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Last week I talked about getting clear on want. But knowing what you want is only half the battle. You also have to want the side of shit that comes with your want. In other words, when you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. Here's what I mean: Every "want" has a shadow side. Want a satisfying relationship with someone? Choosing that means you're also choosing disagreements, not being able to make decisions without taking someone else into consideration, not sleeping with other people and all sorts of other things. Want to have a kick ass body? Choosing that means you're also choosing not eating whatever the hell you want, spending time exercising instead of doing other things, drinking lots of water instead of alcohol, etc. Want to run a business? Choosing that means you're also choosing mundane tasks, managing people, financial ups and downs and lots of other non-sexy things. You have to embrace the shadow side of your work. Opposing counsel that makes every interaction a drawn-out nightmare. Putting up your own money. Clients who make your life miserable.  These are the things that come with the job you've chosen. Seeing this clearly instead of shaking your fist in the air stops unnecessary suffering. You have enough stress in your life. Stop being surprised that this job is hard. Embrace it.
You can, and should, get clear on what you want. But as you do that, also consider that whatever you choose, you're choosing the shadow side too. When you pick up one end of the stick, you pick up the other. Choose wisely. What's getting in your way? Well if you're like most of my clients, I bet it's one of these three things: You Don't Know What You Want What do you want? When I ask clients that, I usually get a blank stare or a confused look. Want feels so...indulgent. So...self-involved. And what the heck does want have to do with anything anyway? Everything. Without want there is no WILL. When things get tough, you've got to have a want that's flashing so brightly in front of your face that you KEEP GOING. It's so easy to wake up one day and realize you're living a life you don't even recognize. Getting clear on what you want not only helps you keep going when things get tough but determines the course of your life. You're Waiting Maybe you know what you want but you're waiting to take action. You've told yourself you don't have enough experience. Or training. Or knowledge. Or preparation. You should wait. It's the prudent thing to do. Here's the truth: you'll never have "enough." You'll never walk into court feeling 100% prepared. You'll never feel you know everything there is to know. (At least I hope not. How boring!) "Enough" doesn't exist. It's a myth. It's a fantasy land you think exists if you'd only patiently wait for it to arrive.  You'll be waiting forever.
Stop waiting. Do it now. Whatever "it" is. You Aren't Willing to Fail What's the real reason you're waiting? Well, if you're like most people, you aren't willing to fail. You tell yourself it's because you aren't "enough,” but the real reason is you don't like failing. Newsflash: no one like to fail! But being willing to fail is the key to moving to the next level of your development. If you want to up your game at trial, you've got to put your fear aside and willingly put yourself out there and give up your excuses. Start wanting. Stop waiting. Be willing to fail. Get out of your own way and watch as your life, and trial practice, transforms before your very eyes. |
AuthorSari has been dubbed the "Attorney Whisperer" because of her unique ability to help attorneys communicate their real selves. Archives
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