2020 has been a radical year, full of change.
Businesses are adapting, schools are now operating in a dramatically different way, daily routines went out the window… It seems as if there isn’t a single person who has not been impacted by changes in everyday life—and most likely, that includes you, dear lawyer readers!
This year, we've supported hundreds of lawyers in our programs to pivot to practicing virtually, make the necessary adjustments to accommodate their family's needs and prioritize their health, and continue to grow their practices in an uncertain landscape.
What have been the impacts of all of this change on your life and law practice?
- Has family life changed dramatically?
- Is the way you’re used to doing things just not working anymore?
- Has your income been inconsistent?
- Are you struggling to grow your law practice?
- Does the notion of work-life balance seem even more out of reach than it ever did before?
If keeping up with all the change this year has you overwhelmed, you are not alone. And as we all move forward together, let's consider the inspirational words from several great minds of the past on how to cope with change for ideas on how we can do the same in our time.
Inspiration for Lawyers Facing Change
Be willing to adapt.
“Change is the only constant in life,” Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher, once said. As we head into the home stretch of 2020 and look toward 2021, there are two things we can count on.1) things are going to continue changing, and 2) we will need to continue to adapt as they do.
Get Into Action: Accept there is going to be change ahead. Ask yourself, “How can I use this as an opportunity instead of staying where I am now?”
Focus on what you can control—you.
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi gifted us this ever-relevant reminder that no matter what is happening in the world, it is who we choose to be amidst it all that is going to make the difference. That said, being our best selves during monumental times of change may require extra care. It is imperative to incorporate activities that nourish and support our well-being—at a minimum, ‘put on our own oxygen mask before helping others.’
Get Into Action: Consider how much of your attention is focused on things that are outside of your control. Could it be possible to redirect that attention toward content or an activity that feels supportive to you? Ex: Swap an hour of the news for a podcast that educates or inspires. (Check out more practical self-care tips for lawyers here.)
Look toward your future.
According to the late John F. Kennedy, “Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” Having clear and meaningful goals can help us stay focused amidst the chaos. Although current events may alter the course of how we go about reaching our goals, we must keep striving toward them. The choices we make today directly influence our future outcomes, so keeping the future we want in mind when making them is critical.
Get Into Action: What do you want your future to look like? Give yourself permission to dream—and then choose one goal that inspires you to take action now. Even the smallest steps can add up to big results over time!
If you want guidance on getting clear about what you want and what it will take to get there, check out our Money Map for Lawyers, a free workbook and training that will help you set goals for your life and law practice and define the path to reach them.
One last bit of inspiration for lawyers—you’ve got this.
New Law Business Model has worked with thousands of lawyers since 2006, and we feel uniquely qualified to remind you that you have the intelligence, the tenacity, and the wherewithal to make it through the most challenging of circumstances.
So remember that change is inevitable, take the best care of yourself that you can, and keep that goal in mind that will inspire you to keep going.
You’ve got this, and you don’t have to do it alone. If you’d like to learn more about a way to practice law that will allow you to prioritize your family, your health, and your happiness, book a call with a Law Business Advisor today.
Ready to Learn More About Our Core Program? Schedule a call with one of our Law Business Advisors today.