PracticingLawSucks.com

Help! I'm going out of my mind

There are a number of strategies to reduce workaday stress.  Here are a few:

REMEMBER TO LAUGH, ESPECIALLY AT YOURSELF.  Studies have found that laughing is good for you.  Believe it or not, there are even "Laughing Yoga" classes available in some cities.  Some stress experts say that, when under stress, you should laugh at least ten times a day, with five of those times being ones in which you laugh at yourself.

BALANCE YOUR LIFE.  Everybody experiences ups and downs, almost every single day.  Some meditation experts call this "wild mind."  Keep in mind that your experiences are on a continuum and that you want to keep yourself somewhere in the middle to stay balanced.

DO DEEP BREATHING AND STRETCHING EXERCISES.  Most lawyers spend far too much time sitting at desks or commuting.  So, get up and streeeeetch.  Move your body around and get your energy flowing.

ALLOW YOURSELF THE LUXURY OF MAKING ONE (minor) MISTAKE OR BEING IMPERFECT ONCE A DAY.  Oh yes, we lawyers (and our Malpractice Carriers) know the after affect of making mistakes.  But, I said "one MINOR" mistake, nothing big. Many lawyers "burn out" getting caught up in perfectionism.

MAKE A LIST OF THINGS YOU LIKE TO DO.  ...and, remember to do one of them each day.

DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE.  There is no better feeling than doing something nice for someone else. 

DON'T FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO ACT SERIOUS ALL THE TIME (unless you are in Court).  Lighten up at work!  Then see how those around you respond.

Urgent vs. Important

 

Most Lawyers are too busy dealing with URGENT matters...

...to focus on the IMPORTANT aspects of their practice !

Networking - - Remember to have fun !

More lawyers than ever are "networking" these days.

Lawyers who previously seldom left their offices are, in these difficult economic times, out there attending networking events, approaching prospects, and "shaking hands" (lots of hands).

Some lawyers love networking, and actively seek out networking opportunities. Other lawyers tolerate networking, and reluctantly attend networking events when prodded (more like, forced) to do so by their firm.  But, a substantial number of lawyers HATE networking, and previously never networked - - primarily because, when times were better than they are today, they did not have to.  Today, they have to. 

You might think that lawyers are, for the most part, social creatures; but the opposite is really true.  Most lawyers shy away from "prospecting."  They are more comfortable remaining within the protection of their offices.

But, now that the economy forces them to be out there "doing it," they might as well have some FUN "doing it."

If you are among the latter group, remember this: If you are going to spend time networking at an event - - DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN

Susan ReAne in "How to Work a Room," says that this is a key ingredient to making successful connections.  Why?  Because people sense when you are genuinely enjoying yourself - and enjoying your interaction with them. 

Isn't the same true with you?  Don't you prefer to be around people who are having a good time?

So, if necessary, force yourself to have a good time.  Guess what?  You might even enjoy it.