Definition of happiness:
1a : a state of well-being and contentment : joy

A CNBC article published on August 16, 2019 named three top things to be avoided in order to be happy.
They are:

• Don’t retire early

• Don’t own a home

• Don’t be a lawyer

 The article cites a Johns Hopkins study from 1990, as well as the 2016 ABA lawyer well-being study – both of which talk about depression. The 2016 study also looks at substance abuse levels in attorneys. The article does not, however, cite any study of lawyer happiness, per se, or rank or compare lawyers to other professions with members that struggle with depression. So, let’s not jump to the conclusion that being a lawyer is synonymous with being unhappy.

However, “happiness” is an important component of Lawyer Well-Being, creating a kind of chicken and egg dilemma:
Are lawyers happy because they have well-being, or do lawyers have well-being because they are happy?
The answer is, yes and yes.
 
Living in the land of “the pursuit of happiness” may have swayed us to think that happiness comes from attainments and possessions, the concept of “if only I had … then I would be happy.” Yet, we know from psychological studies—even including big lottery winners—that above a certain level of income/achievement the average happiness levels don’t increase much. In fact, for those in the cycle of depending on the next achievement/purchase/reward there can be a vicious cycle of “is that all there is?”
 
The definition of happiness at the top of this article is deceptively short and simple. However, defining happiness has become such an important topic that the United Nations developed its own lengthy list of what is required for it. The Gallup Organization conducts a yearly happiness audit, by country, and the US has been falling in the rankings for a number of years. Surveys are being conducted in just about every profession, trying to gauge the elusive “employee happiness.” And, in some corners, the “happiness movement” is being interpreted as forcing people to look and act happy even when they don’t feel it, and perhaps even discouraging people from seeking help with depression, anxiety, grief, and other issues. And another school of thought suggests that finding meaning in life, a ‘reason to get up in the morning” ( itiiiiii in Japanese) is the real secret to wellness, well-being, happiness and longevity.
 
Attending some well-being centric CLE programs is a good place to start, especially when considering that a lack of well-being places lawyers at higher risk for ethical issues. NJLAP will again present Lawyer Well-Being and its Effect on Professionalism and Ethics (There are other dates besides the one listed here) through NJICLE this fall.
 
For self-guided well-being education, a good starting point is with The Path to Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change and the Lawyer Well-Being Toolkit, both produced by the ABA in response to the 2016 Study.

Another study, from 2015, is “What Makes Lawyers Happy? A Data driven Prescription to Redefine Professional Success.”
 
Below is also a list of shorter articles presenting lots of perspectives and suggestions. By no means are you expected to tackle every modality, read every book, or embrace every suggested lifestyle change. Look for something that speaks to you.
 
And, as always, your Lawyers Assistance Program is here to help you achieve and maintain well-being, at www.NJLAP.org, or 800-246-5527.

Remember, no matter what the problem,
you need not manage alone.

Until the Fall issue,

Noreen Braman
NJLAP Communications & Technology Manager