The Power of Incremental Gains for Law Firms: Lessons from James Clear

In the legal profession, it’s easy to feel stuck in a never-ending cycle of work—like you’re running hard but not getting anywhere. But what if there’s a more effective way to make real progress?

In his bestselling book, Atomic Habits, James Clear emphasizes that small, incremental steps can lead to significant change. He highlights the power of getting just 1% better every day, stressing that focusing on the right actions can make a lasting difference. We caught up with James at the Clio Cloud Conference to explore how these principles can transform the way law firms operate.

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Four strategies to build better habits

Law is a demanding field, and having strong habits—whether they be personal habits, law firm processes and procedures, or otherwise—makes all the difference in ensuring that your practice stays on track. 

Habits, according to James Clear,  are the small decisions and actions you make everyday. What you do repeatedly shapes the kind of life you live, and when you can learn to transform your habits, you can transform all aspects of your life.

Unsure where to begin? James offers four strategies to help legal professionals develop good habits:

1. Make it easier: Simplify your habits by scaling them down and reducing friction. The simpler they are, the easier they’ll be to maintain. For example, automating routine law firm tasks can help streamline workflows. 
2. Make it obvious: Rearrange your environment to highlight cues that remind you of your tasks. For example, stick a note on your keyboard at your law office as a daily reminder.
3. Make it attractive: Brainstorm fun variations of your habits to boost their appeal. If a task feels enjoyable, you’re more likely to stick with it. For example, block off a period in your morning to review and reply to emails alongside a cup of coffee (or your favorite hot beverage). 
4.  Make it satisfying: Ensure your habits provide a positive emotional experience or some form of reward. This satisfaction reinforces the behavior, making it easier to repeat.

“I call these the four laws of behavior change,” James explained. “They’re like four levers—when they’re in the right position, it’s easier to adopt a habit. If they’re in the wrong position, you’re fighting an uphill battle.”

The importance of reflection

When feeling overwhelmed, James recommends taking time for reflection—even if it’s just 10 minutes. Why? Chances are, you’re not concentrating on the tasks that have the highest impact. Carving out space for reflection is essential for identifying what’s truly important.

“The odds that you can just keep your head down and work harder to fix everything are very slim,” James said. “That’s because it’s unlikely that you’re working on the thing that is the highest and best use of your time.”

To make reflection a habit, try these tips:

• Schedule it: If it’s not on your calendar, it likely won’t happen. Research shows that setting a specific time and place for an activity boosts your odds of sticking with it.
• Layer on accountability: Partner with a colleague who shares similar goals and schedule regular check-ins to help keep each other on track.
  

Remember: what you work on matters more than how hard you work. As you reflect, ask yourself: What am I trying to achieve? Is there a smarter way to get there? For example, the latest Legal Trends Report found that firms that invest more in software are able to spend more time on daily billable work and are more profitable. In other words, strategic investments can have a significant impact on firm performance.

James explained, “Sometimes, the goal is more free time, creative freedom, or more time with family. The answer is personal and may change over time. The key is being very clear about what you’re optimizing for and what you’re trying to achieve, so your hard work leads to the outcomes you want.”

Harnessing AI as a powerful tool

As artificial intelligence transforms the legal landscape, James reminds us that it’s simply another tool to enhance human capabilities. “A bucket is a technology that upgrades and expands your ability to carry water. A bicycle is a technology that upgrades and expands your ability to move through space. AI is just another technology that enhances and expands your natural abilities,” he said.

Again, it all comes down to knowing what you’re optimizing for. Once you’ve determined what you need to improve, technology can be a powerful accelerant for your efforts.

That’s where you’ll find an edge—especially when everyone’s using the same tools. It’s about the strategy behind those tools.

Level up your thinking

Another practical takeaway for legal professionals is to pay attention to what you consume. As James explained, virtually every thought you have is shaped by the information you take in. The podcasts you listen to, the books you read, and the people you follow on social media all influence your thinking.

This is especially crucial for lawyers, whose work relies on the quality of their ideas. Whether crafting compelling arguments or delivering persuasive messages, upgrading your input will elevate your output. “Lawyers are paid for their creative ideas, constructive conversations, and the ability to deliver compelling messages. So, if you want to enhance your thinking, you need to elevate your information diet,” James said.

The best way to do that? Apply the principles of making habits obvious, attractive, and satisfying to your information sources. 

Once you identify what you want to read or consume, consider how to make that the obvious choice every day. Think about how you can make it easier to consume high-quality information, or make  reading more appealing than mindlessly scrolling. These small adjustments can lead to significant improvements over time.

The impact of small wins

James emphasizes the impact of small wins, pointing out that just a few minutes of focused effort can make a noticeable difference. “Five minutes of push-ups can reset your mood for the day. Five minutes of writing can move a manuscript forward. Five minutes of conversation can restore a strained relationship. You can accomplish a lot with five good minutes.”

However, it’s important to remember that not all small habits are equal—some feel trivial and lead nowhere, while others build momentum and compound into something much greater. The key is to identify habits that bring long-term benefits. Focus on those, and you’ll see small wins stack up, bringing you closer to your biggest goals—whether that’s improving billing and collections, increasing client satisfaction, or taking time back in your day. 

Incredible thought leaders like James Clear speak at ClioCon, the biggest and best event in legal tech, every single year. Don’t miss the next one—Get your passes now!

We published this blog post in November 2024. Last updated: November 1, 2024.

Categorized in: Business, Clio