I’ve never really been one for New Year’s resolutions. Knowing that about 90% of people fail at keeping resolutions, the endeavor to keep resolutions seemed rather fruitless to me.
Instead, I have always opted to start my resolutions between Thanksgiving and Christmas, figuring if I can carry through on it during the holidays, I am much more likely to make it through the next year.
Spoiler: I am wrong about this.
People fail to keep resolutions for a variety of reasons but researchers have settled on a few main ones based on the report “Why Most New Year’s Resolutions Fail,” published in 2023 by the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University.
• People tend to set resolutions due to tradition rather than at points in time where a change is needed. My post-Thanksgiving resolution is just as likely to fail as the next person’s.
• People tend to underestimate the existence of obstacles.
Resolutions are usually made on a hope upswing, with us feeling optimistic. But, optimism only goes so far when our 5 a.m. gym commitment rolls around on a morning where it’s 29 degrees and the bed is much snugglier and appealing.
• People tend to set big goals when they really need to set smaller, easily achievable goals that build confidence and momentum.
• People tend to keep their goals to themselves, but studies show that writing them down or telling someone increased the likelihood of success. Accountability partners are great to have.
So, what goals do you have for 2025?
Generally, more than two-thirds of people who set resolutions focus on improving their health.
In 2024, 59% wanted to save more money, 50% wanted to exercise more, 47% wanted to eat healthier, 40% wanted to spend more time with friends and family, 35% wanted to lose weight, 26% wanted to reduce spending on living expenses, 19% wanted to spend less time on social media and 19% wanted to reduce work-related stress, according to America’s Top New Year’s Resolutions for 2024, Dec. 22, 2023, by Statista.
This year, I hope you will set a resolution to volunteer with Three Rivers Legal Services.
Let me break it down for you:
Tradition
Sadly, volunteering is not on the list of most popular resolutions, so you’re already bucking tradition. But, even more exciting is that you can start any day you want. Just shoot an email to [email protected] or sign up for a task/case at Florida Pro Bono Matters.
Obstacles
The obstacles to getting involved are pretty small. All you need is a big heart and an internet connection, but TRLS can help break them down with you.
You can do pro bono in your pajamas.
Not familiar with the subject matter? That’s okay. We have training materials, CLEs and mentors/co-counsel available to help you.
We are always in need of attorneys with backgrounds in family, housing, criminal and consumer law, especially bankruptcy and small claims.
Newly admitted? Our staff will review your pleadings and brainstorm with you and, where possible, we can provide you with samples or templates.
Don’t have malpractice insurance? We provide liability coverage and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.
Work out of your home? No sweat. With regional offices in Gainesville, Lake City, Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach, we can provide office space. We can even receive mail for you, which we will scan and send via email.
Concerned about ongoing obligations? Most of our pro bono referrals are for limited and discrete issues (advice on a specific landlord/tenant issue, explain legal forms to a client, etc.) but attorneys are not expected to provide any representation beyond the parameters of the referral.
If we send you a will and the client wants to add on every advance directive known to Western civilization, you do not have to handle them. Just let us know of the new legal issue and we will take it from there.
Maybe the client has become nonresponsive or challenging to work with. Just let us know. Sometimes, cases need to be returned to us or closed outright. While it may not be the most satisfying outcome, it does happen.
If you already do pro bono, that’s great. Thank you. If you have a client reach out to you directly, you can send them to TRLS to be pre-screened and we can refer them directly back to you.
This way, you get all of the benefits of working with a trusted partner while also getting to screen the clients you work with first. Just send an email to [email protected] with the client’s name, phone number and legal issue so we can flag them at intake.
Big goals
You don’t need to start by handling a federal impact litigation. We need people to lead community know-your-rights presentations, provide advice to clients, attend short clinics, and much, much more. If you have the will, we have the way.
Accountability
Not only will TRLS be your accountability partner in the beginning, we support our volunteers throughout their tenure. Our staff check in with volunteers regularly throughout any case to ensure things are moving along and no assistance is needed.
I wish you success with your resolutions, no matter what they are, but sincerely hope you will add TRLS to your goals for 2025.