“We do not rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systems.” — James Clear, Atomic Habits
Let’s be honest — most lawyers know what they should be doing to build their books of business.
They’ve read the articles, attended the CLEs, maybe even hired a coach (hi ?).
But knowing isn’t doing.
The truth? Big, sweeping rainmaking plans sound great… until you’re buried under client work, emails, and billable hour targets. That’s why I teach micro-habits — small, consistent actions that compound over time and eventually define who you are as a rainmaker.
In fact, a great book about compounding your habits is written in The Compound Effect, by Darren Hardy.
Why Micro-Habits Work (and Why They’re Perfect for Lawyers)
Even though many people have talked about taking small actions every day for eons, and how effective it is, James Clear popularized this idea in Atomic Habits: you don’t need massive change — you need consistent 1% improvements.
One small step repeated daily creates far more impact than one “big initiative” that fizzles after two weeks.
Science backs this up.
Studies show that habits become automatic through repetition in a stable context — and most habits take, on average, about 66 days to stick. (European Journal of Social Psychology)
And here’s the magic: once a behavior becomes automatic, it stops feeling like effort. It just becomes part of who you are.
For lawyers, that’s gold. Because when business development becomes a habit, not a chore, you stop riding the “feast or famine” rollercoaster and start creating a steady flow of new opportunities.
Three Atomic Micro-Habits for Rainmakers
1. Stack It on Something You Already Do
Want to make a new behavior stick? Attach it to something you’re already doing.
For example:
- After you finish your morning emails, send one LinkedIn message to reconnect with someone in your network.
- After you log your billable time, jot down one potential client or referral idea.
This is called habit stacking, and it’s one of the most effective ways to turn a good intention into a consistent action.
BJ Fogg, one of the godfathers of tiny habits, says if you want to get into the habit of flossing, then just start by flossing one tooth after you brush your teeth. Then add another tooth the next day and the next, until you are flossing every time you brush your teeth.
2. The Two-Minute Rule
Make it so small you can’t not do it.
If you want to start reaching out to referral sources, begin by simply opening LinkedIn.
If you want to publish thought leadership, just write the headline of your post.
Once you start, momentum takes over. That’s the secret: you don’t have to do everything today — just start the motion.
3. Make It Easy to Win
Set your environment up for success. Keep your CRM tab open. Put a sticky note on your desk that says,
“Who did I connect with today?”
And when you follow through? Celebrate. Seriously. Give yourself that little dopamine hit — a check mark, a smile, a mini fist-pump.
You’re not just building a task list — you’re building an identity.
Each micro-habit reinforces: I’m a rainmaker. I create opportunities.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Remote work. AI. Silos.
Lawyers are more disconnected than ever from natural business development moments — those hallway conversations, networking events, or lunches that used to spark relationships.
Micro-habits rebuild that consistency in a new world.
They make rainmaking possible anywhere — even from behind a laptop.
And for younger lawyers, especially those whose early careers were shaped by the pandemic, this approach makes networking feel less intimidating and more natural.
Start Here
Pick one micro-habit this week.
Make it tiny. Make it repeatable. Make it visible.
- “After I finish my last client call, I’ll send one thank-you message.”
- “After I submit my billing, I’ll comment on one LinkedIn post.”
Then track it.
Do it for 66 days.
You’ll be amazed at how those small, atomic actions turn into measurable rain.
Because rainmaking isn’t built in a day. It’s built one small, intentional drop at a time.
P.S. If you’re ready to turn your own micro-habits into measurable rain, I’m offering a complimentary Rainmaking Training Session to help you identify where to start — and how to make it stick.
Spots are limited, and currently only available until the end of the year, but if you’d like to schedule one use the button below to find a time that works for you!
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