For the longest time, I have always been in awe of the Rubik's Cube. I thought you had to be a freaking genius to do it.
And now that I can solve one in about 2 minutes, I think I could explain it to anyone in 10-15 minutes. It almost ALL comes down to the same 4 move algorithms over and over again.
And look... making changes in your law firm (or your life) can feel a lot like conquering a Rubik's Cube. It can seem so freaking onerous, but then once you dive into it... it's really just the consistency of the same moves over and over again.
In this newsletter, we'll share insights from the best books on personal and professional change that will have your firm running smoother than a solved cube in no time. So, strap on your Walkman, press play on your favorite mixtape (or just turn on Stranger Things), and let's dive into the world of making meaningful changes in your law firm!
A Change will do you Good
Here is where I want to start, I don't really care what you want to change. I think we get SO caught up in this is business advice, that is relationship advice, etc. Instead, the BEST advice is the stuff that applies to all aspects of your life.
So whether you want to:
Double the size of your firm
Lose 50 pounds
Have a better relationship with your family
Be the highest-ranked Chess master... this advice can help
The Mindset
"Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck
Biggest Takeaway: Embrace a growth mindset to unlock your full potential and overcome challenges.
When to Use: To foster a growth-oriented culture within the law firm and encourage resilience in the face of obstacles. I honestly don't think you need to read this book. BUT, I KNOW you need to believe it.
The more you think that you are capable of (with the right effort and focus) the EASIER all of this will become.
The Best Books on Change and Habits
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear
Biggest Takeaway: Small, consistent changes in habits lead to significant long-term results.
When to Use: To improve daily routines and overall productivity in both personal and professional life. This is the GO-TO book on the topic.
"Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything" by BJ Fogg
Biggest Takeaway: Implementing small, easy-to-achieve habits that naturally fit into your life can lead to significant, lasting change.
When to Use: To incorporate new habits into your daily routine, improve productivity, and foster a positive mindset within your law firm without overwhelming yourself or your team. I love the way this one breaks it down into small and easier achievable steps!
"Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Biggest Takeaway: A practical framework for implementing change by addressing the emotional and rational aspects of the human psyche.
When to Use: To facilitate change within the law firm, such as adopting new technology or strategies.
This is a great rundown on how to make the switches (and a LOT of stories to follow).
"Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink
Biggest Takeaway: True motivation comes from autonomy, mastery, and purpose, rather than external rewards or punishment.
When to Use: To create an environment in your law firm that fosters intrinsic motivation, leading to higher job satisfaction, increased productivity, and a more innovative and collaborative workplace.
I like this book on the motivation to get the rest of your team on board.
Then we Get Organized
"The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks Than Others Do in 12 Months" by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington
Biggest Takeaway: Adopting a 12-week planning and execution cycle increases focus, productivity, and a sense of urgency, leading to better results than traditional annual planning.
When to Use: To accelerate your law firm's progress toward its goals, create a sense of urgency, and foster a culture of consistent, high-level performance. This is the EASIEST book to start longer-term planning.
"Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business" by Gino Wickman
Biggest Takeaway: The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) offers a comprehensive framework to help businesses achieve growth, alignment, and accountability.
When to Use: To improve the law firm's overall operational efficiency, set clear goals, and align team members for long-term success. This is my favorite business structure book.
"The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals" by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling
Biggest Takeaway: Focus on the critical few objectives and employ a consistent process of tracking progress and adjusting actions to achieve your most important goals.
When to Use: To help your law firm prioritize its most significant objectives, improve team engagement, and create a culture of accountability and results-driven execution. I recently added this to my meetings, the biggest difference I took from this book v the others is the smaller weekly goals.
So now instead of 3 rocks every quarter, we do 2 and then we do the weekly 4DX accountability.
There we go, there's everything you need to make a change in your life, work, relationships, body, etc.
So WHAT do you want to change? Let's support each other!
Next week I am going to talk about Fair Play (the book) and your relationship with the person more important to you and how that's essential for the growth of your firm!
Until then - may you not text Ana De Armas 17 times in 2 days after your meet-cute and end up having to foil an international spy ring!
Okay, so this all sounds good, but you’re wondering how to start making these changes. The first important step was visiting this web page, so congrats! You’re already on the right track. The next crucial step is booking a consulting appointment with me so we can come up with a plan and replicate the results of so many others before you.
You can book an appointment here. See you soon!