Generally, every job requires a high level of efficiency and organization. The better you are organized, the easier you’ll find it to quickly finish any given task. Especially when it comes to professions such as being a lawyer, with quite the paperwork and a lot of responsibilities. And it is not just the documents that can cause you to lose track of time and all the duties, there are meetings, conferences, interviews with new applicants. Overall, we are talking of a web with interconnected chores and tasks. How to stay ahead of all the work, despite the big court date waiting? Here are some pointers that every aspiring lawyer can find useful.
It’s a fool’s job to remember
Our brains have a limited capacity when it comes to storing information that we will only use once. Memories that derive from experience and knowledge are forever there, but when it comes to a date, name or something less important chances are our brains will label them as unwanted and they go directly to the recycling bin. Do not try to remember, it’s a fool’s job, rather try to write it down. Have a piece of paper and a pencil near you no matter the situation. Carry a notebook with you, wherever you go, and write it down. You could also try colorful notes. Depending on the color of the note you can categorize the information from really urgent to less important. Whatever you go for, it will make it far easier than just taking mental notes, which perish in the blink of an eye.
Technology has come a long way
Fortunately, nowadays the possibilities the modern age offers are vast. The younger generation of lawyers is well acquainted with the new technology available which can make their job easier, and save them a lot of time. The accessibility of certain software on the market is something worth taking a look at. Imagine, you have a single dashboard with pins on everything you are working on. We are talking of case management systems, which allow for an easier overall revision of all the work. You can attach all the names, documents, pictures, evidence, and notes related to the cases you have. You can even have time entries, court dates, appointments, and even bills clipped to your documents. There is the option of setting alarms, reminders, and additional notes. The best part is easily the prospect of connecting via any computer, laptop, or desktop, wherever you are, you can even download the phone app.
Introspection
This one might seem a bit off, but what we are addressing is our self-awareness of the work we do and ourselves. The thing is, lawyers in particular are under a lot of stress. Just finishing law school seems like Sisyphus’ work, and it comes at a price. With a bit of introspection, you can become more aware of the thing you purposely did wrong. From time management to intentionally delaying tasks and procrastinating when you should be working, this practice allows for a better insight into the reality of your job and how productive you are.
Do not be afraid to face these facts as facing them will get you right on the road to solving them.
Also, practice self-care. Have a routine. Introduce a steady morning routine that allows for a couple of minutes or even, if necessary, hours just for yourself. Take a break, pin the date and day you will take some time to go somewhere, and let some steam off.
Revise at night. Before you go to sleep, try to revise your day. Go, mentally, through the tasks you finished and the tasks awaiting you in the morning. That way, it will stay in your consciousness and will be the first thing that pops up in the morning. Or you could just go through your actual notes or management system on the computer.
You can’t have everything under control
You followed all the mentioned rules above and suddenly there is a hole in your work, filled with a lot of unfinished tasks and jobs. The thing is, simply, this will happen no matter how hard you try. No, we did not mislead you, the reality of any job is the fact that there will always be something unfinished, laying around. Categorize everything, and at the bottom, leave space for the cases you cannot simply do. Never let the most important and urgent ones be at the bottom, just the ones which will take up a lot of your time and effort, without any results. Our overall productivity will improve once we realize there is something we cannot do, as the realization will take off a lot of the pressure we feel.
Hopefully, you’ll have enough time on your hands to spend some time with your friends and family. Productive time with others goes hand in hand with the time you need just for yourself. And keep in mind that everyone struggles with the organization; you are not alone; it’s a part of every work.
