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Oklahoma Bar Journal

Staying Motivated as a Lawyer During the Winter Months

By Janet Johnson

The winter months can present unique challenges to maintaining motivation, especially in the demanding profession of law. As the days grow shorter and colder, it can be easy to slip into a pattern of low energy, diminished focus or even burnout. However, staying motivated during this time is essential to maintaining productivity, meeting client expectations and achieving personal career goals. So how can we combat this? How can we stay motivated during the winter months? I propose a few tips and tricks for you to consider.

SET CLEAR AND ACHIEVABLE GOALS

Winter can sometimes feel like a time for reflection and slowing down. However, it's essential to use this time productively. One way to do so is by setting clear, measurable and achievable goals. Breaking down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks can keep you on track while preventing you from feeling overwhelmed. Whether it's completing a specific number of billable hours, submitting filings or simply making progress on long-term cases, having a clear direction will keep you engaged.

Having both short-term and long-term goals is important. Short-term goals can help you focus on daily or weekly tasks, while long-term goals provide a larger sense of purpose. Celebrating small wins can give a sense of accomplishment and motivation to push forward.

MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT ROUTINE

The colder weather can disrupt your routine, particularly when it gets harder to get out of bed or face a long commute. However, establishing and sticking to a consistent routine is critical for maintaining focus and motivation. Start by setting a regular work schedule, even if you're working from home. This could include designated breaks, set start and end times for the day and time for physical activity.

Routines reduce the mental burden of decision-making, allowing you to focus your energy on more productive tasks. Furthermore, adding personal routines, such as morning coffee or a brief walk during lunch, can help break up the monotony and reenergize you.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE AND MAINTAIN ENERGY LEVELS

The winter months can sometimes affect your physical and mental well-being. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a common condition during the colder months and can contribute to feelings of lethargy or sadness. To combat this, prioritize self-care and maintain healthy habits that help preserve your motivation levels. Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining physical health, boosting mood and reducing stress. Even a short walk outside, when possible, can work wonders for clearing your head and refueling your energy.

Additionally, paying attention to your diet, hydration and sleep is essential. The cold weather often leads to comfort eating or skipping workouts, but maintaining a balanced routine will help keep your body and mind sharp. Remember, if you or any of your friends or colleagues are struggling, the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program is here to help. Bar members can receive up to six hours of short-term, problem-focused or crisis counseling at no cost. By simply calling the Lawyers Helping Lawyers hotline at 800-364-7886, you can connect with a counselor for help with stress, depression or addiction. And remember, this service is free and confidential. Monthly peer support groups are also an option, and please remember in the event of a crisis, immediate help is available by calling 988, the nationwide suicide prevention hotline.

BREAK UP THE WORKDAY

Sitting at a desk for extended periods, especially in the winter when you may already feel sluggish, can make it harder to maintain motivation. Break up your workday by implementing short, structured breaks every 60-90 minutes. Use these breaks to stretch, take a brief walk, or even practice deep-breathing exercises to reenergize. You can also take breaks to connect with colleagues or clients, which can help alleviate the isolation some may experience during the winter months when work hours are more extended. Sometimes, the workday doesn’t allow for these changes. When that is the case, I will often shift to my stand-up desk or my conference table. Small changes can make a difference! I find a change of scenery can stimulate your mind and improve your focus.

FOCUS ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Winter can be an ideal time to focus on professional growth. When the workload may slow down or become more routine, taking time to sharpen your skills or deepen your knowledge in a specific area of law can reignite your passion for the profession. Consider attending or watching our many on-demand CLE programs through WebCredenza, the OBA’s online learning platform. If you are reading this, you have probably already taken the time to stay current on my favorite legal publication, the Oklahoma Bar Journal. Setting aside time for intellectual enrichment not only benefits your career but also helps you feel more engaged and motivated in your daily work.

You could also consider networking with colleagues or mentors to discuss industry trends or challenges. These conversations can help you stay connected with your professional community and may provide new perspectives that refresh your enthusiasm. This is another medium the OBA can assist you with. Join an OBA committee or section that interests you and get to know other members. And don’t forget about our Communities platform! Communities provides a great way to stay connected. In fact, it is the main communication hub for our committees and sections, and it automatically links with your MyOKBar account, so your information is synced. Please check out this free online member benefit if you are not already using it!

EMBRACE THE WINTER MINDSET

Finally, try to embrace the winter mindset rather than resist it. The colder months present an opportunity for reflection, planning and focused work. View the slower pace of the winter season as a chance to get ahead on your tasks, review your goals and take stock of your progress. Use this time to prepare for the busier months ahead by organizing your caseload, tidying up your workspace or completing administrative tasks that have been neglected.

Many of us feel the struggle to maintain motivation during the winter months. It can be challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, it is entirely achievable. By setting clear goals, maintaining a routine, taking care of yourself and fostering professional growth, you can stay engaged and productive. Embrace the winter season as an opportunity to reflect, recharge and continue progressing in your legal career.

To contact Executive Director Johnson, email her at janetj@okbar.org.


Originally published in the Oklahoma Bar JournalOBJ 96 No. 2 (February 2025)

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.