Rethinking the Meaning of Life…..
Ninety-eight percent of PILMMA members join because they want to grow their practices. Two percent want to work less and are happy with the number of cases they currently have. But the real question is, why do most lawyers want to grow their practices? Is it to make more money? Is it to dominate their market? Will a larger practice, with more cases and more income make you happier?
Lawyers that are working 80 hour work weeks may wonder if it is really worth it? Is money your measuring stick? Is your ego or competitive nature what drives you to be No. 1 in your market? One thing I learned the hard way is that money does NOT buy happiness, love, or affection from a child or significant other. Many rich people die very miserably, without meaningful relationships or self-worth. Others reach the end of their lives and wonder whether their lives mattered at all, or if they made any impact or difference in the world.
I personally believe that each of us was put on this world for a reason. In some small and brief time here on earth, we have a duty to do something to make this place better than we found it. But, how can we do that?
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One thing I learned in my late 40’s was that although money does not buy happiness, it does buy FREEDOM. A successful law practice and increased income allows you the freedom to spend more time with your loved ones. It buys you the freedom to work on cases or causes that you strongly believe in. It buys you the freedom to go out and help others.
Helping others in relationships brings most of us a true sense of fulfillment, which in turn brings us happiness. This is happiness that is on a deeper level than monetary gratification can provide.
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As many of you know, I recently lost my middle son, Jess, a month before Christmas. I can truly say that in my 30’s I probably did not spend enough time with my children. I was busy growing my law practice and was oftentimes working harder although not always smarter. I have tried to share what I have learned about law firm marketing and management with our PILMMA members so that they won’t make some of those same mistakes.
By the time I reached my 40’s and 50’s and now my early 60’s, I can truly say that I’ve spent as much time as possible with my children. As many of you who follow me on Facebook know, I spend a good bit of time playing golf with my sons, taking road trips with my children, and exploring new venues. I’ve enjoyed my time on earth with my children. The weekend before my son Jess died, he came to our house, and we spent several days during the Thanksgiving Holiday cooking, talking, reminiscing, and we had a really great time. We made memories that weekend that I will treasure the rest of my life.
Making more money allows you the freedom to spend time on the things and people that are important to you. I guess the reason for writing this article is that I do not want any of you to feel guilty for wanting to make more money. I just want you to ask yourself what is motivating that desire within you. Make sure you are working for the right reasons. Do not use making money as a measuring stick; rather, use it for the purpose of buying your freedom to do the things that make the world a better place and build relationships with the people you love. In doing so, you will build not just a successful law firm, but a successful life and a life that is more meaningful, purposeful and joyful.
