Attorneys working in a law firm often work long hours and a grueling schedule. It can be challenging to find a balance. Yet improving your well-being and your work habits will help create the work-life balance that we all yearn for. Putting yourself in an optimal position for success will allow you to excel in your profession and find joy in what you do.
Personal Improvement
Keeping your mind, body, and spirit in peak performance will make all areas of your life richer and more fulfilling. It’s important to have a growth-oriented mindset. Being flexible and enjoying life will go a long way towards expanding the limits of what you can achieve in your career. Here are some additional tips:
1. Identify the Causes
Do you find yourself saying “I’m so busy!” “I’m so exhausted!” or “I can’t get my head above water”? It can be helpful to identify the areas where you’re losing energy. Is your commute too long? Are you too sedentary? Asking these questions will help you address the right issues. Are you just too busy? Consider hiring another associate or paralegal to allow you to focus on higher-level tasks.
2. Exercise
Take time to exercise. Yoga, cardio, weightlifting or even just walking are all great ways to keep yourself in peak condition. Let’s face it, having optimal health is essential to having a long and productive life and career. Make it a priority and you’ll reap the benefits.
3. Take Quiet Time
Allow time for quiet receptivity and restoration. This could be combined with exercise like walking, or you could take time to meditate or sit quietly before you start your day. Maximizing your beta wave activity will help you effectively respond to situations instead of reacting to circumstances. In addition, visualize what you need to do before you start and then accomplish it. You may also find restoration through improved self-care such as getting a massage or a haircut.
4. Socialize and Have Fun
Nurture the relationships you have; they are your support network. Relationships keep us grounded, providing much-needed reflection when life gets hectic. Volunteer, hang out with family and friends, and find time to socialize. Sports, singing, dancing, playing with a pet, or even just sitting in the sun are all great ways to unwind. Work hard, but don’t just live to work – play hard too!
5. Replenish the Spirit
I’m a big believer in Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and the 7th habit says to “sharpen the saw.” Covey encourages sharpening the saw by becoming better spiritually. You can expand your spiritual self through meditation, music, art, prayer, service, or by spending time in nature. It works!
There are many things you can do as an attorney to improve your work-life balance. Simple things like exercise, meditation, and having a social life will make a significant difference. Improving your personal life will maximize your professional life too. If there is not a way to personally improve within your current firm, then consider speaking to us about finding a firm that will allow you to thrive.
Are you looking for a new opportunity?
We assist attorneys in building their brand, building their practice, and finding fulfilling, lucrative work. We partner with some of the best law firms in the country and have great success stories of the attorneys we have placed. If you are considering a change, contact us to talk about your options and discover more about how we can help you to maximize your professional opportunities.