The Role of Values in the Enjoyment of Your Law Practice

The underlying key to enjoying the practice of law is your values. Discontent occurs when there’s a disconnect between your values and where you focus your energy on a daily basis.

The key steps to breaking this cycle are:

* Identifying your values;

* Assessing the alignment of those values with your activities; and

* Adjusting your activities to be more in line with your values.

For example, if your top value is family but you leave early every morning for work, get home after your family is in bed and work most weekends, you’re setting yourself up for unhappiness both at home and at work; when you’re home you’re anxious about what needs to be done at the office, and when you’re at work, you’re concerned about what you’re missing at home. The result is that you aren’t focusing on either and you aren’t sufficiently “present” at any time.

One solution might be to schedule specific family time or family activities in advance and keep those inviolate. Not only will you ensure that your values are reflected in your schedule, but you’ll be more motivated and better able to focus at work.

The failure to follow your values isn’t only a function of time. Let’s assume that one of your top values is the environment and the ‘green’ movement. If those values aren’t reflected by the clients you represent or the firm you work for, the result can be a lack of motivation or focus at work and a general feeling of discontent.

You may not need to make a wholesale change such as leaving your job or changing practice areas in order to incorporate your values into your life. If there are other aspects of your job that do bring satisfaction or that you are content with, perhaps focusing more on ‘green’ clients or marketing to green clients, getting involved with environmental issues in your community or spearheading a recycling movement in your office or your bar association are all possible changes that you could make.

These examples demonstrate how the disconnect between values and day to day activities can breed unhappiness. Do you feel dissatisfied, burned out or discontented with your practice? Identify your most important values and balance your activities to ensure that your values are reflected in your life on a regular basis.