January Look Back

Honestly? I thought January was a miss.

It’s been an odd month—mentally and physically, I’m still recovering from the chaos of 2025 and ramping back up after two big cases resolved in Q4.

Today, I spent some time reviewing the month:

💡 I took a staycation—including a manicure, massage, and facial.

💡 I completed 14 workouts and hit the tennis court four times.

💡 I conducted 10 1:1s with law students, mentees, peers, and clients.

💡 I interviewed 13 first-year law students.

💡 I had one speaking engagement.

💡 I hit 10,329 downloads (all time) on my podcast, The Grace Period.

💡 I had 96,983 impressions on my LinkedIn content.

💡 I organized and got the ball rolling on this summer’s USTA tennis league.

💡 I had a weekend Up North (it hit an actual -30 degrees—the coldest temp I’ve ever seen firsthand).

💡 My husband and I played lots of rounds of Play Nine—a new-to-us game.

💡 We attended a fireside chat with the new director at the Milwaukee Art Museum (who is beyond cool).

So, although I may have missed my billable hour target (which I can catch up on across the rest of this year), I was clearly more “productive” than I thought.

In this job, it’s important to fight the urge to let the billable hour be the only gold star or ultimate gauge of your life.

As much as I tout my ability to control the billable hour, that urge is still there.

This type of monthly review helps me say to that voice, “I hear you, but you’re wrong. I’m moving my life and career forward at the right speed.”

January was a reminder that progress isn’t always measured in hours billed or boxes checked.

Sometimes, it’s about showing up, making memories, and building momentum for what’s next.

Here’s to giving ourselves credit for the full picture—and carrying that perspective into the rest of the year.

✌🏻♥️🔥

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Husch Blackwell LLP or any other organization. Examples are generalized and do not reflect current client matters or firm positions.