Is FUN a Four Letter Word?

When I made the transition from practicing law to become a recruiter, I thought that my stress-induced sleepless nights were a thing of the past. Wrong, wrong, wrong. I recently had to pause and re-visit the stress management techniques I tried to master when I was practicing law. Doing so made me recall the importance of stress management.


I don’t pretend to have all the answers when it comes to effective stress management. I feel a great deal of responsibility to the attorneys I represent and I’ve had to counsel people through some pretty difficult junctures in their careers. Between my professional obligations and the craziness of my household (two young children and many pets), stress management is something I have to work on constantly. For now, a few tips that I have found to be incredibly effective:

• Exercise: I didn’t believe it until I committed to a regular exercise routine but the mental benefits of exercise are incredible. The gym has never “done it” for me so, instead, I found myself taking tennis lessons, joining recreational sports teams, etc. The key is to find something that you enjoy doing so that you will actually do it!


• Take a deep breath: When you feel the pot is going to boil-over, step away from the kitchen and take a breather. Leave your office. Take a walk, grab a cup of coffee, and then come back to the fray. I know it’s not always possible to step away but, I also think that many of us tend to overstate just how impossible it really is to step away. We all have deadlines and e-mails that need to be returned. But, take time to be honest with yourself and if you really can step away for five minutes, do it! You’ll be much more effective after you’ve had a chance to breathe.


• Smile or (gasp) Laugh many times a day: It feels good to smile. Even better if you can come up with a reason to laugh. It sounds so simple but if you stop and pay attention, you might be surprised to find that the world seems to have stopped smiling. If you stop for a brief moment, think of something wonderful, positive, or funny and allow yourself to smile, you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes in your overall disposition.



 
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Above all, know thyself. As I said at the beginning, stress management is not my strong suit. But, I do know that when I find myself snapping at people or waking up at 2:00 am for no apparent reason, I'm letting things get to me. And, that's when I know I have to go back to the simple things that help me manage my stress levels. I really believe that stress is responsible for a lot of illnesses and other difficulties. So, it’s worth it to take the time to think about the way you manage stress and learn to adopt some good, healthy habits!

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.