Believe it or not, New Years is not your only opportunity to adopt meaningful changes to your lifestyle. Indeed, studies have shown that routinely measuring your goals and habits greatly increases the likelihood that you'll actually follow through on your resolutions.

As July turns to August and summer turns to fall, now is the time to make those assessments and transition into a healthier, more efficient version of yourself. When you do, be sure to keep the following mid-year resolutions in mind:

1. Prioritize your health

When you neglect self-care, you become less calculated as a lawyer, less efficient as a professional, and less personable in your daily interactions. And, most importantly, alcohol doesn't mix well with most medications--so do yourself a favor: follow these tips to keep yourself healthy and avoid getting sick in the first place. 

2. Increase your web presence

It's 2016 and people don't find lawyers by flipping through Yellow Pages anymore; they use search engines. Online platforms are therefore an essential part of modern legal marketing, as they help direct traffic to your site and draw attention to your name. Take advantage: start a blog, create shareable videos, andturn your social media profiles into marketing tools.

3. Volunteer your time

There are unlimited ways in which you can contribute to your community, so follow your passions. Do some pro-bono legal consulting work for that puppy rescue org you follow on Instagram; offer free tutoring or mentorship to struggling law students; or, f*** law--go coach basketball for the youth development program in your city. 

4. Take advantage of technology

The wonderful thing about consumer technology is that much of it is tailored towards ease, accessibility, and convenience. If you're not already simplifying your life through productivity-boosting apps and a practice management software that customizes to fit your every need... clearly, you're missing out. 

5. Go home on time, at least 3 days a week

We know, this is much harder than it sounds. But you need to realize that spending a reasonable amount of time at home is not negligence. In actuality, it's not spending enough time with your kids, your friends, or your beautiful, expensive new suede loveseat, that truly takes a toll on your relationships and your well-being.
If you're really struggling to pull yourself away from the office each evening, evaluate your work habits and figure out what you can do to boost productivity and enable a healthier work/life balance.

6. Broaden your "common folk" network

It can be tempting to limit your social sphere to the legal community; after all, nobody understands your work frustrations better than another lawyer. But surrounding yourself with one type of person is stifling to your personal growth--and your marketing opportunities. Befriend the commoners; once they trust you, they'll refer people to you. Easy.

7. Keep up with news and politics

Yours is undoubtedly one of the most policy-susceptible professions out there, so it's crucial that you stay on top when industry conditions are changing. Don't get bogged down in day-to-day obligations; be strategic, pay attention to ongoing developments, and capitalize on change whenever you can.
Find a few legal blogs that you can rely on for industry-specific updates--we recommend starting with this list from ABA Journal.