2010 Planning Reviewing Last Year And Looking To Improve Next Year

Developing the Next Generation of Rainmakers 2010 Planning: Reviewing Last Year and Looking to Improve Next Year I am continuing to post ideas lawyers I coach are using to prepare their 2010 plan. Jodi McDougall, a partner with Cozen O’Connor in their Seattle, office recently shared her approach with me: I’m planning for next year by first reviewing this past year. I’m going through my goals from last year and seeing what I’ve achieved as well as what I didn’t. For those goals I achieved, I give myself a pat on the back, or better yet a few hours at the spa. I also look around me and see those who helped me to achieve my goals. For example, my parents who are always there to step in and love my kids when my husband and I accidentally schedule a deposition the same day. I express my thanks through a note, a kind gesture or a gift. I let them know that I recognize their contributions to my success. I also look to last year’s achievements and determine what I want to do again and how to improve on those goals. For example, with two small children I had stopped taking time for exercise, thinking I didn’t have time for such luxuries. Cordell reminded me that successful people take good care of themselves. Last year, I ran a half marathon in June. This year my goal is to run at least two half marathons. I’m already signed up for one! For those goals I didn’t reach, I try to figure out why I fell short and either set the goal again or adjust it to make it more reasonable and achievable. I remind myself of how good it feels to achieve the goals I set and give myself a fresh start and let go of my past shortcoming. Finally, I will take some time at the end of the year to relax and enjoy my family. I recharge my batteries so that I will be ready to go when January 1, 2010 rolls around.   I practiced law for 37 years developing a national construction law practice representing some of the top highway and transportation construction contractors in the US.