Energy is Currency - Where Are You Investing Yours?

Lawyers, driven by a commitment to excellence, and often fueled by caffeine and late nights, frequently neglect the very essence that powers their endeavours – their energy. The demands of the legal profession can lead to a depletion of physical, emotional, and mental energy, creating a profound impact on overall well-being.?

The billable hour model is an omnipresent force shaping the lives of most lawyers, measuring value through a strict temporal lens. Every billable hour is meticulously accounted for, and the pursuit of excellence often becomes synonymous with the strategic allocation of time. Yet, within the confines of the billable hour model, a vital distinction emerges – the intricate interplay between managing billable hours and managing the energy fueling those hours. It is important to make the distinction between managing time vs managing energy. Managing time can apply to any task in your calendar. Managing energy is about discerning which tasks leave you feeling depleted, neutral, or energized and understanding what you need to do to recharge.

As a former lawyer turned counsellor, I've navigated the challenges posed by the billable hour model and witnessed the profound impact strategic energy management can have on meeting billable targets and cultivating a sustainable and fulfilling legal career. In this blog, I explore the concept that your energy is your currency and the key to unlocking resilience and thriving in a profession ruled by the relentless ticking of the billable hour.

Shift Your Mindset from Time to Vital Resources

Understanding energy as a form of currency reframes the narrative around self-care. In the practice of law, energy is the foundational currency that underpins the ability to think critically, make sound decisions, and navigate the complexities of the profession. Rather than viewing self-care as a luxury, recognize it as an investment in your primary resource – the energy required to excel in your roles, professionally and personally. As a former lawyer, I recognize the pervasive tendency to place self-care at the bottom of the priority list. Before we go further, let’s get clear about what self-care is and is not.

Self-Care Isn’t About Spa Days; Self-Care is About Boundaries

Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, the author of “Real Self Care – Powerful Practices to Nourish Yourself from the Inside Out”, shares the observation that I and many of my clients have experienced when we’re feeling exhausted and tapped out, self-care ends up being another item on our to-do list, and something else to feel guilty about not getting done! Dr. Lakshmin argues that self-care like yoga and bubble baths is nice, but they don’t work because they are what she calls, “faux self-care”. She argues that “If feeling confident and empowered were as easy as spa days and meal delivery service, life would be much easier! Self-care is the internal hard work of making tough decisions for yourself and by yourself. It starts with recognizing you have limits, and you really do have to choose what you prioritize because just like everyone else, you are human.” It means you must set boundaries and recognize that no one else is going to do this for you.?

Do an Energy Audit

Embarking on the exploration of energy as currency begins with a comprehensive self-reflection and energy audit. Pay attention to the ebbs and flows of your energy throughout the day. Identifying peak periods of focus and moments of fatigue lays the foundation for a personalized strategy tailored to individual energy rhythms.

If you’re uncertain about what you need to do to recharge or what energizes you, track your daily schedule for a week. Observe the activities you do in your day-to-day life, asking yourself what leaves you energized, neutral, or depleted. Write your observations somewhere so you can reference them when creating a plan, or when you need to make tweaks to your plans as you try them out.?

Pay attention to the big and the small things that influence your energy. If you know you are at your best after eight hours of sleep, then make shifts in your life so you can prioritize sleep. I experience a significant difference in my energy levels and focus when I routinely have an eight-hour sleep. Not only do I wake up recharged, but it also energizes me to hop on my spin bike or pilates machine which further energizes me and sets me up for success. It’s a win-win for me.

If you’re still not sure how to identify what energizes you, reflect on your answers to the following questions:

? What activities make time fly by effortlessly for you?

? Are there specific environments where you find yourself naturally inspired and energized?

? Are there particular people or groups whose company leaves you feeling energized and inspired?

? Which accomplishments, no matter how small, bring you a sense of pride and fulfillment?

? When facing a challenge, what mindset or approach tends to invigorate your problem-solving abilities?

? Reflect on activities or tasks that, when completed, leave you with a heightened sense of energy.

? When are you happiest?

Mindful Breaks and Micro-Restoration

Strategic breaks woven into your day provide a cognitive reset, allowing you to recharge your mental faculties and regain focus. By stepping away, even momentarily, from the demands of work, you can prevent cognitive fatigue, enhance creativity, and improve overall productivity. Micro breaks also contribute to stress reduction, offering a brief escape from the relentless pace of tasks. Furthermore, these intentional pauses foster a sense of well-being by promoting physical movement, reducing sedentary behaviour, and preventing the onset of burnout. The strategic incorporation of micro-breaks acts as a secret weapon, not just for maintaining energy levels, but also for cultivating sustained mental clarity and resilience throughout the day.

Strategic Rest and Recovery

Recognize the necessity of strategic rest and recovery. Quality sleep, weekends dedicated to relaxation, and periodic vacations are not indulgences but essential components of maintaining a reservoir of energy that fuels long-term success in the legal profession. Developing a habit of putting your phone on “do not disturb” and refraining from the urge to send a brief reply to an email you’ve read when you’re not supposed to be working, are ways of setting healthy boundaries for yourself.?

Being able to fully disconnect from work is vital to our well-being and longevity, personally and professionally. Be sure to create an out-of-office message when you leave for the day, weekend, or vacation. Find someone who can monitor your practice while you are on vacation, and if you’re a sole practitioner, be sure to give your clients notice you will be away and will not be answering communication unless it’s an emergency and define what an “emergency” is.?

Cultivate a Supportive Network

Prioritize cultivating a supportive professional and personal network. Sharing the burdens of the legal journey with trusted colleagues, mentors, and friends can provide emotional sustenance, acting as a buffer against the energy-depleting effects of stress.?

The Ripple Effect: Enhanced Legal Effectiveness and Well-Being

Your energy is your valuable non-refundable currency. Where you spend it is crucial to your well-being and happiness. Lawyers who prioritize self-care and energy maintenance are better equipped to handle high-pressure situations, think creatively, and navigate complex legal challenges with resilience and clarity. The ripple effect of enhanced well-being manifests not only in individual performance but also in the overall culture of legal practice.

By embracing intentional practices and prioritizing well-being, you can recharge your energy, emerging as a brilliant lawyer and a resilient individual who thrives amidst the ceaseless demands of the practice of law. Remember, the more you invest in your energy, the brighter your legal brilliance can shine.

Protect your energy by setting boundaries. Grab my FREE workbook - Boundary Basics for Lawyers, and learn how to say 'No' with confidence, and reclaim your energy and time.