Motivation Management for Lawyers

Motivation is a psychological force that drives and directs human behavior towards achieving specific goals, fulfilling needs, or pursuing interests. It is the underlying reason for people's actions, desires, and needs. Motivation can stem from internal sources (intrinsic motivation) or external sources (extrinsic motivation), and it plays a crucial role in shaping the way individuals approach tasks, overcome challenges, and interact with their environment.

Intrinsic motivation comes from within the individual. It is driven by an interest or enjoyment in the task itself, and exists within the individual rather than relying on external pressures or rewards. People who are intrinsically motivated engage in activities for the sheer satisfaction and pleasure they derive from them, not for some separable consequence or reward. Examples include participating in a hobby because it's enjoyable, studying a subject for the love of knowledge, or working on a project because it feels meaningful.

Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, involves completing a task or engaging in an activity because of external factors or rewards. This could include working to earn money, studying to achieve good grades, or participating in a competition to win a prize. Extrinsic motivators can be tangible, such as money or prizes, or intangible, like praise or recognition.

Being always motivated is not a positive thing. It is like running a marathon, reaching the finish, but continuing running even after the finish. Motivation is especially effective with its upside downs.

Components of Motivation

Let's explore the elements of motivation using the example of a lawyer who aims to wake up at 5:00 AM every weekday to spend two hours on self-development, specifically learning programming. Imagine you have access to various resources- subscriptions to LinkedIn Learning, Udacity, and a collection of books and courses.

Everything is in place, but you find yourself lacking the time, energy, and motivation to engage with these materials. Although your firm is willing to finance any educational efforts and tech skill enhancements, managing this alongside an 80-hour workweek presents a significant challenge. How can you effectively balance these commitments?

Direction

The lawyer should clearly define their goal. In our example, the objective of learning programming is too abstract. While running a simple print("Hello World") command in Python might technically make you a developer, it doesn't provide a deep understanding of how programming languages function. Therefore, it's crucial to set a specific direction. Vague ambitions like "Become the most technical lawyer in Germany," "Gain recognition as a tech-savvy lawyer," or "Become the top legal tech expert" might sound appealing, but they don't offer incremental steps. Waking up at 5:00 AM daily without tangible milestones tied to these broad goals is challenging.

A more effective approach is to set measurable goals. For instance, your aim could be to build a web-accessible application that simplifies one aspect of your work. Start by identifying a specific problem at work, then brainstorm its solution's structure. Break down the project into manageable milestones: create the backend, develop the frontend, design the interface attractively, and finally, deploy the application to make it accessible online. Dividing your goal into these smaller, clear steps not only provides direction but also outlines a path, which is a vital component of sustained motivation.

Reason

In examining the "why" behind the goal, the lawyer should clearly identify the reasons driving their ambition. These reasons can be singular or multiple and interconnected.

One compelling reason for developing programming skills might be to enhance one's position within the firm and the broader market. By building a portfolio that showcases expertise in both legal and technological areas, a lawyer can stand out. A deeper motivation might stem from a passion for the intersection of law and technology, a desire to contribute to the evolution of the field, or an aspiration to become an innovator within this space.

Another motive could be the creation of lasting and visible value through a technical product - something uniquely their own that stands as part of their legacy. While the projects and achievements within their firm may belong to the organization and not reflect on their personal identity, a technical solution they've developed to address a specific problem could distinctly define them.

Learning programming also contributes to a lawyer's overall self-development. It enhances discipline, as acquiring programming skills is widely regarded as challenging. Engaging with complex and diverse technical topics can contribute to personal growth, particularly valuable if their law firm is progressing in the legal tech area.

Some individuals are driven by competition, adopting motivations such as standing out in a unique field or continuing a pursuit because few others do. For a lawyer with a packed schedule, waking up daily at 5 AM to learn programming sets them apart, potentially accelerating their growth in the market compared to peers who do not engage in such activities. If at 5 AM frustration takes over, this phrase "If I am the only one in the world who is doing this right now, then I should continue" can potentially help. This unique commitment can position them ahead of competitors and contribute significantly to their professional advancement.

Plan

Once you understand your why and your reason, the next step is to develop a plan of action, a timeline, and a clear path toward achieving your goal. A plan serves as a guide, that makes you feel like a manager is overseeing your progress, ensuring you stay on track. The plan can be ambitious, such as learning programming in three months, or more realistic, like mastering it over two years.

The most effective way to ensure progress is by translating your milestones into deadlines and daily routines. Consider what your specific steps will be each morning. Will you immediately go to your laptop and start a Udacity course, or will you read a Python book while still in bed? While the methods can vary, it's crucial to establish a consistent approach that allows you to build momentum over time. Your plan should also account for setbacks, whether it's getting stuck on a problem, being overloaded with work, feeling tired, or recovering from a late night. Planning for these situations will help you stick to your schedule and maintain motivation.

Having a plan is like having a map. It makes the journey easier by showing where you are and what your next step is. This overview prevents you from losing sight of the fact that you're already in the water and need to keep swimming. Stagnation can be detrimental, but with a plan in place, you can navigate your journey with confidence.

Intesity

How much effort are you willing to put into achieving your goal? You can quantify your dedication in terms of intensity and consider how it aligns with your timeline. For example, you might be prepared to work at 90% intensity for the next month, at 70% intensity for six months, or at 30% intensity over the next two years. Generally, the longer the timeframe, the lower the intensity required. This is similar to studying for university exams: cramming the night before requires intense, focused effort, whereas starting two to three months early allows for a more relaxed approach.

In a law firm, it's unrealistic to maintain the same level of high intensity for a two-year project as one might for a one-month project. When learning programming, your intensity might fluctuate based on various factors, but tackling your goals in batches can help reset your energy. For instance, starting with a batch like learning ten Python syntax rules might boost your intensity to 80-90% because it's a straightforward and achievable goal. If you were to attempt learning the entire syntax in one go, your intensity would likely diminish over time.

However, starting a new batch, such as another set of ten syntax rules, can easily reset your intensity to its initial level. Therefore, intensity is closely linked to the division of work and the concept of milestones. Each new batch of work can bring a fresh burst of energy, helping to maintain a high level of engagement compared to a continuous, undifferentiated effort.

Your goal's place in the Hierarchy

Learning programming is an exciting goal, but it's just one of many priorities in your life, which also includes your career as a lawyer, family, sports, health, and other areas, each with their own goals and milestones. The intensity of your efforts in each area will depend on the deadlines and incentives you set for yourself.

It's crucial to appropriately position your goal of learning programming within your overall hierarchy of priorities. Scheduling it for 5:00 AM places it early in your day but doesn't necessarily make it your most important task. This approach aligns with the concept from William McRaven's book "Make Your Bed", where he discusses discipline not just as adhering to a strict schedule but as starting your day with a foundational task. In your case, this could be completing a chapter of a programming course or adding a new feature to your application. Successfully completing this first task sets a positive tone for the day, gives you a significant sense of accomplishment, and motivates you to tackle subsequent tasks. By the day's end, this initial task will have catalyzed the completion of many others.

Therefore, while learning programming may not be your primary goal as a lawyer, it can serve as the driving force behind your entire hierarchy of goals, pushing you forward and enhancing your productivity in all areas of your life. Learning programming can become your new "Make Your Bed".

Clearing the path

On your way of learning programming each morning, it's crucial to ensure a smooth start to your day. For lawyers working under tight deadlines and high stress, adding an extra goal like this could impact your effectiveness and productivity throughout the day.

You might think the best way to wake up is with a loud alarm followed by hitting snooze a few times. However, just as important as how you fall asleep - typically taking 20-25 minutes to relax into sleep - it's equally important to wake up in a similarly gentle manner. Numerous apps aim to wake you up as gently as possible. In my opinion one of the best options is a sunlight alarm, which gradually brightens over 20 minutes, simulating a sunrise to help you awaken naturally and feel energized, ready to tackle intensive work without fatigue at 5 AM.

After waking, engaging in a brief morning exercise, drinking enough water, and performing some breathing exercises, like those from Wim Hof, can provide an additional energy boost. To make this routine sustainable, it's essential to go to bed early, avoid alcohol the night before, and maintain a healthy evening routine. Avoid overeating or consuming excessive caffeine or sugar, as these can act as obstacles, jeopardizing your path to achieving your goal of waking up early and learning programming. By managing these elements, you can clear your path each morning to successfully reach your milestones without difficulty.

Reward

The challenge with learning programming for lawyers is that it's an optional pursuit - there are no enforced deadlines, no bonuses, and no tangible consequences if it isn't done. This is similar to many self-initiated projects but with one difference - learning programming in the legal profession still keeps it uncertain if any significant changes will occur even if you succeed in learning those technical skills.

Given that the journey is challenging and the outcomes may be unclear, many lawyers might give up early or midway through the process. To maintain motivation in the absence of direct rewards like salary increases or bonuses, it's crucial to establish personal incentives. These should not necessarily involve buying some clothes and objects or planning an expensive trip - these rewards might motivate temporarily but are unlikely to sustain regular and intensive commitment.

Instead, consider a manipulative trick with something you regularly enjoy and look forward to - whether it's watching a football match, going to the cinema, enjoying a steak, tasting a glass of rum, playing a video game, or reading a book. Temporarily withhold this favorite activity from your routine. For instance, if you love eating steak weekly, try abstaining from it for a month until you achieve your next programming milestone. Once you reach that milestone, treat yourself to an exceptional steak, perhaps upgrading from a standard cut to a Wagyu, making the reward feel more special and well-earned. This approach of deprivation followed by a reward can serve as a powerful motivator, providing the necessary push to keep striving towards your goals.

Tools for Motivation Management

Above I've outlined the components of motivation in a specific scenario involving learning programming for lawyers. However, these principles are universal and particularly applicable within any law firm setting.

Managing motivation effectively requires understanding and utilizing these components. This is where a specialized tool could be beneficial for all lawyers in a firm. This tool shouldn't merely act as a goal-setting mechanism that records goals for the upcoming year for review by you and your supervisor. Instead, it should encompass all elements of motivation - Direction, Reason, Plan, Intensity, Hierarchy, Obstacles, and Reward.

By integrating these components, the tool can actively monitor and manage motivation levels. It would not only track progress but also help balance and enhance motivation by addressing each component specifically. For instance, a lack of motivation may arise from an unclear direction or the absence of a compelling reason for pursuing a goal. Monitoring the intensity level can reflect how much time and effort is being put into tasks, while recognizing obstacles can lead to proactive solutions to remove them. Additionally, understanding where a goal fits within the hierarchy of an individual's various projects, tasks, and routines can prevent motivation from decreasing.

Such a tool can replace the traditional yearly review mechanisms and automate the process of maintaining high motivation levels throughout the firm. This will help the lawyers not only to sett goals but also to get inspired to achieve them.

Before law firms decide on promotions, salary increases, or bonuses, they should consider the broader context of a lawyer's motivation. It's crucial for firms to make conscious decisions about managing motivation through technology, understanding its mechanisms, and reflecting all components of motivation in the goal planning of lawyers.