Attitude Adjustment

I will begin this post with a short rant. At work, very few things irritate me more than a "that's not my job" co-worker. These are the folks that goof around on the internet, crochet, gossip, etc., rather than work on the types of projects that they feel are beneath them. Another group that makes me grind my molars are the "I'm too swamped" time wasters. These are the people that will tell you that they are too busy to take on a project even though they have been on an hour long personal call, while shopping online for designer handbags. Frequently there is overlap between the "that's not my job" people and the "I'm too swamped" time wasters. I could rant for pages and pages, but I am really trying to focus on loving everyone, even people that bother me.

My standards for what constitutes doing a good job are probably fairly high. I am a work-a-holic. I am the child of a work-a-holic. I truly believe that when I am at work, (and even in jobs where I have been underpaid and under appreciated) that it is my duty to do my best to see that the company or firm is profitable. I have no problem doing what needs to be done, even if it is not a desirable task. I expect the same from the people I report to, the people I work with and the people that report to me.

At the same time, I hated housework, despised cooking, refused to pick up after myself at home and I could not seem to make it to the grocery store on a regular basis. I would tell myself and my husband that I just did not have time to keep up on my share of the chores, even though I would read, goof around on the internet, and generally waste time rather than doing the chores I did not want to do. There were some chores, I flat refused to do (washing anything that did not fit in the dishwasher, folding clothes).

One afternoon, I read the following post by Marne Maykowskyj Nordean on the Mamapreneurs, Inc. blog. It completely changed my attitude. I realized that while I do what needs to be done in the office, I am a "that's not my job" wife and a "I'm too swamped" time waster at home. Since then I have been doing a better job of taking care of our house and my family. It is difficult to have a career and a family, but I decided that I am going to take care of my house the same way I would approach a task at work. I am going to do what needs to be done.

At the same time, I am focusing on not stressing myself out about it. I am coming up with systems that allow me to do my share in a way that works for our family. For example, I have started doing grocery shopping on Saturday and meal preparation on Sunday. I get as much ready on Sunday as possible so that during the week neither my husband or I have to spend more than 30 minutes preparing dinner.

Ultimately, it is my responsibility to ensure that our household is running smoothly. Accepting that responsibility has gone a long way toward fixing my attitude and approaching my duties with a smile.

Thinking Outside the Box

When asked "When do you call your lawyer," most people respond "When I have legal problems." I would like to suggest you evaluate whether that is the best answer. I believe getting preventative legal advice will reduce the number of legal problems you have, increase the likelihood of a favorable resolution those issues, and over all, reduce the amount of legal fees you incur. In the interest of full disclosure, I am a lawyer and I prefer taking preventative measures to litigating disputes.

Here are some situations where I suggest you consider getting preventative legal advice:

Starting a new business - When you are starting a new business, build into your budget 30 min to one hour of preventative legal advice. This is especially important if this is your first business. You should set an agenda with the lawyer and should discuss general legal issues and any issues related to your specific industry.

Going into business with someone - This can be more expensive than just getting some advice when you start your business. However, it is absolutely essential if you are going into business with someone, that you clearly define and document the roles of the parties, how decisions are to be made, and what happens if the people disagree as to how to proceed. A lawyer can give you advice how best to ensure that your interests are protected.

Form contracts - If you have a contract that you ask your clients to sign, have your lawyer review it to ensure it adequately protects your interests. Make sure that you 1) understand your form contract and 2) know how to properly fill in all the blanks. There are certain industries that have specialized contract requirements in certain states. Make sure that you are in compliance with those requirements.

Have a plan to get paid - In my experience, it is common for business owners, especially service providers, to focus too much on getting a client, and not enough on making sure the client pays for the services rendered. Ask your lawyer for suggestions in this area and discuss and consider asking for a deposit, personal guarantee or other form of security.

If I corner you at a cocktail party, I'm always happy to go on; and on; and on; about cases that I have been involved in that could have been easily prevented if my client had followed the advice above. Ultimately, you have to make a decision about the level of risk you are comfortable with, and a determination regarding the value of preventative legal services.

Deep Thought

Deep Thought: Sometimes it takes me having something important to worry about to realize my worries are not important.

I worry too much. I am a perfectionist, a rule follower and I obsess about little details. In the last week or so, here is a small sample of the things I have worried about: Should it be a comma or a semicolon? Is it one claim with 4 counts or 4 claims? Should exhibits be numbered or lettered? Is my black dress appropriate to wear to the charity auction this weekend? Which Valentines Day Cards should my 4 year old to pass out at preschool? I could go on for pages and pages, but you get the idea.

This morning when I had this profound thought, it was because I had something important to worry about. My 4 year old son suddenly and inexplicably was unable to bear weight on one of his legs. I spent 1/2 the day in doctors offices and getting x-rays. We are going to have to see a specialist tomorrow.

The fact that I am able to focus on small details is a great asset in my profession. Anything worth doing, is worth doing well. I think we should all strive for excellence in everything we do, while acknowledging that only one perfect person (Jesus) has ever walked this earth. As I realized how worried I was about my son, I also realized how stupid it was to worry about Valentines Day Cards, clothes, letters versus numbers, claim versus count, and whether it should be a comma or semicolon. Once I realized it was stupid to worry about the little things, I also realized that worrying about my son was unproductive. I love the way that Jesus puts it in Matthew 6:27 "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" I do not mean this post to be a bible study (which I would be completely unqualified to write), but that quote really hits home. Worry accomplishes nothing.

I am concerned for my son's health. I am afraid that he has a serious condition. I hate seeing him in pain. But at the same time, I am not paralyzed by worry. If I can focus enough emotional energy to actually worry about Valentines Day cards for 4 year olds, I can redirect that energy to helping my son get through this condition.