The importance of self-resourcing

Limping around the local park in late September after my hip replacement, utterly exhausted and unable to stay awake for much of the day, a few things became clear.

Among them was the need to cut down my Bar work - certainly for the short term, as my energy was shot and I didn’t want to take risks with clients’ cases - but also, seemingly, for the future.

Indeed, in those moments I didn’t really much like my Bar work at all.

A friend smiled at me when I told them.

“Wait and see”, they said quietly.

Fast forward to this week, and I’ve had the most enjoyable and busy time in the Upper Tribunal cross-examining, and being with wonderful colleagues and clients, who I’m very grateful for. It’s been life affirming. I’ve been thankful to my parents for what they gave me. I’ve enjoyed every second of it.

I am excited to spend many more years doing as much as possible of the same, if life allows it.

In my coaching world I come across many lawyers and others who doubt their capacity for their job. It touches me to see obviously gifted people doubt themselves.

Sometimes something in their biography holds them back; sometimes they just need permission and skills to do things differently; usually something of both. Either way, it’s resolvable.

Above all, the important lesson, which sat in my low-energy blind spot in September: get yourself resourced first, then decide what you want, and what you are capable of, after.

This is critical in a service profession: without our own resources, we have little to give.

As George Elliot said,

“No man can be wise on an empty stomach”