It’s an old saying about the effect of nature v. nurture.
I first heard the above in regards to obesity, weight loss, and fitness. Some people claim that they are genetically predisposed to obesity. That may be true – nature might have loaded the genetic gun in their bodies to incline them towards obesity – but their behavior (diet, exercise) will dictate whether or not that gun is fired.
We’re often placed in situations that are not ideal or in which we have no say so. Bad family, bad economy, bad job. But these things don’t determine who you are or what you are limited to. All of us have been dealt a hand in the game, but if you know anything about Poker, you should know that your hand is only a small part of the game.
Many recent law grads are complaining about the current job environment for lawyers, new or otherwise. Yes, it’s a down economy. Yes, the legal profession is in a state of change. Yes, there are multiple downward forces on lawyers - globalization, outsourcing, contract lawyers. But that’s just nature loading the gun. Your behavior as a new attorney will determine whether or not you succeed in this environment. Waiting for opportunities to arise is the path of least resistance, make opportunities happen. Put yourself out there, take risks, fail, and learn from them. Complaining about the current environment does no one any good, instead spend that energy on making yourself a better lawyer.
“Good things come to those who wait… but only the things left behind by those who hustle.”
Don’t wait, don’t make excuses, get out there and make your career what you want it to be.
When life gives you lemons…
