3 years into my legal career, I was daydreaming about the “perfect” law firm.
Daily.
My then-current firm wasn’t a good culture or practice fit, and I was miserable.
Yet I didn’t do anything (other than daydream) for 2 more years. I told myself that:
I needed more experience.
I wasn’t “ready” to make a move.
I’d be ready in just a few more years.
All a bunch of bull.
The truth was worry, fear, and doubt.
Worry that others might think me ridiculous. Fear of making the wrong move. Doubts that I could hack it anywhere.
Because…
How could I explain such unhappiness after all the work to get there?
What about the fact that I made (really) good money?
What if the next place wasn’t any better (what if it was worse)?
What if a move stunted my career?
What if it were me, not the wrong firm or practice area?
My brain was spinning out of control. It was also doing its job. [It doesn’t like change; these thoughts are part of its survival instinct.]
I finally took control (and did something about it) after my frustrated husband bluntly said, “Heather, you have a choice”.
What can you take away from this, Friend?
Your brain is wired for fear, worry, and self-doubt. And it’s okay for you to feel these things (it’s normal to feel these things).
Instead of pushing away from the feelings, accept them. Know why they’re showing up. This is a necessary first step for taking the action (you know you need to take).
XO,
Heather
P.S. Most lawyers wish they could be rainmakers, yet few ever are. Even though anyone (and yes, I mean anyone) can be a rainmaker.
Find out why you’re not a rainmaker (yet) on today’s Life & Law episode >>> here.
P.P.S. Want help with training your brain to move out of the fear, worry, and doubt trap? Use my Legal Mindset Mastery Toolkit (inside the Life & Law Success Vault). 👇
