Before I tell you my answer, let me challenge you to stop reading and take some time to think what your answer would be. This can be a difficult task, requiring introspection, honesty, and brevity.
The readers of this magazine will probably find the second requirement the easiest of the three. I suspect that for most lawyers, brevity is considerably more difficult, and introspection is the toughest of all. After all, it’s easy to forget to simply think.
In doing some research about knowledge management—a way of improving an organization’s productivity by making efficient use of the knowledge within it—I found a quote on a Web page devoted to the subject:
“If you’re not twitching, you’re not working” was the phrase once used by a manager I know. His notion was that if you were not on the phone, typing away at your computer keyboard, talking to someone, or in meetings, then you were obviously not working. The idea that you could sit still, read a magazine, or even shut your eyes and THINK was an anathema.
Taking time to just think is even harder now than it used to be because technology has made it so easy to take our work wherever we go. We have become dependent on cell phones, Blackberries, instant messaging, and even “air cards,” which let us use our computers remotely—even in a taxi. One of the few places where there’s any peace and quiet anymore is in an airplane (which is where I’m writing this), and even there we’re tempted by our iPods or an ever-growing list of “must read” books.
Which brings me to my word of advice: outside. (To be honest, I may have failed the brevity challenge: I can give one word of advice, but it takes many more to explain it.)
The challenge
Get outside what’s expected of you. Stop simply doing what you have to do, and decide what you want to do. A successful life is defined by the goals we set for ourselves and by the questions we ask.
How long has it been since you shut your office door, sat down, and simply thought about where you are, where you’re going, and how you might get there? Have you a written a personal mission statement? Do you know what motivates you? Are you living case to case, trial to trial, or do you have a real plan for your life? Are you getting enough connection with others? Is there some variety, some challenge in your life? Are you settling for certainty, or pushing for growth?
Get outside your comfort zone. Stretch your mental or physical limits. If you’re not exercising regularly, start. It’s almost always possible to take a walk for 20 to 30 minutes each day.
Try drawing or painting, or learn to play an instrument. Even if you never get very good, the discipline of practice will be good for you.
Spend 30 minutes a day in meditation—or if you prefer, prayer. Read something that’s neither law related nor escapist junk. Or if you never read escapist junk, read some. Learn to cook (this is a great way to connect with your spouse, by the way).
Get outside of the cell phone zone. Consider taking a vacation that’s more than a long weekend or connected to a continuing legal education event. What would happen if you took two weeks off and left your cell phone, computer, and all your other electronic devices at home?
Two weeks is a good length of time: You’ll spend the first two days worrying if everything is OK at the office and the last two sweating over what will face you when you get back, but the 10 in the middle will be great. You’ll probably find yourself a more relaxed, happy, and productive attorney when you get back.
Get outside the “always on” mentality. Possibly the most important time of your day is the first 20 minutes after you get home. Stop thinking about your day or worrying about your tomorrow, and ask your spouse and children to tell you about theirs. And when they do, listen and ask questions.
Just get outside. Make an effort to see the sun. Take a sandwich to work and eat lunch in the park. Take the kids to the zoo or a ball game. Toss the football in the backyard.
Outside. That’s my one word of advice. What’s yours?
