Seven Success Strategies: Part 3: Taking The Right Actions
"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." ~ Epictetus
This article is the third in a series called "7 Strategies of Successful Women Lawyers." In my coaching practice, I am able to see what strategies help women lawyers become successful, and which practices make them spin their wheels and get stuck. My goal is to share the tips and tools with those women lawyers to propel themselves forward.
This success strategy is to "Take Right Actions." Notice it does not just say, "Take Action." While taking action is very important as there are no results without actions, the key here is the word "right." If you take the wrong action, you will not find success.
Anyone can take action. Okay-that is not entirely true. Some people get stuck in "inaction," not wanting to do anything, succumbing to a bit of laziness, or fear, or procrastination. Yet it is fairly obvious that you are not going to get anywhere without getting yourself into action. The problem is that "action" can mean different things to different people. You can be in action wasting time perusing the internet. You can be in action rewriting your to-do list for the sixth time. You can be in action and still have it be wasted action. You want the "right" action.
The added feature of "right action" is that you are taking the right action at the right time. You are not wasting time with actions that do not serve you and move you forward. You are not just doing things for the sake of doing them and "looking busy" to yourself and others. Instead, you know what to do, when to do it, and why you are doing it. Successful women attorneys always take the right actions at the right time.
How do you know if you are taking the right action? In my consulting sessions, I often have people who come and ask me - "How do I know if I am taking the right action?" This is where the struggle is. You may think you are doing all the right things, but if you are stonewalled at every corner, you need to adjust your course. The right action is that which feels good, propels us through the muck that we run into, and takes us to a better place than we were before.
As you start each action in your day, ask yourself, "Is this action moving my practice and myself forward?" If the answer is yes, good for you-stay the course! If the answer is no, then assess what actions you need to be taking that will move you forward, and focus on those actions.
The idea of "right action" is a powerful one that will keep you focused on taking the right actions, not just taking any action. Speaking from the perspective of a successful woman lawyer, I can assure you that the right actions will propel you forward into professional and personal achievement, while busywork-type actions will hold you back by robbing you of precious time and energy.
TODAY: Consider what the "right actions" for you are today. What actions will move you forward in your practice and your life? Catch yourself when you are taking action just for the sake of taking action, without good purpose or strategy. Always be taking action that improves and progresses you because this discipline is a bridge between where you are and where you want to be.