The Holistic Hustle Three Practices to Help Attorneys Thrive at Work and at Home

Three Practices to Help Attorneys Thrive at Work and at Home

BY NIK SALLIE

As an attorney, business coach, and speaker, one of my mantras is “take care of you, then take care of business.” For far too long, social norms dictated that business and personal matters remain separate. But now, there’s a movement sweeping through corporate culture that encourages people to bring their “whole selves” to work, resulting in happier, more productive employees, which is good for business. Admittedly, I was a skeptic at first, believing it’s safer, and more appropriate, to separate my personal life from my professional life.

But now, I’ve whole-heartedly adopted this mindset. I wear meditation bracelets nearly every day, have crystals on my desk, and attend meditation and yoga sessions when offered at my office (yes, I work in tech). My spiritual practice is part of my authentic self, and I no longer leave it at home when it’s time to go to the office. Doing so has helped me stay focused, reduce stress, and build great working relationships in my career.

According to science, everything is made of energy, and if that’s the case, how we manage our own energy is critical to our quality of life. Clients, colleagues, and caseloads are all vying for our expert attention, in addition to the ongoing commitments to family, friends, and organizations outside of the office.

If you’re looking to increase the quality of your professional life (and let’s face it—we all are), here are three practices that can help you find clarity, connection, and relief on your career path.

PLAY FAVORITES

We spend a lot of time at work, so it pays to create a space that is welcoming, comfortable, and productive. My favorite desk items please the senses: pink peonies, decorative crystals, a mug warmer topped with a cup of chamomile tea, and a stash of Pilot G-2 0.5mm gel pens in black (yes, these pens are magic; no, I’m not an affiliate). I have an “energy” playlist with my favorite alternative rock, pop, and R&B songs to help me power through emails, and for professional development, I have a curated list of YouTube videos that include greats like Tony Robbins.

If your desk is a bland desert of papers, folders, and generic office supplies, it’s time to liven it up. Get a small succulent plant (they’re seriously low maintenance), frame postcards of beautiful places where you want to vacation, and keep your favorite scented lotion or lip balm close by. During times of stress, a quick glance around and word of gratitude for your special space can help rebalance you.

ADHERE TO THE 50/10 RULE

Any time I feel a bit rushed and underwater, this practice sets me back on course. I work for 50 minutes starting at the top of the hour, and for the last 10 minutes, I do whatever is energizing and appropriate for me.

Fifty minutes is the perfect amount of time to focus on a task, especially if it isn’t the most exciting project. During the break you can grab tea, take a walk around the building, watch YoutTube, meditate, and return to your task refreshed. Try it and watch your to-do list vanish.

COMPARTMENTALIZE

This may sound ironic after suggesting that you bring your whole self to work, but it’s not. “Work” isn’t who you are, it’s what you do and only a small part of what you do. When you’re home, at a concert, or on a well-deserved vacation, leave work at the office! If you must check in, set a strict 30-45 minute window to finish an assignment and then shut down all electronics. I can tell you from personal experience that shutting down my Mac at the end of the day is incredibly gratifying.

Healthy boundaries aren’t only effective when applied outwardly to other people, but also when we set boundaries for ourselves.

Set your out-of-office message, turn off your phone during dinner, and don’t work on your laptop in your bedroom because it can introduce stress in the room that should be your sanctuary. When at a happy hour, remember it’s called that for a reason! Be mindful to talk to your friends and colleagues about topics other than work and your stressful day.

Unfortunately, we are trained to believe that multitasking is a necessary skill, but it can actually undermine productivity, both at the office and at home. All we really have is the present moment, and if you’re spending time with family or friends, then it’s better to be completely with them and fully engaged today. Work will be there tomorrow. AL

Nik Sallie is an award-winning intellectual property attorney in Austin, providing legal services and business coaching to corporate women with side hustles through her website, NikSallie.com— “The Home of Holistic Hustle.” She is a sought-after speaker, former State Bar of Texas IP Section Council Member and was recently named a ‘2020 Woman to Watch’ by Austin Woman Magazine.