We’re 100% into creating happier lawyers. In fact, it’s the Million Dollar Attorney’s mission. Our mission is to create happy, healthy, successful attorneys who love their clients, law firm, and life. Why? Because happy lawyers do more good in the world than stressed out, anxious, and unhappy lawyers; and, we’re happier when we can be part of those good works.
One of the ways we create happier lawyers is by helping you to chill the heck out. In fact, here’s the most enjoyable and relaxing tip ever: read a novel for 15 minutes a day.
Benefit: More Effective Communicator
When all we read are legal documents, journal articles, and listserv conversations, we can’t help but talk and write like lawyers – which is NOT a good thing. Why? Because you only get hired when prospects and referral sources know, like, and trust you.
Showing how smart you are, using legal jargon, and communicating with graduate level vocabulary will not endear you to anyone. In fact, an advanced vocabulary and formal writings will serve to separate you from those you wish to connect with.
Other businesses get this. The New York Times writes on an 8th-grade reading level and John Grisham’s novels are said to be written on a 7th-grade reading level. This blog article is written on a 9th-grade reading level.
If we’re really as smart as we think we are – and we read a novel for just 15 minutes a day – we’ll be able to translate complicated legal concepts into easily understandable bite-sized chunks of information. As a result, your clients, prospects, and team members will like you better.
Benefit: Stress Reduction and Fun
Plus, we lawyers are known to be stress hounds. Reading a novel can reduce our stress by 68%. Cognitive neuropsychologist Dr. David Lewis’s research indicates that reading a novel is the best way to reduce stress. You need only read 6 minutes to ease muscle tension and reduce your heart rate. One of the things I’m working in my life is reducing stress. I imagine you may have that challenge as well. Here’s a fun way to make that happen.
Be Well,
Wendy
P.S. Because we believe that reading expands the heart and mind, when you do business with Million Dollar Attorney, we donate monies to literacy causes and charities. Thank you for supporting literacy!
P.S.S. If you’re nodding yes, if you’re ready to go from pain to gain, if you have the vision of building a million-dollar+ law firm but don’t know how to get there, let’s chat about where you are and where you want to go. Set up your Breakthrough Strategy Session here.