By Anne Chambers, Director, Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program
Research shows nearly half of all Americans make a New Year’s Resolution. Of those resolutions, enjoying life to the fullest is often among the top ten . Being a lawyer is a high-stakes, high-stress profession. If one of your resolutions for the new year is to reduce stress and better cope with it, here are nine ways that can help you be successful in making your resolution a reality.
- Maintain balance between work, family and personal interests.
- Focus your energy on what you have control over.
- Put problems in perspective instead of catastrophizing. Everything is not a big deal.
- Maintain personal and professional integrity.
- Treat yourself with care. Don’t let yourself get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired.
- Accept your own limitations.
- Set reasonable expectations.
- Establish and maintain personal and professional boundaries.
- Ask for help when needed.
The Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program is a professional, confidential counseling program designed to serve members of The Missouri Bar. MOLAP seeks to help lawyers, judges, law students and family members overcome personal concerns that interfere with professional or personal well-being. Check out an array of MOLAP resources online including articles for personal growth, questionnaires and model policies. MOLAP services are free of charge for Missouri Bar members. For confidential assistance, call 1-800-688-7859.