How to Be a Happy Lawyer

What this episode covers

The word “happy” can seem a little trite, but it can be a vital missing element to legal practice in the lives of many young lawyers. In a profession replete with stress and mental illness, having a few strategies on hand to keep you in a positive frame of mind can be extremely beneficial over the long haul. Today I run through some of the strategies that have helped me (excluding one important one in particular that I mention but don’t go in to). That means that exercise won’t get a look in – because I’m not much of a gym junkie, so I can’t really say that there is much benefit there (although others tell me that there is). So we’re going to focus on: Why having a positive outlook needs to come first, not in response to external events; Your sphere of influence, and how failing to appreciate it can result in madness; Keeping up momentum in your professional career A proper and respectful appreciation of failure and risk Giving back to society through philanthropy, and its value. Resources The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor My Podcast about Risk Happy Lawyering! The word “happy” can seem a little trite, but it can be a vital missing element to legal practice in the lives of many young lawyers. In a profession replete with stress and mental illness, having a few strategies on hand to keep you in a positive frame of mind can be extremely beneficial over the long haul. Today I run through some of the strategies that have helped me (excluding one important one in particular that I mention but don’t go in to). That means that exercise won’t get a look in – because I’m not much of a gym junkie, so I can’t really say that there is much benefit there (although others tell me that there is). So we’re going to focus on: Why having a positive outlook needs to come first, not in response to external events; Your sphere of influence, and how failing to appreciate it can result in madness; Keeping up momentum in your professional career A proper and respectful appreciation of failure and risk Giving back to society through philanthropy, and its value. Resources The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor My Podcast about Risk Happy Lawyering!

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