In this episode of Probate Notes, Sam welcomes Sharon Vidano, a former criminal defense attorney turned certified life coach, for a conversation about mindset, energy, and intentional living in the legal profession.

Drawing on her own experience practicing law, Sharon explains why so many attorneys find themselves living on autopilot, pushing through long hours, high stress, and constant demands without ever stopping to ask whether the life they're building actually feels fulfilling. Sharon introduces the idea of "living by default" versus "living by design," emphasizing that change starts with awareness. By noticing thought patterns, emotional reactions, and areas of dissatisfaction, attorneys can begin to make intentional choices about how they show up at work and at home. She shares examples of how mindset shifts can transform difficult client interactions, reduce emotional exhaustion, and improve professional outcomes without requiring a career change.

A major theme of the discussion is energy preservation. Sharon explains how unmanaged stress and constant reactivity drain mental and emotional reserves, making even routine tasks feel overwhelming. She offers simple tools such as pausing, reframing thoughts, and intentional breathing to help regulate the nervous system in high-pressure moments, whether in court, client meetings, or negotiations.

The episode also explores why growth is difficult to sustain on its own. Sharon discusses the value of coaching, accountability, and structured support, especially for attorneys who are used to self-reliance. Rather than adding more to an already full plate, coaching helps attorneys work more intentionally with the time, energy, and resources they already have, leading to greater clarity, confidence, and fulfillment.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Living by default vs. living by design
• Why attorneys are prone to burnout and autopilot thinking
• Awareness as the foundation for change
• Mindset shifts that improve client interactions
• Energy preservation in high-stress environments
• Breathing techniques to reset during tense moments
• Visioning exercises to clarify what you truly want
• The role of coaching and accountability in sustainable growth

Resources from this Episode

lifecoachsharon.com

sharonvidano.systeme.io/get-your-free-burnout-toolkit

tidycal.com/sharonnvidano/breakthroughsession

The 6-Stage Probate Process: How to Navigate California Probate: https://a.co/d/82310Rw

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Episode Credits

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