Take 10 minutes to reflect on your legal success

Well-Being Week in Law is this week, May 5-9, with today's theme focused on spiritual well-being. Building habits that complement your existing values and bring balance into your life not only makes you feel good (maintain motivation, avoid burnout, etc.), but also form the foundation of a well-rounded existence that is more likely to lead to effectively and competently serving clients.

As part of WWIL, take 10 minutes to journal in self-reflection. Studies have found that self-reflection helps ground our daily work in a deeper sense of purpose. From this deeper sense of purpose will hopefully help lawyers develop a greater or renewed commitment to effectively advocate for clients.

Here are some journaling prompts lawyers can use to help them get started:

What moments in my legal journey am I most grateful for, even if they were challenging at the time?
Reflect on how certain hardships, mentors, or opportunities helped shape your growth as a legal professional.
Who in my professional life has contributed to my development or success, and how can I show appreciation for their support?
Think of colleagues, clients, professors, or even opposing counsel who made an impact. What has made their legacy impactful?
In what ways has my work in the legal profession allowed me to serve others, and how does that align with my personal values?
How has the legal profession enriched my understanding of people, society, or justice? What do I appreciate most about that insight?

If you feel inclined, share your response on social media and tag The Missouri Bar (@mobarnews) and use #MOLawyersLivingWell, #MOLawyersWellBeing, and #WellBeingWeekInLaw.

As part of its year-long service project, The Missouri Bar 2024-2025 Leadership Academy class, in collaboration with the Standing Committee on Well-Being in the Profession, is making Well-Being Week in Law a concerted effort to empower lawyers to most effectively advocate for their clients and to strengthen the profession. Well-Being Week in Law is a national initiative from the Institute for Well-Being in Law that is helping lawyers not just survive, but thrive. Because when lawyers are at their best, they can even better serve their clients and communities.

Visit MoBar.org/WWIL2025 to view more well-being activities related to physical, spiritual, career and intellectual, social, and emotional well-being. Remember to track your participation during WWIL for the chance to win prizes, including an all-inclusive pass to the 2025 Missouri Bar Annual Meeting.