Did you know that about 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail? As lawyers, creating balance between career and personal goals is a challenge.

Here are some realistic tips and ideas for resolutions:

1. Get organized

Start your new year off with a clean slate by tying up loose ends and getting organized. Review your open matters, stalled cases or outstanding balances.

2. Network more

Legal consumers tend to seek positive referrals from friends and family, which means that in addition to providing an excellent client-centered experience, you need to go to more networking events, both to meet other lawyers and to meet new clients.

Even consider networking events outside of your industry. Online networking like professional groups on LinkedIn are other ways to reach out.

3. Have better meetings

Tired of unproductive or overextended meetings? This year, commit to running effective and engaging meetings. Priya Parker, author of “The Art of the Gathering” provides excellent tips for having better meetings—whether with staff or clients.

4. Set up a streamlined client intake system.

This will save you time and eliminate the added potential for human error that comes with manual data entry. More importantly, a well-thought-out intake process means a better first impression and a better experience for your client.

5. Take better care of yourself

Eat well, get enough sleep, and take care of yourself. You may not be able to avoid stress as a lawyer, but you can definitely find ways to manage stress more effectively.

6. Try a new tool to help your practice succeed

Including tech tools such as practice management software and others such as Calling a Lawyer, can make day-to-day tasks at your law firm run more smoothly. Practice management software also helps firms bill, create documents, and track time much more efficiently!