As a solicitor, you will need to juggle a lot of different tasks and responsibilities. It can be very easy to feel overwhelmed and disorganised. However, there are a few simple things that I have discovered, often the hard way, that you can do to stay on top of things and avoid burnout.
Here is what I found out, which I hope helps you:-
- Create a system for organising your work. This could involve using a physical filing system, a project management tool, or a combination of both. Find a system that works for you and stick to it.
- Set deadlines for yourself. This will help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.
- Delegate tasks when possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your colleagues or paralegals.
- Take breaks throughout the day. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air. This will help you stay focused and avoid fatigue.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating as healthy as you can and get some exercise regularly. This will help you stay mentally and physically healthy, which will make it easier to stay organised. Believe me, it sounds easy, but is more difficult than it seems! But it is worth a try and it has helped me a lot.
Following these tips can help you stay organised and productive as a solicitor. By taking the time to develop a system for organising your work, setting deadlines, delegating tasks, taking breaks, and taking care of yourself, you can avoid burnout and achieve your goals.
Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:
- Use a calendar to track deadlines and appointments.
- Create a to-do list and prioritise your tasks.
- Use a system for filing documents and records.
- Keep a notebook or journal to jot down ideas and notes.
- Take advantage of technology. There are many software programs and apps that can help you stay organised.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to your colleagues, paralegals, or supervisor for assistance.
The above is not full proof and there are days I struggle but the one thing that I have found to be vital is to keep a physical note of thoughts, cases, calls, things to do or comments made that are important. Despite your best intentions to remember things, your mind and thoughts are going to be pulled in hundreds of directions daily and you will never remember everything. Keep notes!