“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” ~ Epictetus
This article is the third in a series called “7 Strategies of Successful WomenLawyers.” In my coaching practice, I am able to see what strategies help women lawyers become successful, and which practices make them spin their wheels and get stuck. My goal is to share the tips and tools that women lawyers who are excelling use to propel themselves forward.
This success strategy is to “Take Right Actions.” Notice it d
oesn’t just say, “Take Action.” While taking action is very important as there are no results without actions, the key here is the word “right.” If you take the wrong action, you won’t find success.
Anyone can take action. Okay—that isn’t entirely true. Some people get stuck in “inaction,” not wanting to do anything, succumbing to a bit of laziness, or fear, or procrastination. Yet it’s fairly obvious that you aren’t going to get anywhere without getting yourself into action. The problem is that “action” can mean different things to different people. You can be in action wasting time perusing the internet. You can be in action rewriting your to-do list for the sixth time. You can be in action and still have it be wasted action. You want the “right” action.
The added feature of “right action” is that you are taking the right action at the right time. You aren’t wasting time with actions that do not serve you and move you forward. You aren’t just doing things for the sake of doing them and “looking busy” to yourself and others. Instead, you know what to do, when to do it, and why you are doing it.
How do you know if you’re taking the right action? This is where the struggle is. You may think you’re doing all the right things, but if you are stonewalled at every corner, you need to adjust your course. The right action is that which feels good, propels us through the muck that we run into, and takes us to a better place than we were before.
As you start each action in your day, ask yourself, “Is this action moving my practice and myself forward?” If the answer is yes,good for you—stay the course! If the answer is no, then assess what actions you need to be taking that will move you forward, and focus on those actions.
The idea of “right action” is a powerful one that will keep you focused on taking the right actions, not just taking any action. The right actions will propel you forward into professional and personal achievement, 
while busywork-type actions will hold you back by robbing you of precious time and energy.
TODAY: Consider what the “right actions” for you are today. What actions will move you forward in your practice and your life? Catch yourself when you are taking action just for the sake of taking action, without good purpose or strategy. Always be taking action that improves and progresses you because this discipline is a bridge between where you are and where you want to be.
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urn as another opportunity, divergence, project, or great idea comes along.
You must “get focused,” starting right now. Without focus, you will pitter away the precious gift of time that you have been given to do the great work you are here to do, to grow your practice and yourself. Focus, act, and then revel in what you have created!
t, you created your reality and the results you are experiencing.
e and capable in creating the business and life you desire.
elegate tasks to people who can do them. Will they always do them exactly as you would have done them? Probably not, but trust them to do enough to get the job done. Think of who can and will do things that you don’t have to do personally. Gently ask them for help—they will most likely be eager to assist you, but you have to ask. And then assign the task to them, taking if off your to-do list!
Then you will “Have More.” You will have deeper relationships, if that is your value.You will have greater physical health, if that is what you want. You will have the fulfillment you desire in your work and the financial abundance that you seek. You will have the spiritual connection you long for. Anything you desire you can have—if only you will “Be More” and “Do More.” You personally are responsible for the image you carry around of yourself and the actions you take to achieve what your goals are—no one can go through this process for you. But you have the power to do it for yourself, and the endless possibilities that are within you will become reality when you follow this process. 
