Successful Lawyering: The Power of Living in the Present
“If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.”
― Roy Bennett
Do you ever find you are distracted, worrying about the future and how things will turn out? Do you worry about what other people might be thinking of you? Do you ever resent what people have done to you in the past? How often do you find yourself thinking about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow? How does that make you feel?
So often, we waste our precious energy thinking about what has happened in the past, how others harmed us, or even what we might have done wrong. Too frequently, we may obsess about the future, imagining bad results and poor outcomes.
One of the biggest challenges in creating personal fulfillment is living in the present and avoiding being stuck in the past or the future. Unfortunately, both of those create obstacles to our attaining personal freedom.
In the high-stress world of law, where deadlines loom and cases pile high, living in the present may seem like an elusive luxury. However, pause for a moment and consider this: What if the key to legal success and personal well-being lies not just in the mastery of legal precedents but also in the art of being fully present? In a profession marked by its demanding nature and high-stakes scenarios, intentionally immersing oneself in the here and now—can serve as a transformative tool for us. This chapter explores why and how lawyers should embrace the power of the present moment. We discover how this practice can help us to become better lawyers and ultimately pave the way to a more fulfilling legal career.
What does it mean to live in the present?
Living in the present means focusing your attention and awareness on the current moment without getting caught up in regrets about the past or worries about the future. It involves fully immersing yourself in your actions, thinking, and experiences.
Here are a few critical aspects of living in the present:
Awareness of the Moment: It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, sensations, and surroundings as they happen in the present. Instead of letting your mind wander, you intentionally focus on the here and now.
Letting Go of Distractions: Living in the present means acknowledging distractions and letting them pass without attaching too much importance to them. This helps you stay centered on what you're engaged in.
Mindful Activities: Engaging in tasks mindfully involves doing them with full attention. For example, savor each bite and notice the flavors, textures, and smells when eating. When walking, pay attention to each step and the sensations in your body.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Much of our stress and anxiety stems from ruminating over the past or worrying about the future. Focusing on the present can alleviate unnecessary stress and create a sense of calm.
Embracing the Present Moment: Living in the present allows you to experience the richness of life entirely. You can enjoy the beauty of simple things, cultivate gratitude, and find joy in the ordinary moments.
Improved Relationships: You're more attentive and empathetic when present with others. This can enhance your relationships and communication by showing that you genuinely care and fully engage in the interaction.
Acceptance and Non-Judgment: Living in the present involves accepting things without harsh judgment. This includes taking your emotions and thoughts without suppressing or overly dwelling on them.
What are some gifts of the present?
The past is full of disappointment, regret, and resentment. The future creates stress, worry, and anxiety. But the present is a true gift. Being truly present, enjoying one moment at a time, and being mindful helps to create an amazingly fulfilling life. Here are ten incredible gifts of living in the present:
1. The present is the only time we can control our attitudes, reactions, responses, and behaviors. We can decide what day we want today and what kind of experience we wish to enjoy. We can choose to be happy.
2. We can truly feel peaceful. Even in stressful times, when we are present in the moment, accepting what is, and being as present as possible with those around us, we can truly experience peace. The negative feelings of the past and future cannot disturb the peacefulness of living in the present.
3. We will enjoy life one moment at a time. Life presents itself as individual experiences. Therefore, we can live and appreciate every one of them.
4. We will let go of what should be and accept what is. We will free ourselves of comparison and expectation, which can create resentment and disappointment. Instead, we will appreciate our life as it is.
5. We will experience gratitude. We will be grateful for everything we share: the sunrise, time with our puppies, and the touch of our spouse’s hand.
6. We will truly experience life. Life will slow down when we focus on being present in the moment.
7. Our relationships will improve. When we sincerely focus, listen purposefully, and are genuinely present with our friends and loved ones, we will have better communication and a more positive relationship.
8. We will be happier, enjoying each moment, fulfilled, and not burdened by the negative emotions of the past or future.
9. We will be more productive. Focused at work and intent on what we are doing, we will be more successful in our profession and career and of better service to others.
10. We can make the changes we dream of in our lives. Our goals and visions start with the steps we take today. Now is the only time we can truly change.
Why is it essential for a lawyer to live in the present?
For a lawyer, living in the present is crucial for several reasons that directly impact their professional effectiveness and well-being:
Focused Client Interaction: Lawyers must understand their clients' concerns, needs, and perspectives. Being fully present during client meetings and conversations means we can actively listen, ask relevant questions, and offer meaningful advice. This fosters trust and enhances the attorney-client relationship.
Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication is vital in the legal profession. Being present during discussions, negotiations, and courtroom proceedings enables us to articulate our points effectively, respond to opposing arguments, and convey our clients' interests persuasively.
Attentive Case Handling: Our matters involve intricate details and timelines. By staying present, we can better manage case-related information, stay organized, and make well-informed decisions. This is crucial for building a solid legal strategy and achieving successful outcomes.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: We face complex legal issues that require sharp analytical skills. Being present allows us to fully engage with the details of a case, assess various options, and devise creative solutions to challenges.
Minimizing Mistakes: Legal work demands precision and accuracy. Mistakes can have serious consequences for clients. Living in the present helps us avoid errors due to oversight or lack of attention, ultimately safeguarding our client's interests.
Reducing Stress and Burnout: The legal profession can be highly demanding and stressful. Focusing on the present moment helps us manage stress by preventing the accumulation of worries about past cases or future challenges. This can lead to improved mental well-being and job satisfaction.
Enhancing Decision-Making: Lawyers must make rapid decisions in courtrooms, negotiations, and other contexts. Being present allows us to evaluate the situation without being influenced by irrelevant factors or past experiences, leading to more informed choices.
Building Credibility: When we are attentive, engaged, and respectful in our interactions, we establish a reputation for professionalism and credibility. This reputation can positively impact our standing within the legal community and with clients.
Adapting to Changes: Legal proceedings can take unexpected turns. Lawyers who are present and adaptable can respond effectively to unforeseen developments, adjusting their strategies in real-time to protect their client's interests.\
Work-Life Balance: Many of us struggle with work-life balance due to demanding schedules. Being present during work hours makes us more efficient, freeing time for personal pursuits and relaxation outside work.
In summary, living in the present is essential for lawyers to excel in their roles, build strong relationships, make informed decisions, and maintain their well-being. By being fully engaged in their tasks and interactions, lawyers can navigate the challenges of the legal profession with greater effectiveness and satisfaction.
What are the tools for us to start living in the present?
So, if we want to enjoy those fantastic gifts of living in the present, how do we do it? How do we stay out of the past to the future and enjoy the benefits of the present? Here are some tools:
Focus on the now. Be aware of what you are doing. Be mindful of how you feel. Notice the surroundings around you. Notice all the details. If you are outside, feel the breeze against your face, the sun's warmth, the color of the leaves, and the grass. Turn off the distractions like the TV or your computer and enjoy the moment. Savor as much as you can of the world around you: the smells, the sights, the sounds, and the feelings. The more mindful we are of our surroundings, the more we will appreciate the present.
Smile. Smile often. Smile at strangers. Showing warmth to the world around us gives us a sense of contentment and connection with the present. You are in charge of your attitude. Having an attitude of happiness and sharing it with others will make today more enjoyable.
Do something nice for someone for no reason. For example, hold the door, offer an umbrella, take soup to a sick friend, carry that older person's groceries, and pay for the order of the person in line behind you. Be spontaneous. Practicing random acts of kindness to those in the world will create a greater appreciation for the present.
Stop multitasking. It is only a distraction. It prevents you from noticing the world around you. Do one thing at a time, with a singular focus, and do it well. If you are speaking to your spouse, eliminate all distractions. If you are playing with your child, make that your only focus. If you are writing a brief, focus only on that. Commit to doing one thing at a time. When working on a task, give it your full attention and avoid multitasking, which can scatter your focus.
Mindful Work Transitions: Before starting a new task, pause to acknowledge the transition. This can help you let go of the previous matter and fully engage in the current one.
Active Listening: Practice mindfully listening during conversations. Give your full attention to the speaker without interrupting, and respond thoughtfully after considering what was said.
Nature Walks: Take short walks outside and observe the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Engaging with nature can help ground you in the present moment.
Journaling: Spend a few minutes each day journaling about your experiences, thoughts, and emotions. This practice encourages self-reflection and awareness.
Stop worrying. As you practice being mindful, you will know when your thoughts are drifting to the future, particularly those negative results that concern you. Redirect your thoughts. Realize you have no control over the future. Bring yourself back to the present.
Dream of the future, but work hard today. We need to have goals and visions of success. But today, focus on your action plan and fulfill that dream.
Be with friends and family that lift you. Surround yourself with those who support you and make you laugh. Avoid the people who are negative and drag you down. Those who love you will help you appreciate the present's gifts.
Bedtime Reflection: Spend a few moments before sleep reflecting on your day. Please be aware of your accomplishments and acknowledge any challenges, aiming to release any lingering stress.
Forgive. Forgive those who harmed you. Let the wrongs of the past go. It does not serve you to worry about what was to you in the past. The wrong was entirely their fault, but allowing it to affect our happiness today is our responsibility.
Accept. Accept those around you for living their life as they choose. Accept circumstances as being precisely what they should be. We have no control over other persons and other events. Resisting them causes us tension and stress.
Practice gratitude. Be grateful for your gifts and blessings. Each day, write down the things you have to be thankful for. Being grateful helps you to appreciate the present.
Conclusion
As lawyers, we are responsible for shaping outcomes that impact lives and society. Embracing living in the present equips us with a profound tool that sharpens our focus, deepens our understanding, and enriches our interactions. We elevate our advocacy and nourish our well-being by cultivating mindfulness within our professional lives. As we stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, let the power of the present moment illuminate our path forward, allowing us to merge the wisdom of the past with the vitality of the now as we shape the course of law and life itself.