What Brings Out Your Best?

By McKenzie Cotter

Success in the legal profession is rarely about one grand strategy or a perfect 10-year plan. More often, it’s about something smaller; something quieter. It’s about what works for you, on a daily basis, to bring out your best.

But how often do you stop and ask yourself:

“What actually makes me better, more focused, more effective?”

If your answer is “not often,” you're not alone. In the rush of meeting client expectations, billable hours, and aggressive deadlines, the legal field doesn’t exactly encourage daily self-reflection. But here’s the truth: the most successful attorneys aren't just technically excellent - they’re self-aware. They know what environments and choices bring out their best work, and they intentionally design their days around those insights.

Let’s explore how you can do the same!

Step 1: Define What "Best" Means for You

Your “best” might look different depending on your role, practice area, or personality. For some, it’s deep, focused work with no interruptions. For others, it’s high-energy collaboration, fast-moving cases, or creative legal strategy. Take a moment to reflect:

• When do you feel most effective at work?

• What moments in your day leave you feeling energized, not drained?

• What kinds of tasks or settings make you lose track of time (in a good way)?

Don’t default to what should feel good. Be honest with what actually does.

Step 2: Identify Your Personal Success Drivers

These are the conditions that set you up for a successful day. Think less about big transformations and more about the subtle shifts that change everything.

Some examples could be:

• Time of day: “I write the best briefs between 7–9 a.m. before everyone wakes up.”

• Environment: “If I don’t clear my desk first, my brain stays cluttered.”

• Energy management: “I stopped scheduling back-to-back calls and regained my focus.”

• Mindset shifts: “Starting the day with one small task checked off gives me momentum.”

Start keeping a simple daily log. When you feel energized, jot down what you did differently that day. You’ll start to spot patterns.

Step 3: Be Intentional About the Design of Your Day

Once you know what works, don’t leave it to chance. Build it in.

• Block time for high-focus work when you're most alert

• Say no to meetings that interrupt your flow state

• Protect energy, not just time

• Invest in systems and habits that support your strengths

  
  

Keep in mind, consistency > intensity. You don’t need a breakthrough every day; you need a few well-designed moments that reliably bring out your best.

Ask yourself regularly:

“What worked today—and how can I do more of that more consistently?”

That simple question can reshape your career.

Being a great lawyer isn’t about pushing yourself to the point of burnout - it’s about learning what conditions allow you to thrive and then choosing them…on purpose. That’s where real, sustainable success lives.

And as your Legal Career Coach, I’ll keep asking:

What brings out your best? Because that’s where your power is.

Cheering you on,

McKenzie