“If you improve by 1% each day, you’ll be 37 times better by the end of the year,” observes Patryk Zamorski, Europe Talent Director at Dentons, during a recent Platforum9 session. As legal professionals approach 2025, Zamorski shares insights on how to make meaningful and achievable resolutions that drive both personal and professional growth.
The Power of Looking Back
Before setting new goals, Zamorski emphasizes the importance of reflection. He recommends seeking feedback from multiple sources: “Go and ask people with whom you worked most, people with whom you’ve been sharing projects or different clients.” This feedback process not only provides valuable insights but also strengthens professional relationships.
Finding Your Mentor
“If you want to give yourself the best gift ever, it’s finding yourself a mentor,” Zamorski advises. He suggests identifying specific skills or competencies you want to develop and seeking out someone who excels in those areas. Mentors can be found both within and outside your organization, depending on your development goals.
The Fresh Start Effect
The turn of the year creates what Zamorski calls “the fresh start effect” – a natural psychological boost that increases both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. However, he cautions against setting too many goals simultaneously, recommending focus in two key areas:
- Personal wellbeing (mental and physical health)
- Professional development as a lawyer
The 1% Solution
Rather than setting overwhelming goals, Zamorski advocates for incremental improvement. “Try to chunk it and make it smaller,” he suggests. This approach makes goals more manageable and sustainable, leading to significant compound improvements over time.
Making Goals Stick
To increase the likelihood of achieving your resolutions, Zamorski recommends several practical strategies:
- Write a letter to yourself dated end of 2025, describing your achievements as if they’ve already happened
- Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- Connect goals to a larger purpose beyond just professional advancement
- Focus on consistency rather than intensity
- Celebrate successes along the way
The Journey Matters
“It’s not so much the goal itself, but the process and the journey getting to that goal,” Zamorski emphasizes. Finding enjoyment in the development process makes the goals themselves more achievable and sustainable.
Looking Forward
For legal professionals planning their 2025 resolutions, Zamorski suggests:
- Focus on fewer, more meaningful goals
- Make time for daily micro-improvements
- Seek regular feedback
- Invest in self-development beyond firm-provided training
- Balance professional growth with personal wellbeing
As the legal profession continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and grow becomes increasingly crucial. Whether it’s embracing new technologies, developing client relationships, or enhancing technical skills, the key lies in making consistent, incremental progress toward well-defined goals.
The message is clear: success in legal career development isn’t about dramatic transformations but rather about consistent, purposeful steps forward. As Zamorski concludes, “Less is more. Focus on one or two really strategic goals, but do a little bit every day.”
