Dealing With Uncertainty
Looks like the way back to the office and life as we knew it before March 2020 is, well, uncertain. With the ongoing rise in COVID cases nationally, some areas are seeing a return to mask mandates and social distancing. Many law firms are pushing back their return to the office. Those with families and school-aged children, including college students, are also facing uncertainty as to the education process. Will our students boomerang back home for remote learning? Will we go back to the office, in some hybrid approach or something? Although it was easier to assume the 'standard quo' would continue pre-pandemic, the reality is not much is certain. So, how do we deal with uncertainty and its related anxiety and stress? We have some tips, both personally and professionally.
Be Honest With Yourself
If you are experiencing sleeplessness, lack of 'oomph' in your life, or feeling disconnected, stop and think about it. When did these feelings start? What else changed in your world? Identifying the things that are bugging you is the first step. Most, if not all of us, have some level of discomfort with uncertainty. And that can lead to real differences in how we feel in our lives. For lawyers, uncertainty with cases and your law firm is probably something you have dealt with and will continue to. If the issues are concerns about the pandemic, identify that. The first step is identifying it.
Look at the Bright Side
Yeah, easier said than done. But there is always a silver lining, even if it's just a super-thin one. Challenge your negative thoughts. We all have a tendency to go down the 'what if' path and generally speaking, it's a downward spiral. But it's critical to consider the positive things that could happen on the 'what if' path as well. Consider your wildest dreams coming true, too, if you are going down the 'what if' path. It's only fair.
However, the reality is 99% of the things that take us out of the present moment aren't helping. Try to focus on the 'now', without sounding too kumbayah. If only we had some control or influence on the future. All anyone can do is what they can do in the present moment. So if that's doing that extra research on a case or washing face masks daily or any other positive action, do it. Worrying never got anyone anywhere. Taking action to do what you can to get the outcome you want? That has a lot of power.
Get Exercise, Mentally and Physically
At the beginning of the pandemic when things were so fresh and new and super scary for some of us, SimpleLaw found some great professionals to create videos to help us stay mentally and physically healthy. Of course, there are several online sources now, too.
Whatever you pick, make time for some breathing exercises, meditation, and get moving! You don't need a gym to get a workout in. But the importance of quieting the mind and moving the body is key to dealing with uncertainty and its related anxiety and stress.
Be Prepared
You know that thing about taking positive action to help you achieve the outcome you want? Yes, that applies to your law firm, too. The reality is the practice of law is forever changed. Clients' demands continue to evolve. And, clients are very accustomed to using technology in all aspects of their life. As such, clients look for law firms that offer some sort of technology. In fact, during the COVID shutdown, law firms that offered collaboration tools, like case management software, fared better than those that didn't. But it goes beyond the shutdown.
Clients have been asking for more visibility of their case and the legal process. They want to be part of the process, to the extent that they can be. And they want to be able to provide the information you need on their time, virtually, rather than an in-person appointment or phone call. The adoption of texting, social media, and DIY legal drove further demands. With technology, all of these are options.
Not only does case management software give clients the visibility they want, but it also gives you more time to actually practice law, not chase down documents and update your clients. So if you haven't yet adopted some case management software, well, now is the time. Because whether we ever go back in to quarantine again or not, clients are choosing law firms that give them what they need and it's all about technology.
One thing is certain about uncertainty - it's here to stay. Whether due to health and wellness issues, the evolution of technology in how the law is practiced and how courts function, or where and when we work. The best thing we can do is take positive action at the moment to set ourselves up for the best possible outcome. And not worry about it all, too much.
