Mindset

One thing that helped me shift my mindset around the billable hour? Starting to think about it as the "trackable" hour.

Why? It's not just billable work that matters.

Everything you do on top of and alongside billable work matters.

Why? It proves you're not twiddling your thumbs when things are slow.

Why? It shows you taking ownership over your career.

Why? It is a tool to advocate for yourself during review season.

Why? It shows leadership that you are in the partner mindset, going all in on your career as partners are expected to do.

Many people who don't live in the billable/trackable hour model can't fathom it.

I get that--tracking your time, day in and day out, in .1 increments (six-minute increments) is not natural or intuitive.

But: for any high achiever, most lawyers, too, if you had to do it, I think you'd be shocked at the number of hours each week you spend developing your clients and developing your career. All of which is trackable in my world.

I am confident, for example, that, when I was a fifth grade teacher, I spent well over 50 hours a week efforting for my students.

Yes, even with summers "off," because summer was filled with planning and prepping for the next year. I also had a second job and spent (paid) time driving the baseball and softball teams to and from games.

Tracking time, billing by the hour, is not for everyone. And that's okay. Different roles and responsibilities is what makes the world go 'round.

But, if you live (work) in this model, there is a different way. With routines, systems, habits, and a more positive (even more neutral) mindset, there's really no such thing as non-billable time.

🔥✌🏻♥️

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.