I have a friend who epitomizes “Living in the Moment”. When she is not happy in a job, she up and quits. If she has money in her pocket, she spends it. When she feels slighted, she lets everyone know. Yes, she lives in the moment, but is this helpful or harmful? The idea of […]
For years I told myself “someday I’m going to get out of my practice and do something I am passionate about.” It started almost immediately out of law school. “Once I pay off my student loans, I’m outta here.” Then as I paid those off, another arbitrary goal justified my staying in a career of […]
I am currently training for a half marathon. The other day, I was about half mile into an eight mile run. As I was crossing the street, a guy starts yelling at me “Hey jogger, your shirt is ugly. Lift those feet. Those shoes hurt my eyes. Hey jogger, you’re slow. Speed it up. Hey […]
The year that I passed the bar exam, the economy was tight and there was a glut of new lawyers. My wife and I were responsible for two teenagers in High School, and could not relocate without uprooting them. I hung out my shingle and took a contract attorney position to earn a small amount […]
Last year a local play was produced in Portland, Oregon, called Note to Self. The play presents a series of actors portraying the characters’ younger and older selves. Each would write notes to the other. The younger actors would contemplate what will occur in their lives over the next 40 years. The older actors would […]
An inexpensive way for lawyers to improve their courtroom skills is to take an acting or improv class. In college, I took an acting class to fulfill arts credit. I learned to be an effective actor, you must be able to get in touch with both your emotions and the emotions of your character. This […]
“Most people know what they do. Many know how. Few know why.” These are the words of my mentor coach, David Krueger, MD. and they ring true regarding my legal career. I know I am a lawyer and also that I am good at what I do. What I struggle with is “why.” Is it […]
The four months of training was exhausting, but I recently completed my third triathlon. During the swim portion I was elbowed and kicked. During the bike portion I really began to feel the heat of what turned out to be the hottest day of the year. During the run, I said to myself “I’m never going […]
Did you take a vacation last year? If you are like 42% of other Americans, the answer is “No.” This is absolutely mind-boggling given all the ways that a vacation is beneficial to one’s life. Let’s look at five ways that vacations are helpful: 1. Relax and Recharge: Yes, I know, it can be stressful […]
In 2010, it was scientifically verified that the true value of happiness is $75,000. Researchers at Princeton determined that, on average, earning $75,000 was the peak of happiness in the United States. Earning more than this might make your life easier, might give you more material satisfaction, but, alas, it brought you no more happiness. […]
