How Lawyers Can Overcome Adversity
3 Ways Lawyers, Solicitors & Attorneys Make a Comeback
Life happens to lawyers and solicitors like everyone else. Despite the demanding and stressful nature of practicing law, unhappy circumstances can occur.
Sickness, family problems, financial difficulties, and loss knock on the door. Solicitors face problems like anyone else. As if jumping hurdles, lawyers barely miss a beat in their law practices.
Meet Rick
LinkedIn is an excellent way to meet new people. The other day I met an owner of a medium sized firm who I will call Rick. After looking at the website, I was quite impressed and congratulated him on his success.
Rick’s reply was that his firm was no longer successful. His brother, who was his partner had died, and he had lost a big client. He sounded like it was all over. I encouraged him the best I could over messenger.
2015–2016 Was A Stressful Year
I spend my life inspiring lawyers — solicitors, helping them keep their law practices on track. The law practice must go on. Profits must increase. I am there for them on a daily and weekly basis.
But talking with Rick, made me think about my life a year ago. One crisis after another occurred. First, my younger brother, who lived alone almost died from a stroke. In the aftermath, he was confined to a wheelchair. Shortly after that, my sweet dog, a Maltese we called Pooh became ill. She died. A close family member had a nervous breakdown. (He recovered thankfully) Then my best friend, who was like my sister was told she had Stage 4 cancer. I flew to Los Angeles, California for two months to help her and she also died.
When loss or sickness happens back-to-back, it is easy to get discouraged. You may become despondent. You may want to give up. I heard Rick say his best days were over.
3 Ways To Make a Comeback
When I look back, three things helped me keep my business growing. They enabled me to continue my disciplines during a difficult time in my life.
- Tell yourself this is only temporary. When devastating life events happen, it is easy to think that this is forever. But, it is not. Hang in there.
- Take care of yourself by eating healthy, and also include drinking water. Go for a walk, relax and meditate to manage your physical health. Don’t use crutches like alcohol that only make matters worse.
- Don’t give up. Don’t allow yourself to become paralyzed. Talk with a friend; get support to help you keep perspective.
Yes, life happens to lawyers like everyone else.
Yes, practicing law is demanding and stressful. It is important for lawyers to get the support they need, during difficult times.
Pamela DeNeuve
I Help Lawyers & Solicitors & Law Firms Improve Profitability & Productivity
Email to schedule an easy 30-minute consult to get you on your way to health, happiness with increased profits and productivity
#Lawyers #Solicitors #Attorneys #Barristers #AttorneyatLaw #Lawfirm
Originally published at pameladeneuve.com on May 25, 2017.
