“Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.” George Addair
So many brilliant, capable lawyers are holding themselves back. Not because they’re lazy or lacking in ambition – but because they’re afraid. Afraid of failing. Afraid of being judged. Afraid they’ll try something bold and it won’t work. And so they settle. They stay in roles that no longer excite them, undercharge for their work, don’t quote for bigger pitches and don’t grow their practice.
Fear is clever like that isn’t it? It tells you that you are just being practical. It tells you now isn’t the right time, that you need a few more years of experience, that other people are better positioned than you (or more clever that you – I hear that one a lot!) But if you’re honest with yourself – really honest – how much of what’s keeping you stuck is simple fear?
And let’s talk about confidence, because this comes up a lot too. Many lawyers I work struggle with confidence to take the next step – whether that’s going for Partner, building their own client base, or striking out on their own. But the thing I always say about confidence is that often it comes after you act, not before. It’s built through doing, trying, learning, and realising you can handle more than you thought. If you’re waiting until you feel fully ready and perfectly confident, I hate to tell you this…but you’ll be waiting forever!
Self-belief is a muscle, not a personality trait. And if yours feels a little underdeveloped right now, that’s okay it doesn’t mean you’re not capable, it means you haven’t been taught how to back yourself yet. That can change. You can start showing up differently, setting bolder goals, and making decisions from a place of trust rather than fear. But it starts with choosing to believe in your potential, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
So ask yourself: – what could you achieve if you stopped letting fear make the decisions? What could be different in your career and business if you backed yourself fully (or even MORE than you do now!) You don’t have to make the leap alone, but you do have to decide that you’re ready for more.
If you know there’s more in you- and you’re ready to start acting like it – let’s talk. Book a free strategy call and let’s explore what’s possible when you stop playing small and start building the legal career you really want.
