Continuously operating in a realm of intense conflict and rivalry can exhaust even the most resilient attorney. These quotes assist in enduring, and even excelling, amidst these daily trials. Reflect on the following wisdom before you declare “ready for trial”:
1.) Cease judging. “We don’t actually know what a positive or negative experience is. Some of the most difficult and stressful moments of our lives also end up being the most formative and motivating. Some of the best and most gratifying experiences of our lives are also the most distracting and demotivating. Don’t trust your conception of positive/negative experiences. All that we know for certain is what hurts in the moment and what doesn’t. And that’s not worth much.” ~Mark Manson
Commentary: Do we truly comprehend whether an isolated event is beneficial or detrimental? Not really. Occasionally, occurrences initially perceived as “positive” turn out negative and vice versa. Stop burdening yourself with this futile judgment. Sometimes there is a greater plan that won’t reveal itself until later. Recognize things for what they are and don’t fret about where the path will lead.
2.) Maintain your composure. “Who then is invincible? The one who cannot be upset by anything outside their reasoned choice.” ~Epictetus
Commentary: Epictetus and the other Stoics understood that we can control very few things that happen to us. However, we can control how we respond to those events. Define success by how you accept the gifts of “fate,” rather than by achieving what you desire. By redefining success in this way, you triumph every time. Seek opportunities everywhere, regardless of the situation.
3.) Shed your ego. “Everything changes once we identify with being the witness to the story instead of being the actor in it.” ~Ram Dass
Commentary: It’s not always about you. Often (most of the time) the best course of action is to let go and allow things to unfold as they will. Play the cards you have been dealt and don’t complain. A lawyer’s biggest challenge is managing their own formidable ego rather than confronting a fierce adversary.
4.) Detach. “I don’t think too many human beings are naturally above caring about victory and defeat. It’s imprinted in us to care about the outcome of our actions. While this may be natural and normal, the problem is that we can never fully control the outcome. Usually, in life, there are too many variables at play. So, no matter how mightily we strive or how intense our effort, odds are that at least some of the time we will come up short of our goals. And what makes things even more complicated is that the more attached you are to the outcome, the more tension and fear you will experience at the thought of possibly facing a crushing defeat—which reduces our effectiveness, since part of our energy is trapped in the jaws of fear.” ~Daniele Bolelli
Commentary: What is your role? Is it to ensure a successful result for your client or is it to thoroughly prepare and present the best argument you can? Your answer to this question defines your personal satisfaction. If you tie your happiness to successful outcomes beyond your control and you fail, you are a failure. If you tie happiness and contentment to things within your control (your level of preparation or performance, for example), you control your fate.
5.) Lighten up. “Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.” ~GK Chesterton
Commentary: Relax and lighten up. Being tense and anxious has never improved anyone’s performance. Take a breath and maintain perspective. Remember, it’s not your life.
6.) Master your thoughts. “There are more things likely to frighten us than there are to crush us; we suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” ~Seneca
Commentary: How many times have you dreaded a situation only to find out it wasn’t that bad? We all do it. Stay present and realistic. The monster under the bed is not real but a creation of your imagination. Things rarely are as bad as we anticipate. Stay realistic.
7.) Resilience. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ~Attributed to Churchill
Commentary: Some days are better than others and a bad day does not make a bad life. Dust yourself off and get back on the horse. Like baseball, some innings are better than others but a game is rarely defined by a single inning. Keep perspective and carry on!
