Health / Wellness

10 Tips For An Inspiring 2017

Here's a recap of articles that you may find useful as you look ahead to 2017.

By  
on

lawyer nirvana meditation meditatingThe end of 2016 is upon us. I am taking the last couple of weeks of the year reflecting and looking forward. My husband and I have a tradition of going on a meditation retreat to ring in the New Year. It’s a great way to start the year, and it beats getting up on January 1st with a nasty hangover.

On reflection, I’ve done a lot in 2016. In addition to this column, I started writing for Forbes. My proudest achievement is birthing The Anxious Lawyer (affiliate link)! I also co-founded Shape the Law with three amazing women. You’re invited to our next Unconference in San Francisco on January 27th and 28th.

Here’s a recap of articles that you may find useful as you look ahead to 2017.

1. On Happiness.

According to Aristotle, happiness is the central purpose of human life and a goal in itself. I find that lawyers are sometimes allergic to this idea but it’s possible to be happy and be a good lawyer. It starts with doing meaningful work and finding work/life balance. Don’t accept misery as the norm.

2. Mental Well-being.

We know a lot of lawyers are suffering from burnout, alcohol/substance abuse, depression, etc. Remember to practice self-care and pay attention to your physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Remember, rest is critical for lawyers. Also, let’s start talking about the elephant in the room — mental illness in the legal profession.

Sponsored

While not everyone has a mental illness, we all have a mental health that needs attending.

3. Difficult People.

There are a lot of “jerks” in our profession. Also, difficult bosses. You can either waste precious energy trying to change the behavior of others or change how you relate to the jerk.

4. Lies.

Perhaps my most read article of the year: 3 Lies Lawyers Should Stop Telling Themselves.

Sponsored

5. Career Transition.

Are you considering a career transition for 2017? I wrote a lot on this subject, here, here, here, and here. I also interviewed two women that made the transition: Alix Devendra and Monica Reyes. Step one for managing career transition? Get comfortable with uncertainty.

6. Mindfulness.

Of course, I wrote about mindfulness, why you should practice it, the science behind a regular meditation practice, and going on meditation retreats.

If you’re interested in starting a meditation practice, join me for a 30-day challenge starting January 5th.

7. Emotional Stability.

Despite the stereotype or what you may have been taught, emotions are part of life. Yes, this includes lawyers. Compassion is also important and critical for good lawyering.

8. Resiliency.

Train yourself to become more resilient in 2017.

9. Thoughts.

Increase self-regulation and mental toughness. Break negative thought patterns.

10. Resolutions.

Last, but not least, learn the science behind making (and keeping) New Year resolutions.

Wishing you a joyful New Year! See you in 2017.

Jeena Cho HeadshotJeena Cho is the author of The Anxious Lawyer: An 8-Week Guide to a Joyful and Satisfying Law Practice Through Mindfulness and Meditation (affiliate link). She regularly speaks and offers training on mindfulness and meditation. You can reach her at hello@jeenacho.com or @jeena_cho on Twitter.

Topics

, , , ,