This Wednesday, I am doing a LexBlog webinar on planning aimed at law firm associates. The title is How to Develop an Effective Business Plan with Cordell Parvin. I know the number of telephone lines is limited, but I hope we can totally fill it to capacity. If you are an associate, sign up. If you are a partner, marketing director or professional development director, encourage the associates in your firm to participate. Please also pass this on to others.

Where should a young lawyer begin? I always say to begin with the “what” and the “why.” When thinking about the what, consider this David J. Schwartz quote:

“Believe Big. The size of your success is determined by the size of your belief. Think little goals and expect little achievements. Think big goals and win big success. Remember this, too! Big ideas and big plans are often easier – certainly no more difficult – than small ideas and small plans.”

If you are a long time reader, you likely know this is not the first time I have written about the importance of believing. Almost three years ago, I wrote: If You Want to be a Rainmaker, “You Gotta Believe.” 

Here is the main point: If the size of your belief is huge,that will not guarantee you will achieve that size of success. I know from my own experience you will be energized. But, there are many, many challenges for young lawyers in the current economy. On the other hand, if the size of your belief is small, it will pretty much guarantee you will not achieve anything bigger. You get to make the choice.