Navigating the State Fair of Life: Choices, Boundaries, and Well-Being for Legal Professionals

Last week, my family and I visited the Minnesota State Fair (the “Great Minnesota Get-Together”), an annual tradition for our family filled with all the sensory delights you could imagine—mouth-watering food, endless activities, and a vibrant atmosphere. 

The State Fair is a quintessential celebration of everything we love about summer in Minnesota. But with so many choices and the intensity of the experience, it can also be overwhelming. This got me thinking about how much the state fair mirrors the choices and challenges we face in our lives and careers, especially in the legal profession.

Our family at the fair - we take a picture in this same spot every year!

The Abundance of Choices

The Minnesota State Fair is famous for its vast array of food options and activities. From deep-fried pickles to cheese curds (two of our favorites), and from giant slides to livestock shows, there’s something for everyone. But with so much to see and do, it’s easy to feel like you have to try everything—an impulse that can leave you exhausted and unfulfilled.

Similarly, in our legal careers, the sheer number of opportunities can be overwhelming. There’s always another case to take, another networking event to attend, or another client to please. Just like at the fair, we might feel the pressure to do it all. But the truth is, we can’t—nor should we try.

Knowing Your Limits

During our visit, it was a hot day—92 degrees with a daily record-setting crowd of 170,000 people. Despite our excitement, after a few hours it became clear that we had reached our own daily capacity for the fair. The heat and the crowd were just too much. Recognizing our limits wasn’t a failure; it was a necessary step to take care of ourselves and our well-being.

In the legal profession, knowing your limits is crucial. Whether it’s the number of cases you can realistically handle, the hours you can work, or the emotional energy you can expend, understanding when you’ve reached your limit is essential to maintaining your well-being. Pushing past these limits too often can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a diminished quality of work. It’s okay to say, “This is enough for today.”

The Power of “Maybe Another Time”

One of the beautiful things about the state fair is that it’s not a one-time opportunity. My husband and I decided to return to the fair this Saturday, a special date just the two of us. We often do this since we realized years ago that the family day at the fair is usually centered on the kids and what they want to do, but we love the fair, too. So we go back alone for some “adult time.” Plus, we just can’t fit everything into one day at the fair, especially when our interests are different from what our kids want to do.

I love getting to the fair first thing in the morning. It’s going to be cooler, less crowded, and a chance to enjoy the experience on our terms. We’ll miss out on some food options that are only available later in the day, but we’re making a trade-off for a more pleasant and less overwhelming experience.

This “maybe another time” approach is a powerful tool for legal professionals. Not every opportunity needs to be seized immediately. Sometimes, delaying a decision or an action can lead to better outcomes. Whether it’s postponing a meeting until you’re better prepared, taking a step back to reassess a challenging case, or even declining extra-curricular or volunteer activities, recognizing that not everything has to happen right now can reduce stress and lead to more thoughtful, effective work.

When someone asks you to help out on a volunteer or optional activity, but you’re already at or beyond capacity, it can be okay to say, "I really appreciate you thinking of me, but this isn’t the best time for me. Can I consider this again in the future when I can give it more attention and energy?" This response honors your boundaries and ensures you can give your best when the time is right.

Trade-Offs and Choices

Returning to the fair on a Saturday morning comes with trade-offs. We’ll enjoy fewer crowds and shorter lines, but some food stalls won’t be open. In life and work, every choice comes with trade-offs. It’s about understanding what you value most at any given time and making decisions that align with those values.

In the legal profession, this might mean being honest about your limits when you’re taking on new clients or tasks or prioritizing your health over attending yet another late-night event. It’s about making conscious choices that reflect your personal and professional priorities.

Lessons from the Fair: Practical Takeaways for Legal Professionals

• Set Clear Boundaries: Just as we chose to leave the fair when it got too hot and crowded, set boundaries in your work to protect your well-being. Know when to say “no” or “not now” to optional tasks and commitments that could wait. One of my favorite lines when it comes to work projects is “I’d love to help you with this, but I’m working on a number of other things right now. Could we talk about when I could realistically get this to you so I can give you my best work?”
• Prioritize What Matters: Decide what’s most important to you—whether it’s the kind of work you do, the clients you serve, or the time you spend with loved ones. When possible, choices that reflect these priorities.
• Embrace Trade-Offs: Understand that every choice has its trade-offs. Be mindful of what you gain and what you give up with each decision, and make peace with those outcomes.
• Practice Patience: Not every opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Sometimes, the best decision is to wait, to say, “Maybe another time,” and revisit it when the timing is right.
• Know Your Limits: Recognize when you’ve reached your capacity, and don’t push yourself beyond it. Taking care of yourself ensures you can continue to do your best work in the long run.

[Quick caveat: I absolutely get it that in the legal profession, you can’t always say “no” or turn down work. That’s just the truth of our profession, and my clients and I talk about that - a lot. But sometimes there are ways to make choices, respectfully ask for more time, turn down optional things like committee or volunteer work, and otherwise protect yourself from the onslaught of opportunities and tasks - some that you’ll be required to do, but some that are more flexible than you might think. I just encourage you to take a moment to really consider what has to be a “yes” and where you have the ability to set some boundaries to protect your well-being so you can be at your best.]

As I prepare to return to the fair tomorrow morning with my husband, I’m reminded that life and work are not about doing everything but about making choices that enhance our well-being and allow us to thrive. 

The next time you feel overwhelmed by the demands of your legal career, remember the state fair: the abundance of choices can be wonderful, but knowing your limits, setting boundaries, and making intentional decisions will help you enjoy the journey without losing yourself in the process.

I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow morning while I’m munching on cheese curds and sipping a malt from the Dairy Barn!