Why is it that some lawyers have no difficulty meeting their billable hour quota - - when other lawyers, who can't, continually complain about that "awful firm policy"?
Why is it that some lawyers find it a positive challenge to handle difficult clients and cases - - when other lawyers shy away from such assignments?
...and, why is it that some lawyers accept adversity with a smile (or philosophically) - - while other lawyers sulk for hours (if not days) when things go bad?
Harvey Mackay writes (in an article appearing in the Orange County, California, Register Newspaper on August 27, 2007) that a certain business school studied 400 executives (it could have just as well been lawyers) who had made it to "the top" and compared them to 400 who fell by the wayside during their careers. The idea was to discover how those who had become successful differed from those who had not.
Education was not the key factor because high school dropouts were running companies, while some MBA's were slamming into dead ends. Also, those at the top where not older or more mature. Technical skills, social skills and dozens of other career-related variables were also examined, but those factors did not add any explanation.
Then what qualities distinguished those who had make it from those who did not?
The answer was this - - those who had succeeded were those who had been "seasoned" by adversity and persevered.
As Mackey states in his article, every person will eventually face adversity. How you meet it, what you make of it, and what you allow it to take from you and give to you are determined by your mental habits.
You must train your mind to face life's toughest challenges - - an important quality to develop BEFORE you actually need it.
Adversity can actually be a positive thing, even thought it certainly doesn't feel like it when we are facing it. Adversity is what defines us. It is easy to have a great attitude, a strong work ethic and a positive outlook when things are going great. But how do we stand up during the tough times?
We must push though the adversity that each of us faces from time to time. Adversity is a powerful teacher.
When we get discouraged, when we seem unable to make it, there is one thing that we cannot do without. And that is, the priceless ingredient of success called "relentless effort." We must not give up. We must persevere.
As Mackey states: "Adversity causes some people to break, and others to break records."
Harvey Mackay has some great advice for people. He also suggests that "Perfect Practice Makes Perfect." His name is spelled Mackay. Love to see it used consistently in your blog. I've been featured in many of his books and have benefited from what he has shared. So glad you've chosen to spread the word. Thanks.
Posted by: SALMAN AHMAD | June 18, 2009 at 01:38 AM
Harvey Mackay has some great advice for people. He also suggests that "Perfect Practice Makes Perfect." His name is spelled Mackay. Love to see it used consistently in your blog. I've been featured in many of his books and have benefited from what he has shared. So glad you've chosen to spread the word. Thanks
Posted by: SALMAN AHMAD | June 18, 2009 at 01:35 AM
Harvey Mackay is awesome. I am reading his "Swim with the Sharks" book--a great book for lawyers.
Posted by: paralegal | September 19, 2008 at 09:02 AM
Harvey Mackay has some great advice for people. He also suggests that "Perfect Practice Makes Perfect." His name is spelled Mackay. Love to see it used consistently in your blog. I've been featured in many of his books and have benefited from what he has shared. So glad you've chosen to spread the word. Thanks.
Posted by: Cathy Paper | September 04, 2007 at 06:47 AM