For Immediate Release

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JOHN R. KORMANIK OF KORMANIK COACHING EARNS DISTINGUISHED PROFESSIONAL CERTIFIED COACH CREDENTIAL FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COACHING FEDERATION

BOISE, ID, June 19, 2023 - John R. Kormanik, Founder and Head Coach of John R. Kormanik Coaching, is proud to announce that he has earned the prestigious Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Achieving this certification signifies John has met exhaustive education and real-world experience requirements set forth by the ICF, including completion of stringent education and practice requirements, as well as demonstrating a thorough understanding of the ICF core competencies. John joins a select group of coaches worldwide who hold this distinguished credential.

“As a retired attorney, 3 time Ironman finisher, and self-admitted perfectionist, I am immensely proud to earn this credential from the International Coaching Federation," said John. "The rigorous training and assessment have refined my coaching skills and deepened my commitment to delivering the highest quality of service to my clients. I am looking forward to utilizing my enhanced skills to provide even more effective coaching to enable individuals and organizations realize their full potential."

John’s focus lies in leadership and performance coaching, empowering clients improve their productivity, develop leadership capabilities, and achieve personal and professional growth. His coaching is grounded in the belief that with the right support and tools, everyone can unlock their full potential and lead fulfilling, impactful lives.

This credential evidences John’s commitment to professional standards in coaching and underlines his dedication to his clients' success. As a PCC, John must adhere to the strict ICF Code of Ethics, which ensures confidentiality, professional conduct, and the highest ethical standards in the coaching profession.

About John R. Kormanik Coaching

John R. Kormanik Coaching is a leading international coaching firm based in Boise, Idaho. Founded by John R. Kormanik, the firm offers specialized coaching services to lawyers and law firms seeking to enhance their leadership skills, improve team performance, and achieve their personal and professional goals.

For more information about John R. Kormanik Coaching, visit www.johnrkormanik.com.

Press Contact:

Allison (Allie) Kormanik

allie@johnrkormanik.com

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Note: This press release is for informational purposes only. The International Coaching Federation does not endorse individual coaches or guarantee the effectiveness of their coaching services.

Growth vs. Fixed: Unraveling The Two Fundamental Mindsets Inspired by Carol Dweck

My last blog post began what will be a series of posts which will discuss various aspects of how the mindset of a lawyer not only more important then their legal knowledge, but is, perhaps, the key to differentiating them from their competition and which will, ultimately, empower them to have the success they desire and the life they deserve. This is entry number two in the series.

Our mindset - the unique perspective from which we perceive our abilities - can significantly shape our lives. The correct mindset influences everything from professional success and personal growth to relationships and life satisfaction. The concept of fixed and growth mindsets, introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck in her groundbreaking book "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success," (which I’ve read multiple times) provides a transformative lens through which we can understand our potential and performance. Let's delve deeper into Dweck's theories and the profound implications of these two fundamental mindsets.

Understanding the Fixed Mindset.

A fixed mindset, as characterized by Dweck, is the belief in static abilities and intelligence. People with a fixed mindset perceive their skills and intelligence as fixed traits. Consequently, they spend more time documenting these qualities rather than developing them. They often shy away from challenges, fearing that failures may reveal their perceived inadequacies. Think: “That’s just the way I am.” “I’ve never been any good at…”

In Dweck's perspective, those with a fixed mindset focus more on proving themselves, thereby losing sight of growth and development. This mindset can limit potential, lead to anxiety, deter creativity, and hinder progress, as it discourages effort and perceives criticism as personal attacks instead of constructive feedback.

Exploring the Growth Mindset.

On the other hand, a growth mindset, according to Dweck, is anchored in the conviction that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through commitment, effort, and a love for learning. Individuals with a growth mindset are open to challenges, perceive failures as opportunities for learning, and view effort as a crucial path to mastery. A growth mindset is critical in various aspects of the legal profession, not the least of which is in litigators. As a criminal defense attorney, someone who litigated cases with, shall we say, difficult facts, I can attest to the necessity of having a growth mindset.

In the growth mindset paradigm, talent and intelligence are seen as starting points. The real focus is on cultivation and growth. This mindset encourages resilience, stimulates continuous learning, and fosters personal and professional development.

Impact of the Two Mindsets.

The distinction between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset has profound implications for how we handle various aspects of our lives, including work, relationships, education, and personal growth. One particular area of potential opportunity is the area of creating clients, marketing, and sales. A fixed mindset can limit our potential, curb our capacity to learn, grow, and adapt to new situations. It creates anxiety about judgment and fosters a fear of failure that stifles progress.

Contrarily, a growth mindset can significantly enhance our potential by fostering a love for learning, promoting resilience, and inspiring us to put in the effort to improve. It enables us to embrace challenges head-on, view failures not as evidence of unintelligence, but as a springboard for growth and stretching our existing abilities.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset.

Recognizing the differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset is just the first step. The next step is to consciously cultivate a growth mindset. This process involves understanding that abilities and intelligence are not fixed traits but can be developed over time. In fact, the new science of aging and understanding neuroplasticity (our brains can, and do, continue to change over the span of our lives) prove we possess the ability to evolve over our lifetimes. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and see effort not as a weakness but as a pathway to mastery.

Following Dweck's guidance, one powerful technique to cultivate a growth mindset involves the use of the word "yet." Adding "yet" to a negative thought transforms it into a potential for future growth: "I can't do this…yet." Another way of putting it is: “I don’t currently have the skill set, but I’m willing to work on it.”

Conclusion: Your Mindset is Your Choice.

Ultimately, as Dweck asserts, the power to choose our mindset lies within us. We can opt for a fixed mindset, limiting our potential and curtailing our growth, or we can embrace a growth mindset, treating challenges as opportunities, viewing effort as the path to mastery, and unlocking our true potential in the process.

Remember, fostering a growth mindset isn't just about improving our own lives. It can also influence those around us to adopt the same approach, creating a positive ripple effect of growth and improvement. As Dweck says, "In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I'm going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here's a chance to grow.”

Partnering with a certified professional coach who understands how the lawyer brain works is one key to developing a growth mindset in all areas of your life.

Understanding the Importance of Mindset for Peak Performance.

Achieving success, realizing our full potential, and striving for peak performance are concepts that resonate with us all. Often, we tie these achievements to observable factors: hard work, technical skills, experience, and a pinch of luck (although, if you know me, you know I don’t believe in luck). There's another influential component we almost always leave out – mindset.

Rewire your mindset and pass through the portal to peak performance.

📸 - the author.

The notion of mindset and its impact on peak performance, while an age-old concept, has recently resurfaced as an important area of focus because of its profound influence on accomplishment and success. High achievers across various domains consistently emphasize the crucial role mindset plays in their journey.

So, let's delve into understanding what mindset is and why it holds such a commanding place in our path to achieving peak performance.

What Is Mindset?

Mindset is the perspective through which we perceive and respond to our experiences. It is anchored in our beliefs about ourselves and our fundamental qualities. Our mindset frames how we view our abilities, how we tackle challenges, and how we recover from setbacks.

Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, expanded this concept further in her groundbreaking book "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success." She introduced two types of mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Individuals with a fixed mindset view their abilities as set in stone. In contrast, those with a growth mindset perceive abilities as dynamic, honed over time through effort and learning. A growth mindset serves as a catalyst for resilience, tenacity, and a passion for learning – all vital components for achieving peak performance.

The Integral Role of Mindset in Peak Performance.

Why is mindset integral to achieving peak performance? To illustrate this, let's use compare two hypothetical lawyers. athletes.

Consider Lawyer A and Lawyer B – both possess equal legal acumen and  and technical proficiency. However, Lawyer A firmly believes in her capacity for growth and improvement. Every stumble is a lesson, every case, an opportunity to enhance performance.

Lawyer B, in contrast, sees his abilities as immutable. When he stumbles, he interprets it as a sign of his limitations, affirming his beliefs about his ability.

Here, mindset becomes the differentiating factor. Despite their identical legal skills, their mindsets set them on divergent paths. Lawyer A's growth mindset nurtures resilience, perpetual learning, and ultimately, peak performance. In contrast, Lawyer B's fixed mindset might inhibit progress, preventing him from reaching his full potential.

The application of this principle isn’t, of course, limited to lawyers alone; it permeates all aspects of life - academics, athletics, business, personal development, relationships, and more. A growth mindset fosters a love for learning, instills resilience, and nurtures an intrinsic motivation to strive for excellence, driving peak performance.

Self-fulfilling Prophecy: A Testament to the Power of Mindset.

The concept of self-fulfilling prophecy further underscores the importance of mindset. Our expectations and beliefs subtly manipulate our actions, leading to outcomes that align with these very beliefs. For instance, if you undertake a project, convinced of its failure (“This will never work, it hasn’t worked in the past.”), you may subconsciously sabotage your performance, leading to the very failure you anticipated.

On the other hand, if you undertake a project, believing you may succeed (“I believe this will work because I’ve learned from past attempts.”), you’ll set yourself on quite a different path. As long ago as 30 B.C.E., Virgil penned “possunt quia posse videntur,” which roughly translates to “they can because they think they can.” A modern example of this, well, mindset, is attributed to Henry Ford, “whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right.”

Recognizing the role of mindset empowers us to exploit the self-fulfilling prophecy positively. By fostering a growth mindset, we set the stage for success, priming ourselves for peak performance.

Embarking on a Journey Towards a Growth Mindset.

The significance of mindset in achieving peak performance is substantial.

However, merely understanding its importance is just the beginning. The real endeavor lies in actively cultivating a growth mindset, reshaping our thought patterns, and adopting a perspective that promotes growth and development. Put bluntly, nothing short of rewiring your mindset will do.

In the following months, I’ll delve deeper into the realms of mindset. I’ll explore its diverse aspects, examine real-world case studies, and provide practical strategies to help you foster a growth mindset that fuels peak performance. This journey promises to be insightful and transformative, offering you tools and perspectives that will significantly impact your personal and professional life.

Harnessing the Power of Positivity and Visualization.

Another remarkable facet of a strong mindset is the power of positive thinking and visualization. These elements not only enhance our overall outlook on life but also ignite our motivation and willpower, driving us towards our goals. Positive thinking cultivates self-confidence and an optimistic view, which research links to improved productivity, resilience, and overall well-being.

Visualization, or the practice of mentally simulating a desired outcome or performance, is a common strategy among top performers across various domains. Sports stars, musicians, business leaders, and even surgeons often use this technique to improve their performance. When we mentally rehearse our success, it can help build confidence, reduce anxiety, and prepare us to deliver our best when it truly matters.

Building a Mindset for Resilience.

Life is full of challenges and setbacks. It's easy to get discouraged when things don't go as planned. However, cultivating a growth mindset allows us to see these hurdles not as insurmountable barriers but as opportunities for learning and growth.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and a growth mindset is key to building this trait. When we believe that we can grow and learn from our experiences, we become more resilient and adaptable, better equipped to navigate life's challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.

Let The Journey To Rewiring Your Mindset Begin.

The importance of mindset in achieving peak performance cannot be overstated. It's an invisible force that significantly influences our capacity to succeed. It's the mental thread that weaves through our abilities, shapes our approach to challenges, and determines our resilience in the face of failures.

As we continue this journey, I invite you to embrace the power of mindset and harness its potential to drive personal and professional growth. Remember, a growth mindset is not just about believing you can improve. It's about embracing challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, viewing effort as the path to mastery, and learning from feedback and criticism.

With the right mindset, peak performance is within your reach. As Buddha famously said, "The mind is everything. What you think, you become." Let's embark on this exciting journey of cultivating a powerful mindset, one that paves the way to achieving peak performance, achieving your full potential, and optimizing your life.

The Psychology of Self-Talk: A Deeper Look into Our Inner Conversations

From our earliest years, we're taught how to communicate with the world around us. But what about the dialogue we have with ourselves? The conversations you hold in the privacy of your own mind, self-talk, can be just as critical, if not more so, than any you might have with others.

Understanding the Role of Self-Talk.

All of us engage in self-talk. It's that inner voice that narrates our life experiences, offering opinions and interpretations about our experiences, our actions, and the actions of those around us. At its core, self-talk represents the constant interplay between our conscious and subconscious minds, shaping our reality and how we perceive it.

Psychologists believe our self-talk can significantly influence our emotions, attitudes, decisions, and actions. The nature of these self-conversations, whether they're positive or negative, can determine the trajectory of our personal and professional lives.

Separating the Voice in Your Head From You.

When we hear that voice in our head, our self-talk, we oftentimes believe it is us speaking. That’s not an accurate way of thinking of self-talk because it is oftentimes based on who we were, not necessarily who we are, or, more importantly, who we want to be. One key to distinguishing your self-talk from who you are is, frankly, to give it a name other than you. It shouldn’t be a name you associate with a negative person in your life. The name you give your inner voice, especially the one who holds you back with negative self-talk, must be of a fictional individual. By calling the voice someone other than you, you begin to create space between you and the voice. It’s akin to making the switch from the thought “I am angry (or sad, or happy, or frustrated), to “I feel angry (or sad, happy, frustrated). The anger is not who you are. Same with self-talk of the negative kind, it’s simply not who you are.

The Power of Positive vs. Negative Self-Talk.

Self-talk can be categorized as either positive (constructive) or negative (destructive). Positive self-talk encompasses affirmations, constructive criticism, and words of encouragement. This internal pep talk can boost our self-esteem, productivity, and overall mental wellbeing. Negative self-talk, on the other hand, can entail doubt, criticism, and defeatism. Continual indulgence in negative self-talk can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.

Understanding this dichotomy is the first step towards leveraging the power of self-talk for personal and professional growth.

Harnessing Self-Talk: Three Action Steps to Take Today (and Tomorrow, and…).

Learning to harness the power of self-talk can be transformative. Here are three practical ways you can start leveraging your inner dialogue for personal and professional success.

1. Acknowledge and Observe Your Self-Talk: Before we can change our self-talk, we need to become aware of it. Spend some time each day listening to your inner dialogue. Note down the themes, attitudes, and tone of your self-talk. Is it more negative or positive? Are there recurring themes of self-doubt or self-assurance? By understanding your current self-talk habits, you can identify areas that need attention and improvement.

2. Challenge and Replace Negative Self-Talk: We're often harder on ourselves than anyone else could be. If you observe negative self-talk, challenge it. Ask yourself if what you're saying to yourself is true, or if you're being overly critical. Would you speak to a friend or colleague the way you're speaking to yourself? If not, work on replacing the negative thoughts with more positive, constructive ones. Instead of saying, "I can't do this," try reframing it as, "This will be a challenge, but I'm capable of overcoming it.”

3. Practice Positive Affirmations: Affirmations are powerful tools for positive self-talk. They are positive statements that you repeat to yourself, designed to combat negative thoughts and beliefs. Regular practice of affirmations can significantly influence your subconscious mind, leading to an improved attitude, better stress management, and increased self-confidence. Craft affirmations that resonate with your goals and aspirations. For example, if you're working towards a promotion, your affirmation could be, "I am competent and deserving of new opportunities.”

The Path Ahead.

While our inner voices are often shaped by past experiences and influences, they're not set in stone. Like any other skill, you can cultivate positive self-talk with awareness, practice, and patience. And the benefits of positive self-talk are manifold, impacting every aspect of our lives – from our mental health to our professional achievements.

As we navigate the professional landscape, understanding and harnessing the power of self-talk can make all the difference between thriving and merely surviving. In the competitive world of business, the power of positive self-talk can help us overcome setbacks, maintain focus and resilience, and propel ourselves towards our goals with conviction and determination.

Our self-talk is a direct reflection of our inner beliefs, perspectives, and attitudes. By making a conscious effort to nourish and strengthen our inner voice with positivity and resilience, we can create a powerful ally within ourselves – one that supports, encourages, and bolsters us at every turn.

Just as we choose our words carefully in professional and social conversations, let's be equally mindful about the dialogue we have with ourselves. For it is this dialogue that ultimately shapes our worldview, the perception of ourselves, and our potential for success.

To sum it up, the power of self-talk extends beyond mere self-affirmation or motivation. It lies in understanding its profound psychological impact and harnessing it effectively for personal and professional growth. If we can master the art of positive self-talk, we gain control over our thought patterns, setting a strong foundation for confidence, productivity, and emotional wellbeing.

3 Bonus Takeaways.

1. Recognize and monitor your self-talk patterns to identify areas that need improvement.

2. Challenge and replace negative self-talk with more constructive narratives.

3. Regularly practice positive affirmations that resonate with your personal and professional goals.

Remember, you are the narrator of your own life. Make sure your self-talk reflects the story you want to tell, and the person you aspire to be.

Do you have any other insights about the power of self-talk? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! Let's keep this crucial conversation going.

As always, if you found this content helpful, feel free to share it with your network.

Don't Allow A Scarcity Mindset To Drive Your Life And Practice (Into A Ditch).

A scarcity mindset creates your own private prison.

As an outstanding lawyer, you are no stranger to the pressures and demands that come with the territory. The legal industry is highly competitive, with lawyers vying for clients, promotions, and recognition. Lawyers are trained from the first day of law school to risk averse. That training coupled with the fast-paced and often high-stakes environment in which they operate, means it's not uncommon for lawyers to develop a scarcity mindset, which can impact their behavior, and overall well-being. Let’s explore what the scarcity mindset is, how it manifests in the legal profession, and its potential impacts on lawyers' mental health and career success.

What is the Scarcity Mindset?

A scarcity mindset is based in fear; it’s a mindset characterized by a belief that resources, such as time, money, and opportunities (clients), are limited and hard to come by. It focuses on what is lacking rather than what is abundant. This mindset can lead to feelings of insecurity, envy, and a constant sense of competition with others.

In the legal profession, the scarcity mindset can manifest in various ways. For example, when I started my law firm in 2006, I felt the need to constantly take on new clients and cases, fearing if I turned down work, I might may miss out on future opportunities. I wound up taking cases I probably shouldn’t have, not from a perspective of my ability to do the work, but from that of working with clients who were not a good fit for me personally. Having a scarcity mindset impinged on the thing I wanted most when starting my firm: Freedom. Lawyers may also be overly concerned about their billable hours and revenue, believing that they need to constantly generate income to secure their financial stability. Additionally, attorneys may compare themselves to their peers and feel envious of their colleagues' successes, seeing them as threats to their own success.

Origins of the Scarcity Mindset in Lawyers.

The development of a scarcity mindset in lawyers can be attributed to various factors, including:

1. Legal education: Law school fosters a competitive environment, where students are ranked based on their academic performance and extracurricular achievements. This environment can create a fear of inadequacy and scarcity that persists throughout a lawyer's career.

2. The billable hour model: The predominant method of billing in the legal profession, the billable hour model, can lead to a scarcity mindset as lawyers strive to meet high billable hour targets and maximize their revenue generation.

3. Competitive job market: The legal job market is highly competitive, with more graduates than available positions. This competition can create a sense of scarcity, as lawyers vie for a limited number of jobs.

4. Firm culture: Some law firms cultivate a culture of competition and scarcity by emphasizing individual achievements and rewarding attorneys who outperform their peers.

Impacts of the Scarcity Mindset on Lawyers.

The scarcity mindset can have numerous negative impacts on lawyers' mental health and career success. Here are some common ways in which it can affect legal professionals:

1. Burnout and stress: The constant fear of missing out, taking on too much work, and feeling the need to always be "on" can lead to burnout and chronic stress. Lawyers may find themselves working long hours, neglecting self-care, and sacrificing their well-being in pursuit of perceived scarce resources.

2. Poor decision-making: When lawyers operate from a scarcity mindset, they may make impulsive decisions out of fear or desperation, without thoroughly evaluating the potential risks and benefits. This can lead to poor decision-making and negative consequences for their clients and their own professional reputation.

3. Damaged relationships: The scarcity mindset can also strain relationships with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders. Lawyers may become overly competitive, distrustful, and unwilling to collaborate or share resources, which can negatively impact their professional relationships and reputation.

4. Limited growth and opportunities: Paradoxically, the scarcity mindset can hinder professional growth and limit opportunities. Lawyers may become overly risk-averse, avoiding new challenges or opportunities for fear of failure. They may also fail to recognize and capitalize on existing opportunities due to a narrow focus on scarcity rather than abundance.

5. Overemphasis on competition: Lawyers with a scarcity mindset may constantly compare themselves to others and see their colleagues as competitors rather than allies.

6. Neglect of personal needs: The scarcity mindset can lead to a focus on work at the expense of personal relationships, self-care, and overall well-being.

7. Short-term thinking: The scarcity mindset can cause lawyers to prioritize immediate gains over long-term benefits, such as sacrificing work-life balance for a promotion or taking on too many cases to meet billable hour targets.

8. Negative impact on mental health: The constant pressure and stress of the scarcity mindset can take a toll on lawyers' mental health. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues may arise as a result of chronic fear, stress, and competition, leading to decreased well-being and quality of life.

9. Limited Risk-Taking: Scarcity mindset can discourage risk-taking, as individuals may be afraid of losing what little they have, and may avoid taking calculated risks that could lead to growth or opportunities.

10. Increased Stress and Anxiety: Constantly worrying about scarcity and lack can result in increased stress and anxiety, affecting one's mental health and well-being.

11. Limited Vision and Ambition: Scarcity mindset can limit an individual's vision and ambition, as they may believe that opportunities are scarce and out of reach, leading to a self-imposed glass ceiling.

12. Short-term Orientation: A scarcity mindset can result in a short-term orientation, where individuals may focus on immediate gains rather than long-term planning and investment in their future.

These impacts have resulted in the legal profession going from a noble profession to a punchline and are the bases for the alarming statistics concerning alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, isolation, and burnout experienced by lawyers.

5 Questions to Ask to Diagnose a Scarcity Mindset.

You may be wondering whether you have a scarcity mindset. Here are five questions to ask yourself. (Be brutally honest here; no one will know your answers but you.)

1. Do I frequently worry about running out of resources such as money, time, or opportunities?

2. Do I often feel envious of others who seem to have more than me?

3. Am I hesitant to take risks or try new things because I fear failure or losing what I already have?

4. Do I have trouble saying no to requests or commitments even when they are not aligned with my goals or values because I feel like I need to hold onto any opportunity that comes my way?

5. Do I believe that success is a limited resource and that someone else's success means there is less available for me?

If you’re operating your legal practice from a scarcity mindset, you’re holding yourself back from your true potential and playing small. That’s the truth and that’s where a coach like me comes in. I get you because I was you. If you want to know more, reach out for a conversation; I’ll send you a link to my calendar.

#breakthelaw #lawyercoaching #mindset

The Benefits of An Internal Locus of Control.

We all face challenges and obstacles in life. Some say that because the way lawyers think, we face more than others! Some people seem to overcome them with ease while others struggle to get through even the smallest of setbacks. One of the main reasons for this difference is their locus of control.

Locus of control is the degree to which you believe you have control over the events that affect your life. There are two types: internal and external. People with an internal locus of control believe that their own actions and decisions primarily determine their outcomes. In contrast, people with an external locus of control believe that external factors, such as luck or fate, have more influence over their lives.

Strawberry Fields, Central Park, NYC. 📸 - The Author

The importance of having an internal locus of control and how it can impact various aspects of your life can’t be overstated. Here are just a few:

Improved problem-solving skills.

People with an internal locus of control tend to be more proactive when it comes to solving problems. They believe that they have the power to influence their circumstances and take action accordingly. This can lead to a more strategic approach to problem-solving, as they focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of the issue rather than simply reacting to its symptoms over and over again.

Increased motivation.

When you have an internal locus of control, you are more likely to be motivated to achieve your goals. You believe that your own efforts and actions will lead to success, so you are more willing to invest time and energy into pursuing your objectives. This can lead to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.

Better mental health.

Research has shown that people with an internal locus of control tend to have better mental health outcomes. They are less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other negative emotions, as they feel empowered to take control of their lives. In contrast, people with an external locus of control may feel helpless and hopeless when faced with challenging situations, which can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair.

Greater sense of personal responsibility.

When you have an internal locus of control, you are more likely to take responsibility for your actions and decisions. You recognize that you have the power to influence your circumstances, and you take ownership of the outcomes that result from your choices. This can lead to a greater sense of accountability and integrity, which can improve your relationships and reputation.

Greater resilience.

People with an internal locus of control tend to be more resilient in the face of adversity. They believe that they can overcome challenges through their own efforts, which can help them to bounce back more quickly from setbacks. This can lead to a greater sense of confidence and self-efficacy, which can be beneficial in all areas of life.

Improved physical health.

Believing that you have control over your life can also have a positive impact on your physical health. People with an internal locus of control tend to engage in healthier behaviors, such as exercise and healthy eating, as they recognize that their choices have a direct impact on their well-being. This can lead to better overall health outcomes and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Having an internal locus of control can have numerous benefits for your personal and professional life. By believing that you have control over your circumstances, you can improve your problem-solving skills, increase your motivation, experience better mental and physical health, and achieve greater success.

How about you? Do you have an internal locus of control or an external one? Are you consistent across the board or does it vary depending on the “thing” you’re doing?

Not Taking Vacation Because You Feel Guilty? You’re Damaging Your Law Practice!

Are you a lawyer who feels guilty taking vacation? Can you even imagine unplugging for a day, let alone a week or two?

The billable hour requirement doesn’t go away when you do; I get it. Also, no one is going to take the work off of your desk while you’re away, amirite? Plus, you’ve likely bought into several (if not all) of the 5 lies lawyers tell themselves such as: Lie Number 1: I have to grind all the time to be successful; Lie Number 2: If I’m not busy, I’m lazy; and Lie Number 3: If I’m not busy, I’m lazy. If any of this sounds like you (or even if it doesn’t), you should most definitely read on.

Let’s start with some stats with some alarming stats from a recent Washington Post article that caught my eye. “Americans are about half as likely to be taking a vacation in any given week as they were 40 years ago” is the line that caught my eye. Dig deeper, though, and the statistics are even worse! Back in 1980, a measly 3.3% of people were taking vacation on any given week; today, that statistic is a measlier (yes, that’s a word) 1.7%. The article goes on to explain the “drop-off has been driven by our failure to take full-week vacations.”

Lawyers, holding advanced degrees should be, according to the statistics from the same article more likely to take both full week vacations (2.5%) and partial week vacations (2%). But are they properly represented in that data set? In other words, are lawyers actually taking time away from the office to recharge at the rates depicted in the article or, perhaps, less?

Sure, the use of vacation will vary depending on your position. For example, if you’re a true solo, you make take, perhaps a long weekend away, when courts are closed, think national holidays, and nothing else. If you’re a partner at an AM Law 100 firm, you may actually take a full week away totally unplugged. My guess is most lawyers are on a sliding scale that is weighted towards that true solo.

Now let’s talk about the importance of time away, truly away, from the office and work and what benefits would accrue to you, your clients, your firm, your family and friends, and your community. As I’ve spoken about (click here for a recording of my presentation on the basics of flow), the flow cycle consists of the following 4 phases: (1) Struggle; (2) Release; (3) Flow; (4) Recovery. Short (20 minute) periods of recovery daily to maintain your ability to achieve flow, however, aren’t enough in the long run. We need to disconnect, truly disconnect, in order to fully recharge and recover. That time away will redound to the benefit of not only your physical and mental health, but your productivity as well. We need look no further than professional athletes to understand this concept.

Many (if not all) professional athletes step completely away from their chosen sport during the “off season.” Some might look at this model and conclude it does not translate to the law firm environment. To those people, I ask one simple question: Why not? Lawyers are akin to athletes: we have to perform at a high level on a regular basis; our work is often divided into busy and not-so-busy cycles, akin to athletes ramping up for competition, etc. The only real difference is for lawyers, our “muscle” is our brains. Others may think they world-class athletes stay at the top of their game despite their time away. Talk to any Olympian or professional athlete, however, and they’ll tell you they are able to stay at the top of their game because of their time away, not in spite of it.

The benefits of recovery are well known in the athletic context (muscle recovery, cognitive rejuvenation, etc,), similar benefits come to lawyers who take time away: we are better able to perform our work, we are better leaders to our staff, we communicate better with clients, and we show up differently with our families, friends, and in our community.

The downside of not taking sufficient time away, truly away, from your work is an increased potential for burnout, or, worse yet, becoming one of the statistics our industry laments associated with alcohol abuse, depression, stress, and anxiety.

We’re all aware of the mindset “work hard; play hard.” The reality for many lawyers is “work hard; keep on working.” It’s a recipe for disaster.

Jeff Blackburn and Neil Young penned the lyric “it’s better to burnout than to fade away”; if you don’t take time away, this may as well be your mantra. The problem is that mantra hurts everyone. If you burnout, there are clients in the world who will never have the benefit of your unique legal mind; your firm, family, and community will suffer.

Don’t be that lawyer. Take time away.

If you struggle with taking time off and unplugging (or any of the 5 lies), reach out so we can have a conversation.