Jim Vickaryous

“Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.” These profound words from Abraham Lincoln resonate deeply with the legal profession, emphasizing the importance of making intentional choices and considering long-term aspirations. Being a choosy lawyer is not merely a luxury, it is a necessity. Every choice we make, from selecting our friends and associates to choosing our law firm and practice area, can either elevate us to new heights or jeopardize our professional growth. Let’s delve into the significance of being a choosy lawyer and how it can shape our practice, success, and happiness.

If we look honestly at ourselves and our life paths, we are the sum of our choices up to today. We have all made thousands of choices over our lives, some great, some we regret, many that we have forgotten about until someone reminds us. Our character, for better or worse, is a testament to these choices. In reflecting on past choices, we need to go easy on ourselves. The past is immutable, and our agency lies solely in the present. Dwelling on bygone choices only depletes the energy needed to confront today’s difficult decisions. Given this, there exists no better time to make a resounding, positive choice than right now.