Coach’s Corner: Get Off the Hamster Wheel Now, Before it is Too Late!

By Eleanor Southers

Eleanor Southers is a Professional Legal Coach who helps attorneys at all stages of their careers to become more successful and contented. Working one on one, Ms. Southers guides attorneys to uncover and fulfill their goals. She can be reached at esouthers@aol.com or her website: www. southerslaw.net.

Most attorneys know what I am talking about. It is that feeling that all you are doing is working, going to court, commuting, eating, and sometimes sleeping. Even on the weekends, you may still work at least part time and rest of the time is spent trying to catch up on your sleep, doing chores, and errands that you have not been able to be done during the week. If you have a family, it is even worse because you feel guilty that you cannot spend significant time with them. You are a hamster making your wheel go round and round in your cage, hoping your foot does not get caught on the wheel and you take a tumble (e.g., getting sick).

Well, it is time to get off the wheel and become human again. After observing clients as well as being on the wheel for some time myself, I think I may have identified some beliefs, which support the craziness of this syndrome. They are: