Miami Legal Business Development | Branding | Lawyer Coaching | Paula Black

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Yes, the question is... Are you happy? I was telling my client Brian Torres that I can honestly say that I am happy 100% of the time. Now that may sound a little over the top... but it's true. I get stressed and frustrated and disappointed just like everyone else. But none of those emotions alter my being happy.

The next time I saw Brian he had a book for me. Wow... what a great gift! First of all that he listened to me the last time we met and that he was so kind as to share this treasure with me. If you only have time to read one book this year, THIS is the one... The Business of Happiness by Ted Leonsis.

Ted is the owner of the Washington Capitals hockey team, and was an executive at AOL in the early days. He shares some behind the scenes details that really make the book an interesting read. He has won an Oscar, yes, an Oscar! Why should you care? Because at the age of 27 he was a millionaire and almost died in an airplane crash, and in those life altering moments came face to face with what we all think about, with or without a reckoning... "Am I living my life the way I wanted to or expected to?" If you are like most lawyers I coach the answer is probably... "Sometimes... but not enough of the time."

So... What answers and inspiration does Ted Leonsis have for us? 

Make what he calls, a LIFE LIST... What do you want to experience before you say goodbye to this world? So many people go through life just taking what gets served up... as opposed to going after dreams that fulfill them. Think about it! Be outrageous... be creative... and have fun! I put, attend the Oscars, on my list. Certainly I must know somebody who knows somebody that has connections. (Anyone out there want to help me with this one?) Ted also recommends adding things to your list that you have already accomplished. I love this bit of advice since most of us tend to forget that we have accomplished some really great things... our dreams. Take credit for them... be proud of them... and don't forget them. 

Have multiple communities of interest... Ted points out that interacting in a variety of different communities enriches our lives... and you do not need to be an extrovert. As Bette Midler says... You've Gotta Have Friends!

Find outlets for self-expression... This can take on many forms. Writing a blog like I am now is very fulfilling and makes me happy. Art, music, giving speeches, writing articles or even a radio program. These are also great ways to crystallize your personal brand.

Show your gratitude... Do your clients know how much you appreciate them? If you work for someone, does he or she know that you value your job? If your answer is "I think so." Maybe you should KNOW SO! Tell them.

Look for ways to give back... Certainly you have heard this many times and many of you have said... "Sure... just as soon as I get some free time!" The time will never just appear... you have to make it a priority. 

Find your higher calling... What's your bigger purpose? 

These are Ted's six tenets for happiness and my two cents. Is any of this new... absolutely not! But let me tell you that Ted writes a compelling argument to DO IT NOW! I think you will love this book as much as I did... Thank you Brian!

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Happy Thanksgiving! I always post on Thursdays and I almost took the day off today, but decided that it would be a missed opportunity. This is an opportunity to reflect back on an incredible year that I have experienced and to take a moment to breathe in the gratitude. 

Success can be measured in a multitude of ways... little steps and giant steps. They are both signs of progress and we need to acknowledge them. Often times we only see success as the finish line... and that is not always the end-all. Here are a few things to think about that my clients, friends, colleagues and yes, I experienced and can take a moment to feel gratitude for.

Thank You for the COURAGE

I have several clients and friends that had the courage to go out on their own to do what they know how to do... their way! 

Two clients stepped out onto thin ice and with courage became more knowledgeable in an area that they had a passion for. Today they are both recognized experts in their specialty, way beyond their expectations because they had courage.

Thank You for the FAITH

More than I can count... clients and friends have rediscovered their strengths, talents and uniqueness they have to offer others. We can be thankful for the added confidence that faith brings.

And still others were encouraged simply because a friend or colleague had FAITH in their ability.

Thank You for the ADMIRATION

How many times have we thought about how admirable someone was... this year I heard it from many. Partners that spoke so highly of one another that it was no wonder that they had been partners for years.

And others who looked to meet with people in their communities to say " admire how you do what you do and could use your "... how flattering.

Thank You for the PASSION

When you find passion it is truly a gift. Passion for your work is the fuel that can drive you and the power that can sustain you. I was the fortunate one to watch people around me find their passion. What a gift that was!

Thank You for your FRIENDSHIP

The other day I had a conversation about the nature of friendship... we concluded that it is unconditional. Wouldn't you agree? To all those I call my friend... THANK YOU!

I don't know who said this but it is so appropriate... "Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." 

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Do you communicate your "attitude of gratitude"?

Do your clients KNOW that you appreciate their business? Do they KNOW that you enjoy the work you do for them? Do they KNOW that you truly care about their situation? 

Do your colleagues KNOW that you like working with them? Do they KNOW that you respect the work they produce? Do they KNOW that you talk to others about them?

Do your friends KNOW how much they mean to you? Do they KNOW just how they enrich your life? Do they KNOW how often the memories you've made together make you smile?

Do your family members KNOW you miss them when you are away? Do they KNOW that you think they're special? Do they KNOW you love them?

OR are you the one who communicates entitlement and is too busy to say THANK YOU?

You may think you have communicated your feelings and thoughts... but have you? Look clients, colleagues, friends and family members in the eye and say what you mean. Take that moment to make sure your clients, colleagues, friends and especially your family KNOW how you feel and what you're thinking... no one is a mind reader. Our lives wouldn't work without them... make sure they know that.