In law school, I often heard that attorneys were risk-averse and cautious, careful to stick to the tried and true. This might have less to do with attorneys and more to do with human outlook in general. However, in sticking with this month’s theme, let’s challenge this default. Many of us might not have the bandwidth to change up the routine, reorganize checklists, and opt for new software or practice management systems, but it is not a bad idea to shake things up a bit.

Work, personal obligations, and long laundry lists can make it difficult to check off personal or professional bucket list items. Yet, personal growth and a healthier work-life balance arrive with the process of thoughtfully asking what is important to us. Spending the time to complete one professional bucket list item might have lasting benefits that spill over into personal life as well. This might include becoming a mentor, retiring early, starting a podcast, or using up the annual leave.

Hanging your own shingle can be daunting. Since I began writing this column, I have not written about an attorney transitioning to or starting a solo practice but would like to announce new solos who have recently made this step. So, please reach out to me if you know of any attorneys in King County who have decided to wear the dual hats of business owner and attorney.

With Earth Day around the corner, there are many ways to demonstrate support for the protection of our planet. Low-hanging fruit include printing one less page, composting that week-old sandwich sitting in the office refrigerator, and swapping out cleaning products with biodegradable equivalents. Earth Day increases awareness of environmental issues and provides an opportunity to think about the legacy we leave to future generations.

Finer weather and slightly higher temperatures might mean more outdoor activities for some of us. The mountain may not always be out, but I look forward to a quick walk through a local park during lunchtime or planning an outing to one of Washington’s state parks on the weekend. It is a great way to break away from the ever-increasing to-do list regardinng client matters, emails, and drafts.

I know this isn’t the month to write about thankfulness and gratitude. We have November to thank for that. Nonetheless, some recent interactions with clients have reminded me to be thankful for them. Sometimes this feels like a thankless profession — that clients do not or will not appreciate the legal work done on their behalf. While I am not grateful for all the clients I have worked for or with in the past, I am thankful for the experience those clients provided and for the clients who are excited about my ability to help solve legal problems.