Suppose you came to me seeking to join a new law firm. And, suppose during our discussion I asked:
What can you tell me about your career and life habits?
Years ago I read Jack Canfield’s book: “The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.”
In the book he reports that psychologists tell us that 90% of our behavior is habitual. I absolutely agree based on my own experience. If that is true, what are your habits? Are they contributing to your success?
If you are interested in Canfield’s list of principles you can find it here.
Canfield begins Principle 35 with a quote from Ken Blanchard.
There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you are committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.
That’s a powerful stuff.
For years I was committed to my personal fitness. I woke up the same time every morning and went to the fitness club.
Lately, I have only been interested, but not committed, in my physical fitness. I can find many excuses for not working out. Needless to say, working out is no longer part of my daily habits and I am not feeling as well as when it was.
What are your commitments? Are you committed to becoming a better lawyer? Are you committed to providing extraordinary service to your clients? Are you committed to making client development efforts part of your every day habits?
I have been thinking about what the most important habits lawyers should have if 90% of our behavior is habitual. I am considering writing a book describing these habits and why they are important. Here are the habits I believe are important:
- Healthy eating and regular exercise
- Positive self-talk and attitude
- Focus on learning and becoming a better lawyer
- Goal setting
- Planning non-billable time and using it wisely
- Focus on relationships
- Understanding client needs
- Extraordinary client service
- Leading, supervising, delegating and motivating lawyers and staff
- Making and keeping commitments
I plan to blog further on habits. Stay tuned if you are interested.