December 2000 DICTA

Is It All Worth It? (Do You Know Your Priorities?)

	Original Publication: DICTA (Publication of the KBA)
	Author: Tom Sims, Hodges, Doughty & Carson
	Date Published: December, 2000

A few years ago, our law firm had a retreat in Abington, Virginia. There was much talk about financial matters, marketing our services, plans for the future etc., and all in all I thought it was a very successful retreat. The last thing on the agenda was a talk by Jon Burnett who had just changed his status with our firm from partner to of-counsel a few months earlier. What he had to say was perhaps the most meaningful thing that happened on that retreat. At my request, he put it in writing and for the past 7 years I have had it laying on the top of my desk where I can read it from time to time. It’s a lesson on life, and how we relate our professional careers to the enjoyment of life. Jon has allowed me to share some of what he taught us that Sunday morning.

"Is it all worth it? Are you balancing your goals and objectives? Where do you store your treasure?" Jon recited the story of the rich man who produced a good crop of grain, but had no place to put it. So he tore down his barns and built bigger ones. That very night his life was taken from him and his earthly riches were all left behind.

Is it all worth it? Are we so busy with our careers that we don’t take time to build a life? Here are some alternatives we may all want to consider in evaluating the balance and quality of our lives:

	Adequate income vs. All you can get
	True professionalism vs. High visibility
	Character and Integrity vs. "Business Ethics" (what you can get by with)
	Effective service to community, church and professional organizations vs. Self-interest "image building activities"
	Quality time for marriage, family, social and recreational activities vs. The "Jealous Mistress" – workaholism
	Practice the profession, don’t just run a business

Here are ten tips to enable us to balance our lives:

Schedule vacations and family recreation six to twelve months ahead, and stick to it.

	Schedule one day for relaxation and sightseeing, when feasible, on out of town trips. Take your spouse when possible. Never return home the same day.
	Exercise some control over your work and caseload. Don’t let work control your life.
	Don’t schedule evening work except in an emergency.
	Never take work home – except when absolutely necessary.
	Always take calls from family.
	Make time, regularly, for things you enjoy.
	Don’t be a "Rambo" lawyer.
	Participate in bar and professional activities.
	Develop a hobby – and other special interests not related to your work

Finally, avoid the materialism that drives our culture. Strive to make the practice of law a work of art, not just a medium for making money. Remember those words spoken so long ago, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also".

It is all worth it only if you:

	Preserve your personal integrity,
	Retain the high reputation and character that you have strived to build,
	Fulfill your responsibilities to your clients, your partners, your employees and your families,
	Maintain a balanced, quality life.

"I shall pass through this world but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do, let me do it now; let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."

So what does all this have to do with practicing law? Everything, I think. Thanks Jon.

The Web Master

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