Fun
Is Not a Four-Letter Word
10 Ways to Have Fun Practicing Law
By Melanie Jester
Have you stopped lately
to consider whether you are injecting some fun into your everyday
work week? Curiosity and creativity are a lawyer’s most essential
tools. Here are a few suggestions (ranging from the serious to the
absurd) to jump-start your work week:
1. Send a monk-e-mail. Dress your chimp for laughter
success, add a text message and select a voice. Your chimp will speak
your e-mail to a friend (or opposing counsel)! Go to CareerBuilder.com/monk-e-mail.
2. Foster a client-relationship. The practice
of law is largely the practice of building relationships. Learn a
hobby or personal interest of a client. Send a small gift, relevant
book, article or even a cartoon recognizing your client’s interest.
3. Pick a pick-me-up theme song. Upbeat music
is a sure-fire way to infuse some energy. Need ideas? Poll your co-workers
for a list of their favorites or check out the Real Simple iMix
on iTunes, a playlist of “power songs.”
4. Give yourself gold stars. Tackle a project
you’ve been procrastinating over and earn a gold star. Chart
your progress and give yourself one month to earn 10 stars. At the
end of the month reward yourself with a
personal splurge.
5. Unwind with a “deep thought.” Remember
the soothing voice and picturesque nature scenes that accompanied
Saturday Night Live’s Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy?
When work is too serious, unwind with one of your favorite Handy
thoughts at www.deepthoughtsbyjackhandy.com.
6. Stretch your brain. Schedule one hour at least
once a month to study recent developments in your practice area.
Write a brief summary of what you learned and e-mail it to your
practice group. Ask for comment and feedback.
7. Think outside the box. Pick one area of your
practice you would like to improve upon (negotiation techniques,
marketing practices, billing methods) and brainstorm about novel
approaches. Consult colleagues for suggestions, search for an Internet-based
discussion or check out The Art of Possibility: Transforming
Professional and Personal Life by Rosamund Stone Zander and
Benjamin Zander.
8. Conduct a self-evaluation. Where are you professionally?
Set goals on how to improve neglected or underdeveloped skills. Keep
the goals simple. Take some action each day toward reaching your
goals. Don’t stress out about these goals! This is supposed
to RELAX you!
9. Spread enthusiasm. Write a note of congratulations,
praise or encouragement to a co-worker.
10. Liven up your language. The lawyer’s
medium is words. If you’ve become mired in the monotony of
legalese, give a boost to your vocabulary. Subscribe to
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day e-mail at www.m-w.com.
Don’t stop with these
suggestions. Come up with your own top 10 list. Deliver it to your
office colleagues Letterman style.
Need help? Look for suggestions in these books: 301
Ways to Have Fun at Work by Dave Hemsath and Leslie Yerkes; Work
Like Your Dog by Luke Barber and Matt Weinstein.
Ms. Jester is an attorney in Oklahoma City and chairs the OBA
Work/Life Balance Committee.
|
