Ozzy Osbourne famously sang, “I’m just a dreamer. I dream my life away.” As an attorney and manager constantly seeking to improve my legal and leadership skills while avoiding complacency, my mind can often feel like a hamster wheel as ideas for new methods and processes enter my consciousness at sometimes irregular hours. In the electronic age, finding inspiration has never been easier–in fact, the most popular apps consumed, such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, are purposely filled with endless content that incentivizes the consumer to scroll and keep scrolling. This usually results in never acting on what inspired you to begin scrolling in the first place.

The same is true for processes that directly affect the management of a law firm and effective advocacy for a client—endless content abounds, some of which directly contradicts something you’ve read earlier. It’s easy to think of and be inspired by great ideas—it’s much harder to execute these ideas into consistent, repetitive action that drives measurable results.

Turning Inspiration into Implementation

In the space where creativity meets practicality, there’s a stark difference between the spark of inspiration and the rigorous process of implementation. The journey from a fleeting thought to a tangible outcome is often fraught with challenges. Yet, this metamorphosis is critical for meaningful progress. In the intuitive alleys of the legal profession, turning inspiration into implementation is not just recommended—it’s a necessity for growth and success. Here are a few strategies that I employ to drown out the constant flow of information and focus on taking meaningful actions within my control:

• (1) Start with a roadmap. When conceptualizing a new idea that you want to implement, a roadmap should help answer a few key questions: Why am I pursuing this idea, and what do I visualize the outcome to be? Once those questions are answered, the planning can begin. I start with broad steps and work backward. If a task seems too overwhelming, I simply focus on identifying as many micro-tasks as possible that are necessary to achieve the overall goal. Focusing on smaller tasks, in turn, often gets the creative juices flowing and unlocks additional identifiable action steps necessary to fulfill the overall implementation of the idea.
• (2) Discard perfection expectations. This may sound contrary to what years of formal education have taught, but I must frequently remind myself that I do not have to have all the answers before taking step one. One critical trait that aids in personal injury lawyers’ success is the ability to analyze risk and, conversely, to point out where someone failed to properly analyze and act appropriately on risk. While it is important to thoughtfully and carefully project scenarios, it’s not necessary nor feasible to anticipate every possible outcome. Trying to do so often leads me into analysis paralysis and delays my getting started. I find that a well-reasoned but perhaps incomplete or imperfect plan in motion trumps an endless cycle of planning without action.
• (3) Limit implementation. As the Lent season begins, I am reminded of the origin of the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich. Started by a Cincinnati-based franchisee to solve the problem of declining hamburger sales on Fridays during the Lent season, this small idea is now a permanent staple every day of the week at McDonald’s stores throughout the world. The lesson that I draw from this success story is by employing a limited rollout with one particular team or pod, you can effectively test the demand and pain points of your new implementation with more limited resources expended and without major disruption to the larger group. If the idea turns out to be the next Filet-O-Fish, then it can be rolled out at large—if not, it can be tweaked or discarded with minimal effort.
• (4) Consistency is key. Before reaching worldwide fame, Jerry Seinfeld was an unknown comedian struggling to have his jokes connect with an audience. When later asked about his key to success, he talked about the importance of not breaking the chain. He stated every day, he would write at least one joke—it did not have to be an entire bit or routine—just one snippet that he found funny. For every day he accomplished this, he would draw a red X on his wall calendar. These consecutive “X’s” created a “chain” that he could see; a physical reminder that he was taking daily action toward making his ideas reality. Most of these daily jokes never made their way to his TV show or stand up routines, but this daily habit of taking small but measurable actions beget additional creativity and paved the way for his best jokes to land. What I take from this anecdote is to take some action toward improvement or implementing an idea every day, regardless of the result. Though I don’t physically mark my progress with a wall calendar, I am going to implement this physical reminder upon revisiting this story.
• (5) Create accountability.Some will say to work in silence and let your success be your noise. I have a modified approach to this. While there’s no need to share all of your ideas with the world at large, working in total silence tends to minimize personal accountability. It’s easy to let a deadline slip, to compromise below your original plan. Divulging a specific and measurable idea with a hard deadline for implementation to a trusted confidant creates a sense of accountability and urgency that may otherwise fall by the wayside as people tend to juggle increasingly busy lives with revolving expectations. When an idea comes to my mind that I have analyzed and want to seriously pursue, I have a close circle with whom I will share my idea and my expected timeline for execution. The simple act of vocalizing it helps me get started with an action plan.

As we stand on the precipice of possibility, let us remember that the greatest journeys often begin with a single step, no matter how tentative. This is by no means an exhaustive list or a tell-all strategy to convert ideas into actionable steps and successful execution. These tips are just a glimpse of the guidance I frequently turn to during moments of stagnation or when stuck in the routine. They are a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and its incessant pursuit of progress. Venturing beyond my usual legal topics, this blog marks a departure from my comfort zone. While crafting this piece and contemplating my 2024 aspirations, I find myself consistently drawn back to these fundamental principles. My intention is for these insights to serve as a beacon for readers navigating the realm of implementing fresh and innovative ideas, providing a starting point for those unsure of where to commence their journey. Embrace your ideas, hold steadfast to your vision, and dare to carve out your unique imprint upon the world.

About Eric S. Mefford, Attorney:

Eric’s professional journey has been driven by a singular mission: to champion the rights of injury victims. His tenure at a prominent regional personal injury firm, spanning nearly a decade, is a testament to his unwavering dedication. During this period, Eric has successfully secured millions of dollars in compensation for his clients, a feat that speaks volumes about his expertise and commitment. He firmly believes that the bedrock of success lies in trust and open communication. This principle guides his interactions with clients and colleagues alike, fostering an environment of transparency and mutual respect.

Eric’s ability to empathize with individuals from diverse backgrounds is one of his greatest strengths. He takes the time to understand their narratives, their apprehensions, and their aspirations. This deep-seated understanding allows him to connect on a profound level, making him not only an effective advocate for his clients but also a respected leader within his organization. Eric’s track record, coupled with his empathetic approach, positions him as a trusted ally in the pursuit of justice. His unwavering commitment to his clients’ causes underlines his professional ethos, reflecting his conviction that every individual deserves fair representation.