Like most of us, I am grateful that 2020 is coming to an end. Between the business chaos, political disruptions, social disruptions, and all the changes happening in our lives, we are all thinking more in terms of survival than life improvement.
When a new year approaches, it becomes the time when people usually think about changes they can make to improve their lives. These are otherwise known as New Year’s resolutions, however with the uncertainly facing us in 2021, many people are just trying to make it day by day.
Legal professionals are facing changes in their companies
and law practice, which probably looks far different now than it did a year
ago. We have changed over to a virtual world, which may or may not be
permanent. With so much uncertainly, New Year’s resolutions are probably the
last thing we are thinking about.
Rather than list changes we can make to our business
approach, food intake or exercise routine—often the top three categories for
New Year’s resolutions—here is a list of five resolutions that can dramatically
increase your resilience, lower your stress and anxiety, and catapult you into
2021.
Resilience is the ability to remember the big picture while
being seemingly overwhelmed by irritations. When we are stressed or depressed,
it takes resilience to remember why we chose a career in law. It takes conviction
to rise above the challenges of building a legal career and thrive.
You can choose one or all of these five resolutions; it
depends on how much you want to change your life.
(1) Plan your week
As legal professionals we have calendars that scarcely leave
enough time to even go to the bathroom. Sometimes we unconsciously surround
ourselves with chaos because it makes us feel like we are important and busy.
It only adds stress and anxiety to our day.
We have to prioritize our time and decide where to allocate
our resources. We have to learn how to do our work efficiently without
sacrificing our life in the process. When we know what we need to accomplish
during the week, this will allow you to see where you may not be efficient.
It is also important to plan time for family and well-being.
We must decide what is a healthy work-life balance and prioritize the life part
of the equation. If you are not doing that now, this will be one of the most
important resolutions for 2021.
(2) Reconnect
Many of us naturally crave personal relationships. We often suffer
when isolating ourselves, either because we are stressed, addicted or because
of social restrictions, especially those imposed by COVID-19. Reconnecting with
old friends is a good way to avoid isolating. Commit to call one person a week,
or whatever is comfortable for you. You might be surprised how much this is helpful.
(3) Take frequent breaks
Taking five minutes every few hours to calm down and center
is a great way to relieve stress and increase resilience. Just looking or going
outside for five minutes, focusing on the view and taking your mind off of your
work can allow your mind to reset and calm down. If you are in meetings all
day, do it between meetings. If you are in court, do it during recess.
(4) Team Build
Join or form a group of colleagues either inside or outside
your company to talk about challenges of the day. You will be giving yourself the gift of
support. Some of us have a misconception that we have to do everything alone
because our work is confidential. Building relationships with other legal
professionals can be hugely beneficial. If you have questions about
confidentiality, just ask.
(5) Breathe
We probably do not realize breathing properly is an issue. Our
breathing is sometimes too shallowly, which decreases oxygen flow to our
frontal cortex. This can activate our limpid brain, known as fight, flight or
freeze. When we breathe deeply and inhale maximum amounts of oxygen, we can
reduce stress and employ our rational minds.
Check frequently (five-minute breaks) that you are inhaling
to a count of four, holding to a count of four, exhaling to a count of six,
holding to a count of four. Not only will this create resilience, but it will
also reduce stress and anxiety.
Let’s get excited about 2021. Change is good. With increased resilience, we can reduce the impact of the emotional roller-coaster many people are on and open ourselves to opportunities. With new thoughts, a new attitude and positive thoughts and actions we can build a better tomorrow.
Go ahead and implement some or all of these resolutions and expect
a Happy New Year!
This article was originally published on December 28,
2020 by James Gray Robinson, a licensed attorney and contributing writer with
the ABA Journal.
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