In the competitive landscape of business, we often become consumed by working harder and longer than others as some type of badge of success. In the legal profession this comes in the form of billable hours, client demands, and the relentless pursuit of career advancement. Yet, a recent event has caused me to think about an uncomfortable truth about my profession and business in general: our time is fundamentally limited, and no amount of legal or business expertise can negotiate an extension on life’s most binding contract.
The unexpected passing of a 35-year-old attorney who was a friend of mine brought this home to me in the past week. A nice smart attorney with a young family and a promising career, he embodied the dedication and analytical skills the legal profession demands. I recently watched part of the first day of the NCCA Men’s Basketball Tournament with him and others and a few weeks later he is gone, leaving behind grieving family and friends, as well as unfinished business both professional and personal. This stark reminder of mortality recalled the risk-reward analysis we all seem to apply to our lives and careers. This includes the thought it won’t be us even though life clearly comes with no guaranties.
From a strictly business perspective, operating at maximum capacity without adequate downtime represents poor resource management. The human capital that drives legal practice and business generally requires maintenance and rejuvenation for each of us to be able to deliver optimal performance. We all need to implement sustainable life practices. This means allocating appropriate time for connection with family and friends, personal interests, and experiences that generate joy and fulfillment. These are all assets that appreciate differently than professional achievements but yield invaluable returns.
Examine where your hours are being allocated and whether this distribution aligns with your life objectives, not merely your professional goals. Are you investing sufficient time in relationships that matter? Are you experiencing the activities that bring you genuine satisfaction and joy? Have you deferred too many personal aspirations to some hypothetical future date? Depending on your answers to these questions you may want to consider diversifying your time portfolio to try to build wealth in all aspects of your life. Balance is a false goal and unachievable but with effort you can strike a better balance.
The world of business has traditionally celebrated a culture of sacrifice and delayed gratification, but perhaps the wisest counsel is to realize nothing lasts forever and strike a more immediate balance. Work with diligence and purpose when you work, then disconnect with equal commitment to engage fully with life beyond work. Call the family member or friend you’ve been too busy to connect with. Book the trip you’ve been postponing. Pursue the hobby that brings you joy. Don’t focus only on work and lead a life insufficiently lived. Know that a well-balanced life may be the most sophisticated legal or business strategy of all because it honors both our professional obligations and our fundamental human need for meaning and connection.
