The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/21494
, Train the Mind Train the Mind by Andy Bruchey Pushing More Than Paper Often, when people are working at their desks, they don’t imagine that their assignment has anything to do with their physical capabilities and achievements. While your ability to repetitively hoist pounds at the gym might not be obviously connected to whatever project you’re working on, it is. Achievement in a challenging environment of any kind requires perseverance, aptitude and a willingness to push yourself, with the very real possibility of falling short of the mark both publicly and privately. These traits that matter in the physical realm still hold true for how we approach the tasks we engage in at work. Without that same drive, we risk mediocrity and shortchanging the people that depend on our productivity, as well as ourselves. By embracing physical challenges, we can boost our confidence and gain self-empowerment. How we approach a challenge like a marathon has direct relevance to how we approach a challenge at work. A Marathon Begins with Baby Steps A marathon is 26.2 miles long, and it’s common for people to imagine that it’s too much of an undertaking and thus impossible to accomplish. Excuses and rationalizations flow quickly and effortlessly: “It’s too hot and humid to run,” or “There’s no time in my day to prepare for such an event,” or “I’ve never been a good runner,” and so on. Negativity can come easily, and in some people, automatically. With accomplishment, however, comes confidence. If you learn how to prepare for physical challenges in the same way you do for developmental challenges in the workplace, you’ll find enormous similarities between the two. In the process of strengthening this mind-body connection, you’ll also find a more confident, stronger inner self that can contribute not only to your personal success and development, but also to the success and future of your company and the clients it serves. ILTA Peer to Peer the quarterly magazine of ILTA 37