2 Important Choices In Life

I am more and more convinced with each passing day that we have two choices in life. 

Sure, each day–even hour–offers a multiplicity of choices. And, what every seasoned adult will immediately recall is that each choice comes with a tradeoff. Devoting more time to work is an intentional choice that can net more income but potentially limit time with loved ones. Conversely, carving out time for family and hobbies could offer more fulfillment but perhaps won’t directly pad your bank account. 

Our series of choices, results, and tradeoffs are an inescapable part of life that when intentionally recognized can offer balance and purpose. 

Although it all may sound theoretical, the conversations we have here at 7:47 quickly turn these ideas into very pragmatic takeaways. 

Take my friend Michael Mogill, for instance. I first met him at a shared event with our mutual friend John Ruhlin. But, that meeting almost didn’t happen. 

Michael wanted to attend, but the timing interfered with his daughter’s bath time. He knew the dinner could be transformational and ultimately decided to come. During our time together, Michael expressed gratitude in the company of John, myself and other peers for his wife and co-founder Jessica who has played such an important role in his life. 

This is a perfect example of how our decisions have outcomes and tradeoffs. That night, Michael said no to bath time (an important moment not lost on me) and yes to an invitation to community (also important in its own right). 

Since then, I’ve discussed this very idea not just with Michael (the author of The Game Changing Attorney), but also with loads of other leaders in this space such as Seth Bader, Rachel Flood, and David Haskins. Why? Lawyers, firms, and the leaders who serve them are faced with an incredible challenge. 

This industry is demanding, controversial and potentially lucrative. 

Ironically enough, this is a perfect recipe for amazing fulfillment or emotional bankruptcy (and honestly, everything in between). 

In fact, It’s been our experience that loneliness has taken center stage as a major epidemic and even the most successful firms are not immune. Our elixir? Gratitude. 

It’s essential because lawyers and their teams constantly have to be “on”. It’s a demanding field that requires loads of empathy and massive amounts of time and personal investment. 

And, this is a common theme we hear more and more from a variety of industries ranging from medicine to tech (and beyond). 

Research indicates and friends validate the fact that loneliness takes a surprising toll on the staff of firms and companies across the country . In today’s connection economy, there has never been a more important time to invest in our communities and circles of influence. 

Now, that’s where our two choices come back into focus. 

In today’s world, we are faced with the penultimate decision. It’s our prerogative to choose between investing in community or putting up with loneliness. 

And, as we covered earlier, trade offs come with both. Thinking back to my first conversation with Michael, he chose community (and interestingly enough created an environment that fostered greater connection with family in the process). In fact, his choice brought opportunities for greater human connection.

Investing in intentional community has provided personal and professional growth for Michael’s life and work. And, when I reflect on the occasion...my choice to join John was a marque moment as well. It introduced me to so many friends and networks and subsequently allowed our team here at 7:47 to serve over 180 of the country’s most successful attorneys and firms.

When gratitude is expressed in intentional ways, it breeds empathy, greater understanding, and even fosters collaboration that provides a direct return on investment. And in the legal field, this can be the antidote to cynicism, burnout, and the emotional toll that comes from serving clients who are often in desperate need of help. 

This is why our team is so passionate about the Virtual Gratitude Experience™. Teams who share observational gratitude together break down walls of isolation, build up resilience, and become more productive and engaged as a result. 

Human connection drives everything and makes people and their organizations thrive in the process. 

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