I got the idea to start a workday startup and shutdown routine from former Thomas Nelson CEO Michael Hyatt (check out his blog post about the power of routines and rituals here). Having a workday routine can improve your work performance because it gets you in a focused state of mind on the right things at ideal times of the day. You feel a sense of accomplishment by getting certain things done every day, and that gives you the momentum to keep going in the right direction. Intentionally maintaining a routine also helps you improve the skills you choose to focus on daily.
For example, a workday startup routine could consist of praying for wisdom in completing your assignments, a good attitude toward your co-workers, and the ability to minimize distractions; checking and responding to emails; and reviewing your day’s calendar and to-do list. Starting your day off with prayer and a look at your to-do priorities for the day allow you to get the motivation/mindset and clarity you need to proceed productively with your day. A workday shutdown routine could include reading industry news/new case law, responding to emails, and planning your to-do list for the next day. This allows you to do activities that require less brainpower toward the end of the day that would set you up to hit the ground running the next day.
The Hollywood Commandments: A Spiritual Guide to Secular Success* by DeVon Franklin convicted me to include things in my routine to improve my craft and level of mastery of important skills in the legal profession — so, I have included reading case summaries of new relevant law/industry news, a devotional from The Grammar Devotional: Daily Tips for Successful Writing from Grammar Girl (TM) (Quick & Dirty Tips)* by Mignon Fogarty, and a page or section from The Redbook: A Manual on Legal Style* by Bryan Garner daily as part of my workday startup and shutdown routines to help hone my craft and increase my legal knowledge. I must admit, I do not always stick to my routine if something time-sensitive comes up or is waiting for me when I get in the office, but I feel like I am increasing my worth to those I work for and with by taking steps daily to become the best lawyer I can be. As my mentor, John Maxwell, has said, “Growth doesn’t just happen. Growth is intentional.” So if you want to improve your workplace performance, don’t assume it will just happen because you spend time there — take intentional steps daily to make it happen!
*This is an affiliate link. You can read my disclaimer about my use of affiliate links here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Grace for the Grind® Career Mastermind is a FREE private online community for Christian women lawyers, Bar exam takers, and law students who want less stress and more of God’s grace for the professional grind. You can join for free and access our Bar exam webinar replays and Bar Exam Resource Library at https://app.graceforthegrind.com!
