In the episode on intellectual well-being, attorney Lee Robbins speaks with Carlyn Schofield about the misconception that intellectual well-being always means adding more information, learning, or productivity to our lives. Instead, we explore the idea of “intellectual exhale”, which includes engaging with creativity, curiosity, and ideas outside of work in ways that nourish rather than deplete us.

We discuss the importance of creating more, consuming less, stepping back regularly, and treating the brain like a muscle that needs both use and rest. Different ways of thinking and creative engagement can help us make new connections that ultimately strengthen our work and careers.

Particularly for attorneys, the answer is not always to do more. In fact, trying too hard to constantly “be better” at your job can actually make you worse at it over time. You have to give yourself a break. Intellectual well-being often requires doing less, making space for reflection, creativity, and recovery so that insight and sustainable growth are actually possible.

Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.