Build Your Joyful and Thriving Lawyer Life// Helping Lawyers Create Joyful and Thriving Careers & Businesses (An Original Cre Sheila M. Wilkinson, LMSW, Esq.

Imagine winning 37 million dollars tomorrow and never having to work again ... What would you do with your time? Dive with me into my transformative 3Cs framework – Clarity, Confidence, and Courage – designed to break the cycle of uncertainty. Learn how these elements can lead to a never-ending cycle of self-love, self-care, and joy in your legal life.
In this episode, we unravel the formula for lawyers seeking a profound shift in their professional and personal lives. I share insights on how clarity, confidence, and courage are what you need to unlock a fulfilling legal career. Here are five key takeaways:
Self-Reflection for Transformation:
Quote: "What would you do with your time if you won 37 million dollars tomorrow? Your answer holds the key to transforming your legal journey."
Takeaway: Embrace self-reflection as the catalyst for a transformative legal career.
The 3Cs Framework: A Never-Ending Cycle:
Quote: "Clarity, Confidence, and Courage create a beautiful, never-ending cycle of self-love, self-care, and joy."
Takeaway: Understand how the 3Cs form a cyclical process, propelling you towards a more satisfying legal life.
Clarity: The Foundation of Joyful Lawyering:
Quote: "Clarity is knowing specifics - who, what, where, why, when, how. It's the cornerstone for peace and radical honesty."
Takeaway: Learn why clarity is the foundation, leading to radical honesty, improved transparency, and identifying what you truly want.
Recognizing and Overcoming Common Pitfalls: 
Quote: "Many lawyers experience pain from being unclear and uncertain. It's time to recognize and overcome these pitfalls."
Takeaway: Acknowledge common pitfalls and take active steps to overcome uncertainty and lack of clarity.
Empowerment Through Decision-Making:
Quote: "You are the secret sauce. Learn to tap into what YOU want + WHY, make a plan, and go get it!"
Takeaway: Empower yourself by making decisions based on your internal desires and motivations.
 
This episode is a guide for lawyers ready to break free from the ordinary and create a legal journey filled with purpose, satisfaction, and success.
 
>>> 
Are you looking for clarity and guidance about the next steps in your legal career? 
Ready to get away from the toxic focus on the quantity of work in billables, and instead, focus on the quality of your work? 
Want to focus on what matters and have a life outside the office? 
If any of these were a whole body hell yes, then you’re in the right place! 
Hi! I’m Sheila Wilkinson, your host, and I’m an attorney, just like you. 
I built a multi-million dollar law firm from scratch and when the managing partner refused to uphold his end of the bargain, I walked away from it all. Now, I live on two continents and help other lawyers live their best lives, too! 
I still practice law, and I’m also a coach, consultant, and educator. I’ve spoken on plenty of stages across the globe - CLEs included! 
My mission is to help you figure out exactly who you really are and what you really want, underneath and in spite of all those shoulda, woulda, couldas, because mark my words: what you want is within reach, and it’s a lot closer than you think! 
So, grab something to take notes with and let’s dig deep about what you really want your joyful and thriving lawyer life to look like! 
And when you’re ready, below are some free and low-cost resources you can start creating your joyful and thriving life today. But here’s a secret: the magic really happens when we work together, so schedule a call with me and let’s chat. It’s not a sales call, and I won’t try to sell you anything - PROMISE. I want to help you get to know yourself better and support you in your dreams!



🥰 RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW 
Schedule a call with Sheila to chat about YOUR Joyful and Thriving™ Lawyer Life!
Let’s Connect via Email: https://sheilawilkinson.com/connect 
Baby Steps - Get Weekly Strategies for how to t

In this insightful episode, we delve into the crucial decision-making process lawyers face when transitioning careers. Drawing from real stories and expert advice, I bring you a strategic guide to not just survive but to thrive beyond the confines of traditional legal paths. As a seasoned legal professional, I share invaluable insights to help you navigate uncertainties and make intentional career choices.
Key Takeaways:
Strategic Transition: Learn the art of transitioning strategically, avoiding the pitfalls of hasty career moves.
Financial Freedom: Challenge the belief that high earnings are exclusive to traditional legal roles and explore a life of abundance beyond litigation.
Purposeful Decision-Making: Uncover the key questions to align your career with your passions and values.
Overcoming Burnout: Strategies to overcome burnout, especially in the face of pandemic challenges.
Legal Odyssey Stories: Explore real-life stories, like my Client’s pendulum swing we discussed in Episode 5, illustrating the journey from toxic work environments to fulfilling careers.
 
Compelling Quotes:
"You can make 6 figures and have a wonderful life, if you want it, not litigating. The skills you have now will take you places you can’t even imagine."
"We are all born holding one bucket of shit. Our job in life is to not carry two." - Professor Bill Quigley, Loyola New Orleans Law 
"Let’s make those answers match what matters to you so your future can be the one you imagine and daydream about."
 
>>> 
Are you looking for clarity and guidance about the next steps in your legal career? 
Ready to get away from the toxic focus on the quantity of work in billables, and instead, focus on the quality of your work? 
Want to focus on what matters and have a life outside the office? 
If any of these were a whole body hell yes, then you’re in the right place! 
Hi! I’m Sheila Wilkinson, your host, and I’m an attorney, just like you. 
I built a multi-million dollar law firm from scratch and when the managing partner refused to uphold his end of the bargain, I walked away from it all. Now, I live on two continents and help other lawyers live their best lives, too! 
I still practice law, and I’m also a coach, consultant, and educator. I’ve spoken on plenty of stages across the globe - CLEs included! 
My mission is to help you figure out exactly who you really are and what you really want, underneath and in spite of all those shoulda, woulda, couldas, because mark my words: what you want is within reach, and it’s a lot closer than you think! 
So, grab something to take notes with and let’s dig deep about what you really want your joyful and thriving lawyer life to look like! 
And when you’re ready, below are some free and low-cost resources you can start creating your joyful and thriving life today. But here’s a secret: the magic really happens when we work together, so schedule a call with me and let’s chat. It’s not a sales call, and I won’t try to sell you anything - PROMISE. I want to help you get to know yourself better and support you in your dreams!



🥰 RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW 
Schedule a call with Sheila to chat about YOUR Joyful & Thriving™ Lawyer Life!
Let’s Connect via Email: sheilawilkinson.com/connect 
Baby Steps - Get Weekly Strategies for how to thrive in your world - for free!
ABA Article: COVID’s Unexpected Gift
 
💥 FREE RESOURCES
Grab these “Simple Scripts for Better Boundaries” and take back your time, talent, and energy! Scripts for Professionals | Scripts for Business Owners
Build a healthier lifestyle and add more joy in your life in this Masterclass!
Free Stuff, Fun Stuff, Links & More: https://sheilawilkinson.com/links
 
🌟 LOW-COST RESOURCES
Start fixing your top 3 most frustrating situations TODAY in this Managing Expectations Mini-Course! ($19) 
Start getting Boundaries *and* Balance in this Workshop ($29)
 
💌 CO

Ever felt stuck in a movie or concert you regretted, but you endured it because you paid for the ticket? We're diving deep into a similar phenomenon that might be holding you back in life – the Sunk Cost Fallacy aka the silent career killer! 
If you’ve been holding onto a legal career just because you've invested time, energy, and money, then stay tuned for a mind-shift journey. Let's unravel the Sunk Cost Fallacy together and discover why it might be keeping you from your true calling. Don't miss this eye-opening episode where we’ll uncover the emotional ties that keep you trapped and help you start to pave the way to a future that aligns with you.
In the journey of personal and professional growth, understanding and overcoming the Sunk Cost Fallacy can be a game-changer. As a seasoned guide in the legal field, I believe shedding light on this emotional barrier is crucial for anyone looking to break free from the chains of unfulfilling paths.
Here are five key takeaways from this episode:
Recognizing the Fallacy: Understand what the Sunk Cost Fallacy is and how it might be subtly influencing your decisions, keeping you tethered to a path that no longer serves you.
Learning from Experience: Shift your perspective from viewing past investments as losses to valuable lessons. Discover how every moment contributes to your growth and understanding.
Navigating Emotional Barriers: Acknowledge the emotional aspect that often keeps professionals stuck, even when they recognize the fallacy intellectually. Learn strategies to reconnect your rational and emotional selves.
Facing Fears Head-On: Explore the fears that commonly plague legal professionals contemplating a change, from concerns about judgment to the fear of losing the familiar. Gain insights into managing and overcoming these fears.
Empowering Decision-Making: Realize that making a change is not synonymous with failure. Empower yourself to make decisions aligned with your true aspirations, and embrace the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
 
Compelling Quotes from the Episode:
“Rather than LEARN something from the experience, they focus on the potential LOSS of changing directions or their mind.”
“It’s the fears that keep us back. It’s the fears that keep us stuck. You’re not a failure.”
“Start looking for the sunk cost fallacies in your life, in your thoughts, and start to shift your focus towards the what ifs that could go RIGHT - you’re not alone. You are not a failure, and you are not stuck.”
 
>>> 
Are you looking for clarity and guidance about the next steps in your legal career? 
Ready to get away from the toxic focus on the quantity of work in billables, and instead, focus on the quality of your work? 
Want to focus on what matters and have a life outside the office? 
If any of these were a whole body hell yes, then you’re in the right place! 
Hi! I’m Sheila Wilkinson, your host, and I’m an attorney, just like you. 
I built a multi-million dollar law firm from scratch and when the managing partner refused to uphold his end of the bargain, I walked away from it all. Now, I live on two continents and help other lawyers live their best lives, too! 
I still practice law, and I’m also a coach, consultant, and educator. I’ve spoken on plenty of stages across the globe - CLEs included! 
My mission is to help you figure out exactly who you really are and what you really want, underneath and in spite of all those shoulda, woulda, couldas, because mark my words: what you want is within reach, and it’s a lot closer than you think! 
So, grab something to take notes with and let’s dig deep about what you really want your joyful and thriving lawyer life to look like! 
And when you’re ready, below are some free and low-cost resources you can start creating your joyful and thriving life today. But here’s a secret: the magic really happens when we work together, so schedule a call with me and let’s chat.

In the cutthroat world of law, burnout is often the unwelcome companion on the journey to success. In this episode, I share a powerful blueprint to liberate lawyers from the shackles of burnout without resorting to drastic measures. Here's why you need to hear this:
Key Takeaways:
Discover Your Inner Power: Unearth the internal resources that empower you to make confident decisions. Recognize that blowing up your life is not the only escape route—there's a better way.
Craft Your Own Narrative: Explore the stories of lawyers who transitioned successfully without compromising their well-being. Learn the art of creating a plan that aligns with your passions and aspirations.
The Roadmap to Courage: Gain insights into the three pivotal skills—Clarity, Confidence, and Courage—that form the roadmap to liberating yourself. Confidence is an internal journey, and you are the key to unlocking it.
Reclaim Your Identity: Embrace radical honesty and transparency to identify who you truly are. Define the clients, services, and pay that resonate with your authentic self.
The Cycle of Clarity, Confidence, and Courage: Navigate a sustainable cycle that puts you in control, allowing you to move at your own pace and tolerate risks. No unsafe decisions—only a gradual process of gaining clarity, confidence, and courage.
 
Compelling Quotes from the Episode:
"You do NOT have to blow up your life. You can make a plan."
"At the end of the day, I want you to be able to say what you want, do only what you want, and say no to what you don’t want."
"Don’t blow up your life. Let’s make a plan. Let’s get you and every other lawyer you love un-stuck!"
 
This episode is not just a podcast; it's a guiding light for lawyers seeking fulfillment, success, and liberation without the chaos. Tune in and chart your course towards a thriving legal career! 🌟
 
>>> 
Are you looking for clarity and guidance about the next steps in your legal career? 
Ready to get away from the toxic focus on the quantity of work in billables, and instead, focus on the quality of your work? 
Want to focus on what matters and have a life outside the office? 
If any of these were a whole body hell yes, then you’re in the right place! 
Hi! I’m Sheila Wilkinson, your host, and I’m an attorney, just like you. 
I built a multi-million dollar law firm from scratch and when the managing partner refused to uphold his end of the bargain, I walked away from it all. Now, I live on two continents and help other lawyers live their best lives, too! 
I still practice law, and I’m also a coach, consultant, and educator. I’ve spoken on plenty of stages across the globe - CLEs included! 
My mission is to help you figure out exactly who you really are and what you really want, underneath and in spite of all those shoulda, woulda, couldas, because mark my words: what you want is within reach, and it’s a lot closer than you think! 
So, grab something to take notes with and let’s dig deep about what you really want your joyful and thriving lawyer life to look like! 
And when you’re ready, below are some free and low-cost resources you can start creating your joyful and thriving life today. But here’s a secret: the magic really happens when we work together, so schedule a call with me and let’s chat. It’s not a sales call, and I won’t try to sell you anything - PROMISE. I want to help you get to know yourself better and support you in your dreams!



🥰 RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW 
Schedule a call with Sheila to chat about YOUR Joyful & Thriving™ Lawyer Life!
Let’s Connect via Email: sheilawilkinson.com/connect 
Baby Steps - Get Weekly Strategies for how to thrive in your world - for free!
 
💥 FREE RESOURCES
Grab these “Simple Scripts for Better Boundaries” and take back your time, talent, and energy! Scripts for Professionals | Scripts for Business Owners
Build a healthier lifestyle and add more joy i

Ever feel stuck in frustration with slow dockets, unproductive colleagues, and deceit in the practice of law? Break free from the chains with this episode, revealing the power of what’s really holding you back from enjoying the profession. As a seasoned legal professional, I couldn't resist sharing this valuable insight. This episode is a game-changer!
Five Key Takeaways:
Control is Yours to Harness: Learn how your belief in control (or lack thereof) shapes your success. The Serenity Prayer takes a secular twist, empowering you to navigate life's challenges with a newfound perspective.
The Expectation Game: Delve into the four types of expectations and uncover the real culprit holding you back—unspoken expectations. Explicitly communicate your needs to propel your career forward.
Beyond the Bulldog Persona: Challenge the notion that doing the bare minimum is insufficient. Explore the power of resolution outside the courtroom and discover how it enhances your reputation and integrity.
The Self-Imposed Chains: Identify and break free from self-imposed expectations. Stop convincing yourself you need to do more and embrace the freedom that comes with aligning with what truly matters.
Listening to Your True North: Use the four types of expectations as a lens to identify self-sabotaging patterns. When frustration strikes, revisit this episode, and trust your instincts. You have the power to overcome any obstacle.
Compelling Quotes: 
"Believing that something is not going your way is most often because you believe you have no control. And you have a lot more control than you think you do."
"What’s really holding us back from getting what we need and want is our failure to tell people what we need and want."
"Listen for where you’re getting hung up - and when you hear that reason, I challenge you to do the opposite of whatever it is your mind is trying to convince you is right, and instead, go with what your body feels is right. You got this!"
 
>>> 
Are you looking for clarity and guidance about the next steps in your legal career? 
Ready to get away from the toxic focus on the quantity of work in billables, and instead, focus on the quality of your work? 
Want to focus on what matters and have a life outside the office? 
If any of these were a whole body hell yes, then you’re in the right place! 
Hi! I’m Sheila Wilkinson, your host, and I’m an attorney, just like you. 
I built a multi-million dollar law firm from scratch and when the managing partner refused to uphold his end of the bargain, I walked away from it all. Now, I live on two continents and help other lawyers live their best lives, too! 
I still practice law, and I’m also a coach, consultant, and educator. I’ve spoken on plenty of stages across the globe - CLEs included! 
My mission is to help you figure out exactly who you really are and what you really want, underneath and in spite of all those shoulda, woulda, couldas, because mark my words: what you want is within reach, and it’s a lot closer than you think! 
So, grab something to take notes with and let’s dig deep about what you really want your joyful and thriving lawyer life to look like! 
And when you’re ready, below are some free and low-cost resources you can start creating your joyful and thriving life today. But here’s a secret: the magic really happens when we work together, so schedule a call with me and let’s chat. It’s not a sales call, and I won’t try to sell you anything - PROMISE. I want to help you get to know yourself better and support you in your dreams!
 
🥰 RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW 
Schedule a call with Sheila to chat about YOUR Joyful and Thriving™ Lawyer Life! Let’s Connect via Email: https://sheilawilkinson.com/connect  Baby Steps - Get Weekly Strategies for how to thrive in your world - for free! Episodes from my other podcast, “What Would Sheila Say?” Episode 1 - You Are In Control Episode 2 - Your Welln

In the quest for legal success, many are blinded by the pursuit of partnership and billable hours. As a seasoned professional in the legal profession, I've not only experienced the dark side of the billables game, I’ve left it. In this episode, we delve deep into the hidden truths, providing valuable insights to empower you in negotiating your terms and achieving a fulfilling legal career.
Key Takeaways:
1. Redefining Success: Partnership isn't the only marker of success; discover alternative paths of real success that prioritize your well-being and impact.
2. The Price of Burnout: Uncover the true cost of billables on your mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.
3. Negotiating Power: Realize the untapped power you have in negotiating for less work or more flexible arrangements, transforming your professional landscape.
4. Financial Insight: Understand the financial dynamics of law firms, revealing the often-overlooked contribution lawyers make to their firms.
5. Building a Better Practice: Learn practical strategies to reshape your legal practice, from restructuring services to setting fair pricing, breaking free from toxic practices.
 
Compelling Quotes:
"Money will not buy you sleep."
"Negotiate to do LESS WORK or MORE FLEXIBLE WORK, not to MAKE MORE MONEY."
"You have a lot more power than you think you do. Start using it. Today."
 
>>> 
Are you looking for clarity and guidance about the next steps in your legal career? 
Ready to get away from the toxic focus on the quantity of work in billables, and instead, focus on the quality of your work? 
Want to focus on what matters and have a life outside the office? 
If any of these were a whole body hell yes, then you’re in the right place! 
Hi! I’m Sheila Wilkinson, your host, and I’m an attorney, just like you. 
I built a multi-million dollar law firm from scratch and when the managing partner refused to uphold his end of the bargain, I walked away from it all. Now, I live on two continents and help other lawyers live their best lives, too! 
I still practice law, and I’m also a coach, consultant, and educator. I’ve spoken on plenty of stages across the globe - CLEs included! 
My mission is to help you figure out exactly who you really are and what you really want, underneath and in spite of all those shoulda, woulda, couldas, because mark my words: what you want is within reach, and it’s a lot closer than you think! 
So, grab something to take notes with and let’s dig deep about what you really want your joyful and thriving lawyer life to look like! 
And when you’re ready, below are some free and low-cost resources you can start creating your joyful and thriving life today. But here’s a secret: the magic really happens when we work together, so schedule a call with me and let’s chat. It’s not a sales call, and I won’t try to sell you anything - PROMISE. I want to help you get to know yourself better and support you in your dreams!
 
🥰 RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW 
Schedule a call with Sheila to chat about YOUR Joyful and Thriving™ Lawyer Life! Let’s Connect via Email: sheilawilkinson.com/connect  Baby Steps - Get Weekly Strategies for how to thrive in your world - for free! Episodes from my other podcast, “What Would Sheila Say?” Episode 1 - You Are In Control Episode 2 - Your Wellness = Your Success Episodes 3-6 - Managing Expectations Series Episode 7 - Building a Power Team Episode 8 - Giving Yourself Permission Episode 9 - Mastering Time Management Episode 10 - Intentions, Affirmations & Goals Episode 28 - The Secret to Achieving Your Goals Episode 49 - Baby Steps - The Art of Being Still  
💥 FREE RESOURCES
Grab these “Simple Scripts for Better Boundaries” and take back your time, talent, and energy! Scripts for Professionals | Scripts for Business Owners
Build a healthier lifestyle and add more joy in your life in this Masterclass!
Free Stuff, Fun St