Defining Success During a Pandemic

If you are an attorney or work in the legal field, chances are that you are more successful than you credit yourself. There’s this fear of being too self-congratulatory, to which I say “pish-posh.” Thanks Professor Taylor for the enduring turn of phrase! 

See, the nature of ambition is to constantly look forward to the next goal, next deadline, next accomplishment. However, as you meet and exceed your goals, it is important to look back at the long road you have traveled and appreciate how far you have truly come. Intense schooling, licensing exams, creating and maintaining a good reputation, meeting deadlines and generating good work product is worthy of celebration and recognition. With all that has happened during the pandemic, it is especially vital to appreciate this journey.

For a moment, think about how we adapted and how we currently practice law. Zoom, hybrid models, emphasis on mental health – these notions did not exist in 2019 to the extent they do now. The world threw a giant plague-sized curve ball at the profession, and we rose to the occasion. Support staff, legal administrative assistants, the courts, clerks, attorneys, educators, EVERYONE adapted to a rapidly changing environment to make sure their clients and students did not suffer undue consequences or delays because of COVID.

That, in and of itself, is worth acknowledgment and revelry. We have done so much, yet there is so much left to do. So, in this time and space, take a moment out of your busy day to appreciate your journey, celebrate your success, acknowledge the road ahead of you, and keep fighting the good fight.