What do gum issues, Batman’s detective skills, and Alexa have in common? Stick with me on this one, I promise it’ll make sense soon!
So here’s the story: While my wife and I were on our cross-country road trip, I started noticing something that wasn’t quite right. My gums were bleeding, (I’d like to say more than usual…but maybe no bleeding is usual)… and honestly, I had no clue why. Was I brushing too hard? Not hard enough? Was it the change in climate? Travel stress? The twenty-five pounds of BBQ we ate in Texas (shout out to John Strohmeyer, Larry Weinstein and Blake Roberts for your role in that)? I had no idea.
When you’re stuck in a situation where you don’t have the answer, there are two options.
Either you know what you should be doing and you’re not doing it (like how Peter Parker sometimes skips out on responsibility for fun), or you just have no clue what to do and you need to figure it out (like Batman solving a mystery).
Step 1: Identify the Problem – Do I Know What I’m Doing or Not?
For me, I was lost in option two. I didn’t know if I was doing something wrong, or what exactly the problem was, so I did the obvious thing: I set up a meeting with my dentist as soon as we got home.
Law Firm Example: Think of it like running into cash flow issues or struggling with caseload management. Sometimes you just don’t know what’s going wrong, so the first step is identifying the problem and bringing in someone who does know – whether it’s a mentor, a trusted colleague, or a (wink, wink, nudge, nudge, say no more) coach.
You HAVE to figure out what is wrong first (or skip this step if you already know).
Step 2: Consult the Experts and Gather Information
At the dentist’s office, they took a look, ran some tests, and figured out I had the risk of gum issues. Thankfully, it wasn’t too serious…YET… but it was clear I wasn’t brushing (correctly) and flossing (ever…because who does that?). They gave me the rundown on what I needed to change—brushing longer, flossing more regularly, and doing some extra steps to stay on top of gum health. Think of it like Professor X explaining to Wolverine how to be a good X-Men member…especially because he doesn’t always listen.
I went from “I don’t know what’s wrong” to “Now I know what I need to do.” That’s half the battle right there.
Law Firm Example: In your firm, this is like when you get an expert review of your processes and realize, for instance, your intake system is missing key follow-ups or that your billing practices need to be streamlined. You’ve identified the issues—now it’s time to take action.
Step 3: Set Up Systems (Tools and Processes)
The thing is, even when you know what you need to do, that’s not the end of the story. The real challenge is setting yourself up for success. So what did I do? First I made sure I had the right tools:
• I bought an automatic toothbrush to make sure I was brushing with best practice. No it’s not made of vibranium…or even superhero themed.
• I found toothpaste specifically designed to prevent gum disease. Basically, I gave myself the right weapon for the job, like Tony Stark upgrading his suit to deal with new threats.
• I stocked up on placards because let’s be real—I was never going to use traditional floss. It’s like swapping out some Bat tool you never use and instead upgrading your trusty Bat grappling hook.
• I bought a water pick to go the extra mile because dang it, if there are 4 Ninja Turtles AND 4 Potter Houses I needed a fourth thing here too. But seriously, it was recommended and it’s helpful.
Law Firm Example: In your firm, this is the equivalent of upgrading your tools and systems—investing in better case management software, setting up automation for follow-up emails, or giving your team the tools they need to work efficiently. It’s not just about knowing what needs to be done, but also giving yourself (and your team) the right resources to succeed.
Step 4: Habit Stacking (Automating the Process)
Even with all the right tools in place, I realized the problem wasn’t just about having the tools—it was about consistently using them. That’s where my favorite problem-solving strategy came into play: habit stacking.
Habit stacking is where you take something you already do (thank God I did brush my teeth twice a day already) and stack other habits on top of it (brushing for the right amount of time, flossing, water picking, and focusing on the worst areas from my last check up.
I created two Alexa routines:
• When I say “Alexa, good morning,” she gives me a reminder to brush for 2 minutes (while telling my schedule and then we jam out to some classic rock) and floss (among other things)
• When I say “Alexa, good night,” she reminds me to do it again before bed plus adds in the waterpick (while telling me tomorrow’s schedule and weather).
This turned brushing, flossing, and using my water pick into an automatic habit. It’s like Captain America’s shield—it’s always there when I need it, ready to go.
Law Firm Example: For your firm, habit stacking could be doing a key follow-up call every time you get into the office after lunch. Or doing your monthly recap after you review bills every month (or even better…every 2 weeks). Build the system once, then let it run smoothly in the background.
Step 5: Accountability and Adjustments
I got out of the dentist a few weeks ago and my gums are almost back to 100% over the last few years. However, plans don’t always go as well as this. So if I was STILL having problems brushing and flossing I would probably set an alarm instead of the Alexa routine (because I still have to remember the routine). I would also probably loop my wife into it to help make sure I do it (an accountability buddy). Or I might offer my son $1 every time he can catch me not brushing and flossing .
At this point the key here is accountability. But also the TIME to actually do the new thing(s) you need to do. It’s really easy to always put more on your plate but then one day you show up to school and you forgot to change out of your Spiderman costume.
Law Firm Example: In your practice, accountability might look like regular check-ins with your team or reviewing your processes quarterly to make sure you’re hitting the mark. It’s about creating a system that not only works but also allows for adjustments as needed. This could mean tweaking your intake process after a client review or adjusting how cases are assigned based on your team’s workload.
Conclusion: Tools + Process + Consistency = Problem Solved
At the end of the day, solving a problem isn’t just about identifying the issue. It’s about setting up the right systems, getting the tools you need, and building habits that make success inevitable. Whether it’s your gums or your law firm, it’s the same process.
So the next time you run into an issue, ask yourself:
1. Do I know what I should be doing? Or do I need to bring in some help to figure it out?
2. Do I have the right tools and systems in place?
3. Am I consistently executing the system that is in place?
Because whether it’s brushing your teeth or growing your law firm, solving problems requires a combination of knowledge, systems, and consistency. And, of course, a little help from Alexa doesn’t hurt.
Until then, keep your cape ready and your teeth (and systems) in check!