Coach's Corner: Get Off the Hamster Wheel Now, Before it Is Too Late!

• Publication year: 2018
• Author: By Eleanor Southers

Coach's Corner: Get Off the Hamster Wheel Now, Before it is Too Late!

By Eleanor Southers

Eleanor Southers is a Professional Legal Coach who helps attorneys at all stages of their careers to become more successful and contented. Working one on one, Ms. Southers guides attorneys to uncover and fulfill their goals. She can be reached at esouthers@aol.com or her website: www. southerslaw.net.

Most attorneys know what I am talking about. It is that feeling that all you are doing is working, going to court, commuting, eating, and sometimes sleeping. Even on the weekends, you may still work at least part time and rest of the time is spent trying to catch up on your sleep, doing chores, and errands that you have not been able to be done during the week. If you have a family, it is even worse because you feel guilty that you cannot spend significant time with them. You are a hamster making your wheel go round and round in your cage, hoping your foot does not get caught on the wheel and you take a tumble (e.g., getting sick).

Well, it is time to get off the wheel and become human again. After observing clients as well as being on the wheel for some time myself, I think I may have identified some beliefs, which support the craziness of this syndrome. They are:

• I am an attorney and therefore I cannot make any mistakes;
• I am the sole person who can make sure my clients' problems are solved;
• I would be depressed if anyone criticized or doubted my legal abilities. Thus, I need to work harder;
• I always have to have more work than can actually be completed;
• I would be letting so many people down if I were not a success;
• There is simply not enough time to do anything else but work;
• . . . And more.

I do not have the solution to whatever craziness it takes to step onto the wheel, but I do have a few notions about what might help to ease the burden. First, identify as closely as possible why you are on the wheel. It may be for some of the reasons outlined above, or something else completely.

Then, challenge yourself to picture what it would look like if you were not driven by a compulsive need to work or do only activities, which support your working. How about a day at the beach or taking the kids to the zoo, or a date night with your spouse? All of this without your phone. You cannot cheat yourself here!

Now that I have you in the right frame of mind, let me suggest some solutions you might explore, which could make this a reality.

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