), but systems ensure you get there without running out of steam halfway.

Building a Study System for SQE1

Forget vague goals like “cover all 14 subjects before May.” Instead, create a system that ensures consistent progress across all topics. Here’s an example:

1. Start with Structure: Create a timeline to study each subject (at least) twice—once for learning, once for revision.

2. Follow a Workflow:

   • Read the topic in-depth.

   • Write concise notes.

   • Convert notes into flashcards or mind maps.

   • Complete 50 MCQs related to the topic.

   • Review incorrect answers and revise weak areas.

   
   

Pro Tip: Use tools like The Legal Blueprint’s SQE1 Notion Template to structure your system. It’ll save you hours of organising and keep your workflow consistent.

Habits: The Compound Interest of Self-Improvement

Small daily habits may seem insignificant, but over time, they create momentum that’s hard to stop. Spending an extra 30 minutes reviewing flashcards each day might not feel groundbreaking, but after six months, it’s the difference between “barely scraping by” and “confidently passing.”

Example Habit for SQE1

Morning Routine:

• Wake up, grab your coffee, and spend 30 minutes revisiting notes from the previous day.

Afternoon Focus:

• Dedicate three focused hours to a single subject, rotating subjects daily.

Evening Wind-Down:

• Use a quiz app to complete 30 MCQs before bed. (Because who doesn’t love ending the day by contemplating vicarious liability?)

Make Habits Easy to Start

Starting is often the hardest part of studying. Clear’s 2-Minute Rule makes this easier by focusing on small, easy-to-achieve actions that build momentum.

Applying This to SQE1

• Overwhelmed by Contract Law? Commit to reading just one page. Chances are, you’ll keep going once you’ve started.

• Can’t face another MCQ session? Promise yourself you’ll answer just five questions. (Spoiler: you’ll probably end up doing 20.)

The trick is lowering the barrier to entry. Once you’re “in the zone,” studying becomes less daunting.

Focus on Identity Over Outcomes

Your habits shape your identity. Clear suggests thinking about who you want to become, not just what you want to achieve.

SQE1 Identity Shift

Instead of saying, “I need to pass SQE1,” say:

• “I’m the kind of person who stays disciplined and studies daily.”

• “I’m building the habits of a future solicitor.”

Every time you sit down to revise, you’re reinforcing this identity—and making SQE1 feel like a stepping stone, not a mountain.

The Four Laws of Behaviour Change

Clear’s Four Laws of Behaviour Change provide a practical framework for forming habits:

1. Make It Obvious:

   • Keep your SQE materials front and centre. Stack your notes on your desk or pin your study schedule to the wall.

2. Make It Attractive:

   • Reward yourself after completing a study session. Finished 100 MCQs? Treat yourself to cake, Netflix, or both.

3. Make It Easy:

   • Use pre-built resources like The Legal Blueprint’s SQE1 Notion Template to save time and effort.

4. Make It Satisfying:

   • Track your progress visually. Use a checklist or habit tracker to see how much you’ve accomplished. Trust us—it’s ridiculously satisfying.

   
   

Overcome the Plateau of Latent Potential

Progress often feels slow at first, especially with a mammoth exam like SQE1. You might spend weeks reviewing topics and feel like nothing’s sticking. But Clear assures us that small improvements lead to breakthroughs over time.

How to Push Through

• Trust the Process: Even if you’re not acing MCQs now, consistent effort will pay off.

• Celebrate Milestones: Finished your first subject? Celebrate! Even small wins build motivation.

Optimise for Consistency, Not Perfection

Life happens. You might miss a study session because of work, family, or just sheer exhaustion. That’s okay. Clear reminds us that consistency is what matters most, not perfection.

SQE1 Example

Missed a day? Don’t panic or try to cram double the next day. Simply get back on track. Remember: it’s better to study consistently than to aim for unrealistic perfection.

Create an Environment That Supports Study

Your environment plays a huge role in your habits. A cluttered desk, noisy room, or distracting phone can derail even the best-laid plans. Set yourself up for success with a study-friendly space.

Tips for SQE1 Prep

• Keep It Tidy: A clear desk equals a clear mind.

• Eliminate Distractions: Use apps like Forest to stay off your phone.

• Stay Motivated: Pin your goals where you can see them—whether it’s a dream law firm, a passing score, or just surviving SQE1 with your sanity intact.

Final Thoughts: Build Your SQE1 Study System

Preparing for SQE1 doesn’t have to feel like an impossible task. By applying the principles of Atomic Habits, you can create a study system that’s consistent, effective, and—dare we say it—manageable.

Here’s your action plan:

• Start small, build momentum, and focus on 1% better every day.

• Design a system that works for you, not against you.

• Celebrate your progress—because every small win adds up.

And when exam day arrives, you’ll be ready to tackle those 360 MCQs like the future solicitor you are.

Ready to take your SQE1 prep to the next level? Check out The Legal Blueprint’s SQE1 Notion Template for the ultimate study system. Let’s crush this together!