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But there is one thing many of us rarely stop to take inventory of. Ourselves. As another calendar year comes to a close, many of us begin thinking about goals for the year ahead. We’ ll update our planners, organize our offices, and make lists of everything we hope to accomplish. There is something refreshing about turning the page to a new year. It reminds us that every ending is also an opportunity for a fresh start.
But before we begin planning for what’ s next, perhaps we should pause long enough to appreciate where we are.
Reflection naturally leads to another practice that often gets overlooked in our profession: gratitude.
Lawyers are trained to identify problems. We look for risks, anticipate obstacles, and prepare for what could go wrong. Those skills make us effective advocates,
Reconnect Challenge:
Before the new year begins, take fifteen minutes to write down the names of five people who made a positive difference in your life or career this year.
Then choose one.
Send a handwritten note. Make a phone call. Write an email. Tell them specifically why you’ re grateful for them.
You’ ll likely brighten their day.
You may be surprised how much it brightens yours as well. but they can also make it easy to overlook everything that is going right.
What if, for just a few moments, we took inventory of something different?
Think about the clients who trusted you.
The colleague who answered your call when you needed another perspective.
The mentor who offered guidance.
The staff member who quietly kept everything moving.
The judge who taught you something.
The opposing counsel who reminded you that professionalism and civility still matter.
The family members and friends who understood the late nights, celebrated your victories, and encouraged you through the difficult days.
Gratitude doesn’ t ignore the challenges of our profession. It simply reminds us that even during
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