2026 Goal Setting for Lawyers Part 2: Design Your Lane and Stay Focused | Ep. 166

You can have the best intentions in the world, but without focus, they won't turn into results. In Part 2 of this two-part series, Steve Riley helps lawyers move from insight to execution by designing a practical structure for 2026. Instead of piling on resolutions, Steve makes a counterintuitive case for choosing just two goals: one Great Life goal and one Great Practice goal. Nothing more. He explains why this kind of restraint isn't limiting, it's liberating, and why it dramatically increases the odds of real change. The episode builds on the driving framework introduced in Part 1. Your written goals are the map. Your attention is the steering wheel. Your working memory is the windshield. And your weekly structure is the lane that keeps you moving forward. Steve revisits the four "dangerous Ds" that derail high performers and shows why most lawyers aren't failing at discipline, they're failing at design. Steve then shares practical steering strategies for staying in your lane, including turning big annual goals into small, protected focus blocks, using simple "if-then" plans to recover quickly when distractions hit, and scheduling weekly reflection so you don't live the same year on repeat. Along the way, he shares memorable stories and hard-earned lessons, including why chasing every opportunity is like a dog trying to catch ten squirrels, and how many firm owners end up losing by winning when success comes at the cost of health, family, or energy. The episode also connects these ideas to the My Great Life Focus, designed as a weekly lane specifically for lawyers who want progress without burnout. If you've ever wondered why good years keep repeating instead of building momentum, this episode offers a clear, disciplined path forward and a practical way to design a year that actually moves the needle. In this episode, you will hear: Why great goals fail without focus, structure, and executionThe four dangerous Ds that quietly derail progressWhy choosing fewer goals leads to better resultsHow to design a personal lane that protects attention and energyTurning big annual goals into weekly focus blocksSimple steering strategies to stay on track without burning out Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐ Supporting Resources: Steve RileyEp. 165: 4 Ways Your Goals Get Hijacked and How to Stop It – Part 1Study: Learning by Thinking: How Reflection Aids PerformanceWorksheet: 2025 Rearview Mirror Check worksheetWorksheet: 2026 Steering ProtocolLimited-time offer! My Great Life Focus: Get a one-year supply (4 quarterly focusers) for $99.90 (50% off) with this link. Valid through January 31, 2026. Claim the offer → If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [e-mail]. Curious about growing your own practice without burning out? Contact Atticus to see whether our law firm coaching can help you strengthen attorney success, refine your law firm business strategy, and build a practice that actually supports your life. This podcast for lawyers is part of our broader legal podcast library, offering practical insights on how to grow a law firm through stronger law firm leadership and management, smarter marketing, intentional hiring, efficient operations, healthy law firm culture, and sustainable profitability, all while addressing law firm burnout and the realities of modern practice. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get practical insights on how to grow a law firm: from law firm leadership and management to marketing, hiring, operations, culture, and profitability, so you can build a Great Practice and a Great Life.