Autonomy

Autonomy.

Associates crave it.

It can feel impossible to find or build.

But: it is not.

I know: our days do not feel like they belong to us.

It feels like we are at the mercy of every client, partner, email, world events, you name it.

But: you can build autonomy, over time, by looking for the smallest of ways to build that sense of self-government, of control over your day.

Here are some ways I've found a sense of control in my career:

🎮 Use your calendar intentionally. You do not have to say, "I'm available whenever, wherever." You can offerup the times that work best for you. And you can block off the times you want to protect--for deep work, for the gym, for whatever else you have going on in your life. The goal is to be reasonably available and reasonably responsive--not always on, or so flexible that you lose your sense of self and your time.

🎮 Start and end the day with something that is only for you, by you, what you want. This can be as quick as reading for fun, playing a game, meditating, a cup of coffee in silence. Find what brings you joy and do it to start and end your day--just for you.

🎮 Return to the hobby you left behind when you let yourself go for your job. For me, that is tennis. I started playing again in July and now I play 1-3 times a week. It had an immediate impact on my mental health and sense of self. What did you leave behind as you rose through the ranks, as you let other things come before your wants and needs? There is time to do it. I promise.

🎮 Remember: you are an adult. I am constantly reminding myself: no one is looking for me. No one is wondering where I am and what I'm doing. This is my anxiety and imposter syndrome talking. And: if they are looking for me or wondering about me, they know how to find me (email, cell phone, etc.). Self talk is truly half the battle.

Doing these types of things not only builds a sense of autonomy for me; it helps me lead by example, one of my key values.

How do you build autonomy in your job?

#lawyerwellbeing #biglaw #professionalwomen #bestadvice #gettingthingsdone