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A few times each year we have family and friends from all over the country visit us. Since we live in South Florida, these visits usually occur between November and May. For the most part, these visits are happy occasions that allow us to catch up on the lives of one another. We relive the memories of the past and share good times that will be tomorrow’s great memories.
Since a good deal of time usually passes between these occasions, physical changes in people tend to become more pronounced. In other words, family will really notice if you’ve gained a few pounds.
This past weekend, while at one of those family gatherings, I noticed a few strange looks and a few snide comments directed at me. If you know my family, you know these weren’t subtle barbs either. People were flat out asking me how I got so fat. At one point, a relative pulled me aside and explained to me the health risks of “someone my age being this heavy”.
(Don’t think this story is me complaining about my relatives being nasty to me. I hand out enough barbs so I need to take them when they’re deserved.)
In truth, I’ve gained about 30 pounds in the past 18 months. Not intentionally. It just happened.
But there is an instructional point here for all of us – something you can use to improve your law firm – and I can use to improve my physical condition.
During the past 18 months my business has grown, my family has grown (my wife and I had a beautiful baby boy) and my focus has been on just about everything but my health. I’m not making excuses. I am pointing out the facts.
Consistancy Enables Growth
I made conscious choices to eat horrible food and not exercise much. It was not one single choice. It was dozens of choices, every day, compounded over time. After three months my pants were snug. At six months, my shirt collars would not button. At a year I had to stop tucking my casual shirts in my pants. At 15 months I purchased new suits which now, just three months later, are beginning to get tight around the waist.
I am in bad shape.
But I recognize the problem and I know how to solve it. And this is how my blubber relates to your ability to grow your law firm.
I know that if I design a plan to improve my eating and exercise habits I can improve my health. I know that if I make little changes each day, my effort will produce big results over time. Losing just 1 pound a week will have me in great shape this summer but changing my lifestyle will have me in great shape for the next 40 years.
The same can be said for your law firm.
First you must recognize the problem. Then you must want to make a change. Next you should develop a plan. And finally (but most importantly) you need to do a little bit each day to get better – make a gradual improvement that will consistently compound over time. You need to develop systems and measurement that will help you stay on track. You need someone to hold you accountable for your actions. Someone to reward and praise you when you do the right thing and help you stay focused when times are tough.
We could be talking about losing weight or gaining clients. The underlying principle is the same.
I have made the decision to improve my situation. During the upcoming year I am going to make my physical health as significant a priority as my business growth.
Will you be able to make your law firm growth a significant priority?
Will you develop systems, measurement and accountability to help your firm grow a little each day?
Can you attract one new client each week?
Can you strive to do a little more marketing?
I can’t lose 35 pounds overnight. It took me 18 months to get to where I am. It’s going to take time and effort to make the changes.
I am up for the challenge. Are you?