With every passing day, there is a sense of realization that everything around you is changing and changing fast. We do live in a very dynamic world and everything around you is in a state of flux. On any given day, all that matters is how one responds to these changes. There are certain things one has control over and there are certain things that are outside of one’s domain. Recognizing what is out of your control is extremely helpful when formulating a response to these demands.
Managing professional practice, family commitments, personal health, friendships, and all the life stuff can get overwhelming. I have had the opportunity to practice engineering and law. I am able to relate, compare and contrast the stressors of two professions. I can undoubtedly attest my experience in engineering has been less stressful when compared to the work stressors in the practice of law.
Managing the Professional Practice
Professional practice requires consistent effort every day. In the practice of law, it comes down to file management. Some files are smooth and settle out of court and some require going to court. Consistent effort is easier said but what does it entail. In my experience, it involves being on top of your emails, letters, pleadings, directions to your staff, billable hours, accounts receivable and payable, marketing, staff retention, client relationship management, keeping the communication flowing, following the rules, and knowing the business of law.
Rigour of Work
Most lawyers start their day very early. Getting into the office before the day starts helps with catching up and settling in. The emails hit your account nonstop and this is not your regular 9 to 5. Expecting to work 10 to 12 hours is normal. Disconnecting after your leave the office is a challenge.
Mental Health Issues
Stress: This is your body’s response when you are overwhelmed and unable to cope with the pressure. We all respond to stress differently. I take it to my stomach and struggle to fall asleep. Stress also triggers certain emotions such as anger, anxiety, depression, restlessness, etc. Clients usually drop their legal problems at the law office, keeping an objective mind is key to overcoming work stress.
Reacting to Stress
This is key, I have tried multiple techniques to get ahead of the curve. Most of all my strategies are a work in progress. Here is what I wrestled with in the past few years.
Long Hours: Working long hours helps prepare and plan case strategies. Reading material, keeping up with new case law, keeping the file organized helps with the overall preparation. Being prepared reduces stress. After all, having a plan is better than not having one. This is a partially effective technique. and not the best approach, the longer one works the more tired one gets and this impacts your overall health.
Prioritize: Imagine this, the phone is ringing, the letter in the fax is marked urgent, dozen-plus emails and client meetings scheduled for the day is about to start in an hour. When this happens, you know your day is going to be spent putting out fires. I have seen the best of the best pull out a piece of paper and start prioritizing. Everything cannot be priority 1. I usually write it out in an order of 1 to 10. As soon your start attacking the list, you instantly feel better. The joy is priceless when you strike out the completed task.
Breathing: By far the best hands-on remedy available. Every time you inhale and exhale it’s like a burst of energy helping your mind relax. I practice this very often.
Sleep: I have learned this the hard way. When you have to be your best every day, rest comes in handy. A rested body and rested mind goes a long way. Prioritize your sleep.
Disconnecting: Some professionals take pride in responding to emails in an instant at odd hours. This continues to be the badge of honor. I used to be one of those individuals. I no longer respond to emails after I get home unless there is an emergency. Disconnecting after a long day is important if you wish to deliver the next day. In my humble opinion, life in the law is a marathon and not a 100 m sprint.
Positivity: Think positive, easier said than done. I always plan for the worst and hope for the best. Planning for the worst requires engaging with the worst. This engagement can be hard on your mind and it is easier to get lost in negativity. Keeping your mind focused on the positive after the reaction to the worst-case scenario is ready to execute is the best you can do. Saying “ you have done your best to yourself” is all you can do, keep saying that until the positive thoughts register in your mind. This takes time and effort.
Get Help: If you feel like you are drowning, get help. I have been trying to see a psychologist for a few weeks now, I figured getting a professional opinion and outside view on your approach is helpful. Hopefully, our schedule will converge in the new year. There is no shame in asking for help.
Treat yourself: It’s ok to get home early, it’s ok to take a day off and it’s ok to be late if you have slept in after a long day at work. Being hard on yourself is the worst thing one can do to thy self during chaotic times. Take it easy.
Play: I have tried to balance the mental with the physical. Working out, swimming, dancing, etc. whatever helps you get the mind off your work do it. Play is a great distraction for the mind.
Supplements: I am blessed that my wife is trained in holistic health. The very best stress care herb out there is Ashwagandha. I take this in liquid form and the Botanica brand makes the best product out there.
Peace: It is important to acknowledge everything around you is connected. Respect the law of nature and you shall find internal peace.
Conclusion
Taking a step back, I feel that I experimented with a whole lot in the past few years. Trust me, it was a work in progress, long days, lonely moments and there was no playbook. The desire to overcome obstacles is what kept me going. I have failed, fumbled, and have been defeated, in that same sentence I would like to add, I have confidently won cases, facilitated the sale of businesses, real properties, obtained permanent residency for my clients, and negotiated settlements for my clients in hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is easier to quit and but it takes a lot of courage to stand and fight. As I conclude this post, I will leave you with one of my favorite quote.
““ It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” ”
Cheers
