Do Something! Enjoy your practice more by defining your values

The underlying key to enjoying the practice of law is your values; first, identifying what those values are, and second, ensuring that your activities are in alignment with those 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; and
• Assessing the alignment of those values with your activities.

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.

This kind of discontent isn’t always just 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.

These may be extreme examples, but they demonstrate clearly how the disconnect between values and day to day activities can breed unhappiness. You need to find the balance that works for you and ensure that your values are reflected in the work that you do.