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By now, if you are like me, you have probably already had one or two New Year’s resolutions that have come and gone. Congratulations, we are normal. The problem is, we don’t want to be normal and often feel like we’ve failed. Why can’t we make resolutions stick? Maybe it’s because we’re thinking about them the wrong way. Resolutions often depend on developing good habits — which is why they are hard to keep.
The concept of habits is powerful. The key to achieving an outcome is consistent micro efforts over time that will lead to macro results. So, what’s the problem? Starting a new habit is daunting. What if, instead, you replaced an existing habit? Read on for some ideas on how to trick yourself into getting more of the right things done this year.
What? Think about your morning routine. What is one minor change that will improve your morning routine? Perhaps you could replace the habit of hitting snooze with getting up. You already get up (old habit). You now get up the first time the alarm goes off (replacement habit).
Why? A micro change done consistently will create macro results. The little things really do add up to big improvements.
How? Connect your habit replacement with a goal you want to accomplish. Perhaps you want to read 10 books this year. When the alarm goes off, force yourself up so you have time to read. It gets easier to replace the habit the more “reps” you get in. Yes, this requires self-discipline and willpower. But it won’t seem as bad because you are just adjusting the habit, not starting from scratch. Before long, the old habit is replaced with the new habit and you will start seeing results.
I thought this was a column about technology… How does this relate to technology? Ask yourself: What’s my technology use plan for 2019? Do you know what technology you want to utilize more? Do you have tools that you know you’re underutilizing in your work toolbox? Is it time to give up on a particular tool and move to something else? How do you know?
It’s never too late to take inventory of where you are and where you are going. Perhaps this is the year you will master that one piece of software. But if you don’t create a plan for doing so, how will that happen?
Create a technology inventory. The first draft is often the most difficult. We don’t know what the opening paragraph is going to look like. We don’t know what the final outcome is going to be. What is the key? Starting. You start typing. Suddenly, your mind starts connecting ideas, thoughts and patterns. An organizational structure appears. Now you can start taking those ideas and organizing them into a persuasive argument.
So it is with technology. We often start using technology, either software or hardware, by choice or by edict, and often do the minimum with that tool to accomplish the task at hand. Instead, we should take some time to determine which tool is best for the job. Here’s how.
Grab a legal pad and pen. Put columns on that pad for the technology tools you use. Some typical items would be a desktop computer, laptop computer, smartphone, tablet, voice recorder/dictation device and the like.
Now make a list under each column heading of what tasks are best done on the desktop. If you have an iPhone or a tablet, which tasks are best done on those devices? Think of things you do every day, not just at the office. Do you prefer online banking on the app or on your full-size computer?
Next, think through what you want to be able to do with technology. What are the missing pieces in your technology toolbox? For example, if you are in the car consistently, do you have a good Bluetooth/headset connection to your phone? Do you have a way to capture ideas while on the go?
Now, be honest, who of you started a spreadsheet to make this list? You know who you are.
Plan your work and work your plan. The challenge is to create a plan and stick with it. Look at your list and identify which tools you want to use more this year. Maybe you want to get better at a particular application on your phone. Research the app’s capabilities and then apply that to your practice. Practice with it a little each time you have a suitable task, even if it takes a bit longer at first. Remember: Micro efforts = macro results.
Next steps. Now that you have your inventory, what are your top three technology priorities for 2019? When day-to-day tasks are associated with a larger purpose, there is less of a chance you will procrastinate. In addition, having a plan reduces stress and helps you perform better.
What’s my plan for 2019? I want to help lawyers get better with technology. I will do that through writing this column, teaching CLEs and creating a new LinkedIn/Facebook group where we can post and share ideas. If you would like to join that group, please email me at [email protected].•
• Seth R. Wilson is an attorney with Adler Attorneys in Noblesville. In addition to practicing law, he helps manage the day-to-day technology operations of the firm. Seth writes about legal technology at sethrwilson.com and is a frequent speaker on the subject. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
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