The principles of recovery have helped relieve much of the anxiety, fear and ego that weighed on my practice. Before recovery I thought I could achieve results by sheer willpower and determination. I pushed myself (and those working around me) too hard and expected those around me to approach each case (each day) that same way. I behaved this way because deep inside I believed that I was in control and, simultaneously, I was fearful that those around me would recognize that I wasn’t really in control (or worse that some case or some other lawyer had control over me). I cared little about how my behavior impacted those around me. In recovery, letting go of control (or at a minimum lessening my grip on control) has created much less tension and more efficiency and peace. I let people do their jobs. Being aware and respecting that each of us in the office has a unique role to play to contribute to the group effort, and focusing on excellence but not perfection, changes the day-to-day operation within the office. People are much happier and we work better and more efficiently. Remaining self-aware is my constant task – then the better results just seem to happen if I can remember to keep myself in check.