Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Gratitude

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” — Melody Beattie

As the end of the year approaches, do you reflect on the year, what happened, what you have accomplished, and what you have to be grateful for?

How close have you come to accomplishing your yearly goals?

What unexpected gifts did you receive this year?

What do you have to be grateful for?

As we approach the end of another year, it's a fitting time for us to pause and reflect on the journey we've traversed throughout the past twelve months. Our days are often consumed by countless phone calls, urgent pleas for advice and answers, drafting pleadings and documents, winning and losing cases, and handling the demands of our clients. Yet, amid the challenges and victories, it's essential to take a moment to express gratitude for the accomplishments we've achieved and the unexpected gifts that life has bestowed upon us. In this season of reflection, let's explore the significance of acknowledging our achievements and embracing the unforeseen blessings that have enriched our professional and personal lives.

Why should we reflect with gratitude on our year?

Reflecting with gratitude on one's accomplishments and unexpected gifts at the end of the year holds significant importance for lawyers for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, it fosters a positive mindset and emotional well-being. We often navigate through high-stress situations, demanding clients, and complex cases. Reflecting on your accomplishments, whether they are significant victories or smaller milestones, can serve as a powerful reminder of the positive impact you can make. Expressing gratitude for these achievements promotes a sense of fulfillment, reduces burnout, and enhances overall mental and emotional health.

Secondly, it encourages personal growth and self-awareness. Taking stock of your accomplishments over the year provides valuable insights into strengths and weaknesses. It offers an opportunity to identify areas for improvement and set new goals for the upcoming year, ultimately helping you to evolve and continually become more effective in your practice.

Furthermore, expressing gratitude for unexpected gifts and opportunities acknowledges uncertainty in one's career. Law is a field where unexpected challenges and opportunities can arise at any moment. By recognizing and appreciating these unforeseen blessings, you can remain open to new possibilities and maintain a flexible mindset that can lead to even greater success.

In addition, gratitude fosters stronger relationships within the legal community. You work closely with colleagues, clients, and support staff. Expressing gratitude towards those who have contributed to your success strengthens professional relationships and encourages collaboration and a positive work environment.

Finally, reflecting on accomplishments and gifts at the end of the year can serve as a source of motivation. It reminds you of your ability to overcome challenges, make a difference in your clients' lives, and contribute to your profession. This renewed sense of purpose can energize you as you embark on the upcoming year's challenges.

Taking the time to reflect with gratitude on your accomplishments and unexpected gifts at the end of the year is essential for promoting mental and emotional well-being, fostering personal growth, maintaining positive relationships, and staying motivated in the demanding field of law. It's a practice that can benefit you and contribute to the overall health and vitality of the legal profession.

How was my year?

I have reflected on my year with great satisfaction in these areas:

Law practice: I supported my former firm, Huesman Jones and Miles, with client development, handling some of the more significant cases and helping my son, who now manages the practice.

LinkedIn newsletters: I write my weekly newsletters to over 2900 subscribers with messages of support and encouragement to lawyers. I produced one every week except for the week I was on vacation.

Podcast: I produced two weekly episodes of The Free Lawyer: a solo episode on Mondays with messages intended to support the legal profession and a guest episode on Thursdays with helpful information for lawyers. I had a terrific collection of guests this year. By the end of the year, I had produced 172 episodes of The Free Lawyer since its inception.

Coaching: I expanded my coaching practice. I received incredible fulfillment from the opportunity to work with some brilliant lawyers in our community.

LinkedIn community: I’ve been so encouraged and gratified by the excellent connections with many other lawyers and professionals I networked over LinkedIn. LinkedIn is truly a gift to many of us.

Breaking Free: most importantly, I have released my first book, Breaking Free: A Guide to Achieving Personal and Professional Freedom As a Lawyer. Candidly, I delayed its writing, preparation, and release because of my own red-light stories that told me I was not good enough, that the book would not be well received, and all those other limiting beliefs we all go through. I persevered, set deadlines, met them, and released the book on December 18. It was its category's number-one new release and is already climbing the best-seller list. Thank you so much for your support!

What intangible gifts have we enjoyed?

As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've embarked on together. It's been a year of growth, transformation, and profound moments of self-discovery. As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I want to express my deep gratitude for the gifts and accomplishments we've shared in 2023.

The Gift of Growth:

This year has been all about growth—both personally and professionally. We've explored the depths of the legal profession, delving into the challenges lawyers face and discovering the keys to unlocking personal and professional freedom. Together, we've uncovered the mindset prisons that hold us captive and learned how to set ourselves free. The gift of growth is immeasurable, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside you.

The Gift of Resilience:

We've shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity and uncertainty. We've weathered the storms that life and the legal profession have thrown, emerging more potent and resilient than ever. We've learned that setbacks are not roadblocks but stepping stones to success. The gift of resilience is powerful, and your unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges inspires me.

The Gift of Community:

Our community of like-minded individuals has been a source of inspiration and support throughout the year. I'm grateful for each of you who has joined us on this journey to personal and professional freedom. Your insights, experiences, and unwavering support have enriched our discussions, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow together in the coming year. The gift of community is truly priceless.

The Gift of Vision:

As we look ahead to 2023, I'm excited about the possibilities that lie before us. We'll continue exploring new horizons, challenging old paradigms, and embracing a growth mindset's transformative power. Our shared vision of a legal profession filled with success, happiness, and freedom is within reach, and I'm grateful for your partnership in turning that vision into reality.

As we bid farewell to 2023 and usher in a new year, let's carry the gifts of growth, resilience, community, and vision. May 2024 be a year of boundless opportunities, personal breakthroughs, and realizing your deepest aspirations.

Conclusion

What about you? How was your year? What were your significant accomplishments? You deserve a period of reflection, and you deserve to recognize and appreciate your accomplishments this year.

As we bid farewell to another year in the legal world, let us carry the warmth of gratitude forward into the future. Our profession demands much of us, but it also grants us immeasurable gifts in the form of opportunities to make a difference, uphold justice, and grow personally and professionally. In these reflections of gratitude, we find the strength to continue our pursuit of justice and the resilience to face the challenges that lie ahead. So, as we look ahead to the new year, may our hearts remain open to the lessons of the past, and may we continue to champion the cause of justice with unwavering dedication, knowing that gratitude is the compass guiding us on this remarkable journey through the world of law.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. I'm honored and grateful to have you by my side as we continue to break free, unlock our potential, and embrace the joy of living life on our terms.

I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year filled with success, happiness, and freedom.

You may order your copy of Breaking Free here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPKSQ59R