Tap into Your Inner Spark with the Punk Rock Principle

"Being a rockstar is the intersection of who you are and who you want to be."
- Slash

What’s the boldest, most unforgettable thing you’ve ever done?

Think back: Was it starting a band, throwing an epic party, dancing on tables, or getting a secret tattoo? Maybe it was scaling a cliff, exploring a foreign country solo, delivering a breathtaking performance, or taking on a life-changing act of generosity and service. Whatever it was, take a moment to savor that memory.

Now ask yourself: How does it feel right now to relive that memory?

Underneath the nostalgia, there’s a spark — a flash of energy that says, “That was me. I did that.” That spark’s your inner rock star. It’s raw, unfiltered, and undeniably and uniquely yours.

And here’s the thing: That spark didn’t go anywhere. It’s still inside you, waiting to be reignited. When you tap into it, you unlock a well of confidence, creativity, and energy that can transform not just your personal life, but your professional one, too.

Rekindling the Spark

As lawyers, we’re taught to prioritize precision, intellect, and ambition. These traits help us succeed, but they can also become strict taskmasters. The relentless grind — especially for those of us operating under the billable hour model — often pushes us to suppress our creative, adventurous sides. Over time, that rebellious spark gets buried under the weight of deadlines, expectations, family responsibilities, and the pursuit of the next career milestone.

But what if you didn’t have to choose between being a great lawyer and embracing your inner rock star?

Reclaiming your spark isn’t just about feeling good — it’s about showing up as the fullest, most vibrant version of yourself. It’s about bringing energy, authenticity, and a sense of adventure into your life and career. And when you do that, you become not just memorable but magnetic.

Why It Matters

We live in a world that often rewards conformity, especially in the legal profession. But the truth is, what makes you stand out is your authenticity, your creativity, and your unique spark. When you embrace your authentic self and cultivate aspects of yourself that need further expression, you give yourself permission to show up fully — not just as a lawyer but as a dynamic, multidimensional human being.

And here’s the best part: When you start showing up this way, you don’t waste time double-thinking who you “should be.” You’re fully, authentically, and wonderfully you at all times.

Everyday Outrageous: Small Steps, Big Impact

It’s time to celebrate and challenge yourself in bold new ways.

So, how do you tap into your inner punk rock energy? Start by adding in small pieces of what speaks to your spirit, every day. It’s like a muscle — you need to work the muscles every day so they can grow.

Take little punk baby steps and see what shakes loose. Here are some ideas:

• Create your anthem: Build a playlist that reminds you of your adventures and boldest moments, and notice how music can create quick shifts in your mindset. “Art is how we decorate space; music is how we decorate time.” — Jean-Michel Basquiat
• Press your edge: Get comfortable being uncomfortable (it’s also a great way to increase your executive presence and confidence!). Take horseback riding lessons, ride a rollercoaster, take that burlesque dance class, go up a rock climbing wall. Do things that make you just a bit scared — and then notice how being brave makes you feel bolder every day. “You need a little bit of insanity to do great things.” — Henry Rollins
• Glam up your space: Make your office a reflection of your best self. Let it inspire you every time you walk in and reflect the totality of who you are to everyone who visits. Add art, clean the clutter, and display photos that remind you of adventures or milestones.
• Flex: Build internal and external muscles — shifting your physiology can shift your mind. Do some weightlifting or simple stretching, or even drop and do five pushups when you need to get your brain in the game. We lawyers reside in our brains most of the time, which can sometimes be a bit of a dangerous neighborhood. Move your body, shift your mood.
• Laugh, sing, and dance: Laughter, music, and movement is transformative. Take five minutes to watch a comedy sketch midday or belt out your favorite song en route to work in your car. A little daily “LSD” is a guaranteed shortcut to shift your energy in a positive direction, particularly when you’re under a lot of stress. “There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them.” — Vicki Baum
• Take an artist date: Take yourself on an artist date once a month to view art, music, or something off the beaten path. Go to an immersive theater, dance, or art experience, or go to a “dining in the dark” experience and eat entirely blindfolded to awaken your senses.
• Celebrate and own your wins: In a journal dedicated just to your punk rock pursuits, write down two things every day that make you a rock star — big or small. Own your achievements. “If you don’t toot your own horn, don’t complain that there’s no music.” — Guy Kawasaki
• Add flair: Confidence is contagious. Whether it’s bold accessories, a signature jacket, or a pop of pleather, pursue a personal style that makes you happy — even if it’s not something that your adoring public will ever see. “Don’t let anyone define you. You define yourself.” — Billie Jean King
• Get the band back together: For you musicians, put together a virtual jam session or start a firm band and perform at a “lawyers rock” charity event. And if you always wanted to learn an instrument and start a band, go for it! Start living your punk rock dreams today. “Art is sacred. Punk rock is freedom. Expression and right to express is vital. Anyone can be artistic.” — Kurt Cobain
• Take the first step: Have a big dream? Whether it’s running a marathon, writing a book, or launching a side hustle, take one small action today. Buy those running shoes, register a domain name, design that tattoo, write one poem. Momentum builds with each step.
• Dump the undeserving: Challenge habits or norms that don’t serve you and aren’t deserving of your brilliance and energy. Whether it’s cutting back on alcohol or redefining your work-life balance, sometimes the most punk rock thing you can do is put yourself first.
• Become more extraordinary: The most exceptional performers in any industry command the most value. With that in mind, cultivate yourself: read and/or listen to books on the way to work; take classes of all kinds — CLEs, personal and professional development courses, acting, dancing, photography, writing; and study the biographies of extraordinary performers and entrepreneurs who inspire you. “If you want to get more, you have to become more.” — Jim Rohn

The Punk Rock Principle in Action

The above ideas — no matter how unconventional some may appear — will help you create the life and career you truly love.

• In your career: Showing up with boldness and authenticity makes you memorable to colleagues, clients, and prospects. It’s the edge that transforms good lawyers into great ones and makes people really connect with you as the complete person you are.
• In your personal life: Reconnecting with your adventurous side improves your relationships, boosts your mood, and reminds you of who you really are.
• In your everyday choices: Whether it’s ordering dessert for dinner or dancing while getting dressed in the morning, these small acts of joy and mini rebellion can add that special gleam in your eye that carries you through your day.
• With your family: Share these ideas with your kids or loved ones. Teaching your children confidence-building tools like these will help them embrace their skills, talents, and wonderful uniqueness.

Being a lawyer means making a difference in powerful ways, but don’t forget to fuel your own fire by staying connected to what truly sparks your joy and lets you live who you truly are.

“Punk is about being an individual and going against the grain and standing up and saying, ‘This is who I am.’”
— Joey Ramone

“Punk rock is just another word for freedom.”
— Patti Smith

“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
— David Bowie