Have you ever thought about adding a new practice area to your firm but haven’t followed through? Maybe you feel like you don’t have time, or something always seems to come up. Sound familiar? Well, this might not be the time-management issue you think it is.
The truth is people make time for the things that matter to them. If something is truly a priority, you’ll find a way. But if it’s not — if it’s just a “nice to have” idea rather than a non-negotiable goal — it will always take a backseat to everything else on your plate.
When someone says, “I don’t have time,” what they really mean is, “It’s not a priority right now.” Because in reality, the problem isn’t the time — it’s clarity and commitment. If you’re not crystal clear on why you want to make a change, it’s easy to let excuses like “I’m too busy” take over.
Think about it: when you’re preparing to go on vacation, you somehow manage to wrap up an entire week’s worth of work in a single day. Why? Because you have to. You’ve created urgency, focus, and accountability for yourself. You’ve prioritized the things that must get done over the things that can wait. Think about it on a more literal level. Are you ever too busy to stop eating? Sleeping? Showering? Of course not, because those are the things you need for a viable life.
This same principle applies to your firm. Time management isn’t your problem. If something is truly a “must,” you’ll stop procrastinating and start executing. But if it’s just a “should,” it will linger on your to-do list indefinitely.
That’s why you need to figure out if the thing that you keep procrastinating on is a “should” or a “must.” Ask yourself: Why do you really want to add a new practice area? Is it a gamechanging opportunity to double your revenue, grow your team, and solidify your firm’s future? Or is it just something that might be nice to have someday?
If it’s the latter, no wonder it keeps getting pushed to the side. Half-commitments don’t drive action. But if it’s the former — if it’s something that could fundamentally transform your firm — you need to treat it like the non-negotiable goal it is.
Clarity fuels commitment. You can’t be committed to something you’re not sold on yourself. So before you make any moves, get clear on your “why.” Why does this matter? What’s the impact it will have on your firm, your team, and your clients? Will this help your firm remain competitive in an evolving legal landscape? Could it double your revenue, allowing you to hire more attorneys, improve client service, and invest in growth? Is this the difference between surviving and thriving long-term?
When your “why” is strong enough, your excuses disappear. Suddenly, it’s not about “finding the time” — it’s about making the time.
The hard truth is you can’t build a gamechanging firm by treating it like a hobby. Stop settling for incremental growth that doesn’t inspire you or your team. If 10% growth doesn’t excite you, then aim higher. Set a goal that forces you to stretch, innovate, and lead. Because when you’re working toward something transformational, you’ll find the discipline and focus to make it happen no matter what. It’s not about being perfect with your time — it’s about being purposeful.
Excellence isn’t an accident. It’s a habit. Decide what matters, commit to it fully, and watch how much you can actually accomplish when you’re truly all in.
