How Even the Busiest Attorneys Can Create Balance with Cari L. Sheehan

Episode Summary: In this episode of Lawyer Like An Athlete, with Dr. Amy Wood, a licensed psychologist and executive coach, is joined by Cari Sheehan, Assistant General Counsel at Taft Law. Cari shares her insights on maintaining a demanding legal career while achieving a balanced personal life. She emphasizes the importance of using a single, color-coded calendar to manage both professional and personal commitments, highlighting how this approach helps her integrate work and life seamlessly. Cari discusses the necessity of flexible boundaries, such as attending her daughter's activities and scheduling personal time, even if it means working unconventional hours. The conversation also covers the significance of setting priorities, learning to say no, and the value of taking time to reset and recover. This episode offers valuable strategies for attorneys looking to reduce stress and enjoy their legal careers more fully.

Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:10 – Meet Dr. Amy Wood and Cari Sheehan 00:32 – Cari's Role at Taft Law 01:02 – Balancing Work and Life with a Calendar 02:05 – Integrating Personal and Professional Schedules 03:13 – The Myth of Work-Life Separation 05:18 – Cari's Early Career and Balance Strategy 07:48 – Embracing a Holistic Approach to Work 09:42 – Prioritizing Family and Work Commitments 12:22 – Deciding What Deserves Attention 15:01 – The Power of Saying No 16:24 – Resetting After Busy Periods 19:11 – Setting Boundaries for Balance 21:50 – Tips for Starting a Balanced Lifestyle

About the Show: Lawyer Like An Athlete, with Dr. Amy Wood is designed for legal professionals seeking sustainable high performance in their careers. Hosted by Dr. Amy Wood, the podcast explores topics such as ethics, professional responsibility, and work-life balance, offering practical advice and insights from experts in the field. With a focus on clarity and actionable strategies, the series aims to help attorneys thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you're an experienced lawyer or just starting out, Lawyer Like An Athlete provides the tools and inspiration needed to navigate the demands of the legal profession effectively.