Surviving the Deep Freeze: Learning About Resilience
A couple of weeks ago, Minnesota was in a deep freeze - schools were closed, my weather app showed -15°F with a "real feel" of -30°F, and I had to bundle up in a stocking cap and winter coat just to step outside and head to the law school to teach (law school classes are never canceled, it seems).
Fast forward a few days, and I was out for a walk in a sweatshirt at 46°F, soaking in what we Minnesotans call a "balmy" day in January.
We joke that enduring the brutal cold here in Minnesota is "character building," but in reality, it’s a perfect metaphor for resilience. The temperature shift last week was a reminder of something we often forget in the legal profession:
Things can change, sometimes quickly. What feels unbearable today might look completely different tomorrow.
Resilience in Law: The Forecast Always Shifts
We see it all the time:
✅ That deal that felt stuck? It suddenly moves forward.
✅ The case that kept you up at night? You find a new angle or solution.
✅ The event you’ve been planning for months? It finally comes together (and, let’s be honest, at the last minute).
✅ The firm’s budget that looked impossible? You make adjustments, and suddenly, there’s a path forward.
When you're in the middle of a challenging case, a stressful negotiation, or an overwhelming to-do list, it’s easy to feel like the pressure will never let up. But just like the weather, conditions can improve, sometimes faster than you expect.
How to Strengthen Your Resilience (Without Just "Toughing It Out")
1. Check the "forecast" before you react.
Before you make a big decision or get discouraged, assess the situation with fresh eyes. Are you reacting based on yesterday’s stress, or are you adapting to today’s reality? Sometimes things have already shifted, but we’re still bracing for a storm that has passed.
2. Layer up when needed, but know when to shed the extra weight.
Some challenges require grit, pushing through the hard parts. Other times, the smartest move is to pivot, let go, or adjust. Knowing when to persevere and when to recalibrate is a sign of true resilience.
3. Use small changes to your advantage.
In Minnesota, a 10-degree shift can mean the difference between misery and manageable. The same is true in law and leadership; sometimes small adjustments in your workload, your mindset, or your approach to a problem can make all the difference.
4. Trust that the tough moments won’t last forever.
No matter how brutal a legal challenge, a firm-wide project, or an unexpected career shift may feel; it will pass. Resilient lawyers and legal professionals trust that they can weather the storm and adapt when needed.
Emotional Intelligence & Leadership: What This Means for You
As a lawyer or legal professional: Don’t let today’s stress dictate your long-term mindset. That tough case or project, difficult client, or endless contract review isn’t forever.
As a leader: Guide your team with flexibility. When the "forecast" shifts, help them adjust instead of clinging to old plans.
As a professional juggling it all: Whether you’re balancing billable hours, event planning, hiring, budgeting, or personal responsibilities, recognize that no challenge is permanent.
The Bottom Line: Weather Changes, and So Will Your Challenges
Yes, the deep freeze was brutal, and yes, that sweatshirt walk felt amazing. But in both moments, the key was adjusting, not resisting.
So whether you’re bundled up in the storm or enjoying a much-needed break, know that things will shift. And when they do? You’ll be ready.
Recommended Resources
[Article] The Secret to Building Resilience by Rob Cross, Karen Dillon and Danna Greenberg
[Article] What Makes Some People More Resilient Than Others by Monika Aichele
[Article] Resilience: Meaning, Types, Causes, and How to Develop It by Kendra Cherry
[Video] Denise Mai: How to build resilience as your superpower | TED Talk
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