Getting Over Ourselves in the New Year
With the new year fast approaching, many of us are thinking about how we can grow and improve for 2024. As lawyers, we are often the champions of others’ goals. But when it comes to setting and achieving our own professional or personal goals, we sometimes get in our own way and don’t make it to the finish line.
We over commit or have difficulty saying no to the needs of others – leaving no time for our own pursuits. Perfectionism paralyzes us from taking risks and getting started. The day-to-day demands of legal practice may make it difficult for us to think strategically about our own growth. And we become comfortable with the status quo, or at least think we are, and may be averse to change.
As you think about what you would like to achieve in 2024, consider these strategies for staying on track with your goals in the new year:
At the start of each week, prioritize the tasks that you must do and delegate other tasks where possible. Growth isn’t accomplished when we simply try to sneak it in to our “free” time. Create time and space for it by shifting other day-to-day work where possible.
Carve out a specific time each week to work on your personal and professional goals. Put it on the calendar to give it the same importance as a client or law firm meeting. During that scheduled time, take one or two small steps that move you forward. Baby steps are plenty – make a phone call, read an article, or have lunch with someone you’ve been wanting to meet. In that hour, be sure to also make a plan for what you will do in the following week.
Find an accountability partner. Someone who understands what you are working toward professionally or personally and who will check in with you to keep you on track. Ask them to check in with you regularly!
Embrace the learning process. You will almost certainly make a mistake or lose momentum at some point. Wipe the slate clean and start again. A misstep is not a dead end – it is just a stepping stone toward growth.
What other strategies have you found helpful in staying on track with your goals? Let us know at info@lexhaven.com
Are You Ready for 2024?
If you are interested in working on your professional and personal growth in 2024, join us for LexHaven’s 2024 Goal Setting and Vision Retreat – January 5, 2024 (virtual). Learn more online and register.
