Reflecting on 20 years of practicing law, Natalee Drummond-Fairley, Esq., shares 10 pieces of advice she would give her 25-year-old self about the road ahead. Her journey as a lawyer has been marked by both success and failure, which has taught her invaluable lessons. Here are the 10 things she would tell her younger self:
Learn from your losses: Although it’s great to win, it’s the losses that often teach us the most. These losses may be tough, but they can provide valuable lessons that lead to future success.
Prioritize your health: While making money is important, it should never come at the cost of your physical, mental, or emotional well-being. The happiest people are not always the richest.
Don’t let fear hold you back: Many of the things we fear never come to fruition, so don’t let fear paralyze you. Take risks, and don’t be afraid to fail.
Don’t take things personally: Not everyone will like you, and that’s okay. It’s often not about you, but rather about their own personal struggles. Be kind to those who dislike you.
Judge people by their character: The people who help us the most are often those who are different from us. Don’t judge people based on their skin color, religion, or political beliefs. Judge them based on their character.
Use being underestimated to your advantage: Being underestimated can be an advantage, so take advantage of it while you can.
Know that you are enough: You don’t need anyone else’s validation. You are enough, and that’s all that matters.
Don’t let doubters hold you back: Those who once doubted you may later come to sing your praises. Don’t let anyone else’s doubts stop you from pursuing your dreams.
Do it for the girls who look like you: Don’t seek praise or accolades for yourself. Do it for the girls who look up to you and need to see that they too can succeed.
Keep the faith: Finally, trust in God and keep the faith. He is always with you, and he will never leave you. Give him the glory no matter what.
Natalee’s 20-year journey as a lawyer has taught her many valuable lessons that she wishes she had known earlier in her career. Her advice is not just for lawyers, but for anyone on their own path to success. Embrace your failures, prioritize your health, don’t let fear hold you back, and judge people based on their character. Most importantly, trust in God and keep the faith, and you will find success and happiness on your journey.
