The loss of significance

Many of us made the decision to go to Law School and become lawyers because we wanted to "help others."  And, many of us struggled through Law School and the early years of our legal career propelled by that same drive "to be of service."

It seems that lawyers, as a group, have a strong urge "to make a difference" and "to serve."

We think that is because most lawyers have a deep seated need to feel SIGNIFICANT.

Some of the happiest lawyers we know (in terms of the degree of satisfaction and fulfillment they derive from practicing law) are those who generously and freely give their time and service to others without thought of remuneration.  Several examples are lawyers who volunteer to serve on Boards and Committees, and/or those who render pro bono legal services.

All too frequently we get caught up in the monetary rewards offered by the practice and forget the real reason many of us entered the legal profession - - which was "to serve others."

Put another way, when we have the feeling that we are "making a difference" and/or "serving others," we get the feeling that we are SIGNIFICANT.

As Michael Josephson puts it, "feeling successful can generate satisfying emotions of self-worth, but feeling significant (the feeling that one's life really matters) is much more potent."

Peter Drucker, the great management guru, captured this idea when he wrote of the urge that many high achievers have to "move beyond success to significance."

As Josephonson states, "one of the surest roads to significance is service."

Once, when addressing a class of graduates, Albert Schweitzer said, "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

Many of the "unhappy lawyers" who seek our assistance either are not aware of, or have forgotten, these messages.  Many have reaped monetary rewards far beyond their expectations; but, they lost sight of the vision that initially drove them to seek a legal career - - the desire to serve.  As a result, they have lost - along the way - their feeling of being significant.

We all know the old adage that says, "Money will not bring happiness."  However, it appears that "feeling significant" will.

Comments

[timothy a wahl]

cindy voller, is very true , she is helping me with a issue on my kids and trust me without people like her i would be totally lost .

[Cindy M. Voller, Attorney at Law]

This is so true! There is nothing better than making a difference in the world, and serving others is really the best way to make a lasting difference. My pro bono clients, who would have been lost without assistance, are always grateful and appreciative of the representation they receive. Their expressed appreciation makes it all worth while.