There are 3 keys to reaching your goals:

1. Know where you’re going
2. Know where you are now
3. Know why you’re where you are now

You’re thinking that I’ve once again demonstrated my firm grasp of the obvious- yes, it’s obvious- but not easy. My job is to ensure my clients get from point A to point B. Once we’ve answered those first three questions, a fourth becomes the focus:

   4.  What will you do to bridge the gap? How? By when?

With or without a coach, these are the questions you need to answer in order to get where you want to go. If what you’re doing now isn’t working, what do you need to change?

September is a great time to forecast your year-end. You still have time to impact this year, and, importantly- it’s time to start making the changes that set you up for a fantastic 2008. Keep it simple, take the following categories and work through the questions for each.

1. Hours spent in the office
2. Profitability
3. Quality of key relationships (often related to #1)
4. Things you want to do or to have that you’ve deferred (getting to the gym, continuing ed, pro bono work, ragtop)

The more specific and accurate you can be, the more likely you are to hit your targets. If you don’t have much information, then do the best you can. A little information will give you enough to see where you need to focus and get you into action now.

Consider creating a score card of your key goals- test results monthly to stay on track all year long. Your law practice should support your life- if you don’t keep score, it’s too easy to work all the time and complain about the results instead of owning them.

Enjoy Labor Day weekend!   Barbara

Manage your law practice well and you can have a great life as well as a great career. Successfully Solo brings groups of like-minded solo and small-firm
attorneys together with an expert practice. management advisor. Clear vision, smart strategies and amazing support. www.successfullysolo.com