Tradition of Excellence - Making time for what's important

This is a special thank you to Merrell Bailey, the General Practice Solo and Small Firm Section of the Florida Bar and all my friends who made Friday night's award reception at the Florida Bar convention memorable. I am so touched and honored to have the opportunity to receive this prestigious award. I can't begin to tell you what it means to me. What I can tell you is that every single person who is important to me had a hand in making this happen and I appreciate that, very much.

I have more ideas than time to implement them. For those that know me, you are probably saying - really, you have ideas? I make lists of ideas. I have big ideas, little ideas, realistic ideas, unrealistic ideas - my ideas have ideas. What I don't have more of - like everyone - is time. We all get the same amount, every day - a mere twenty four (24) hours.

How we choose to use our twenty four (24) hours is what sets us apart. I believe we all have time to do the things that are important to us. In fact, if it's important enough, we will "make" the time. That's how we get things done and prioritize what we are willing and unwilling to do. I make it a priority to spend time with my pets - my dogs, my cats and my horses. I make time to ride every week - unless I'm out of town. I make time to exercise, to read, to write in my journal, to blog. And you are the same - you make time to do the things that are important to you.

When someone says, "I don't have time," what they are really saying is, "I'm not willing to make the time for this activity. This is not a priority for me." Although I may not always like the response, it's not for me to determine someone else's priorities.

Also at the top of the list for getting things done is my favorite topic, delegation. I may not be able to do everything myself, but with help, I can leverage my time and get lots more done. How do you think Oprah gets everything done that she's accomplished? She doesn't do it all herself! She has an army of people make her look great and accomplish great things.

My best advice to anyone starting out in business is to figure out what absolutely, positively has to be done by you - and do that. What doesn't have to be done by you can probably be done by someone else, at a lower cost. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from Anita Coburn, one of my dad's friends. She said, "Buy off those things in life that cause you stress." Wiser words of wisdom do not exist. As a result, I get help cleaning my house, feeding my pets when I can't be home on time, and ALL of the things that help my office to run smoothly.

I have a great team - in fact, "the best team ever!" Every single person is integral to the effective operation of The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan, LLC. It has taken years to develop our team - and we are constantly adding new team members, improving our level of service. It is primarily to my team that I owe a debt of gratitude. They help me accomplish so much - really leverage every minute we have of the business week. I really appreciate them and what they allow me to accomplish.

So, thanks to the team. The team at my office, the team at my home, the team at the Florida Bar, the team that is the General Practice Solo and Small Firm Section, the team that consists of my friends and supporters, the team that comprise my clients. Thanks for everything!

'Tis the Season

Seems like I've been pretty quiet lately on the posting front. Just busy, I guess. Debbie Roser and I just put the a-okay on our book proof and it's FINALLY DONE! We placed our first orders yesterday and hopefully they will arrive early next week. So, there's still time to get a copy of "Thank Everybody for Everything - Grow Your Life and Business with Gratitude" in time for Christmas. The companion "Gratitude Expressions - a five-year journal" should follow shortly as it was completed yesterday but not yet proofed. Needless to say, we are grateful for all of the people who have contributed to the success of these projects! Both should be available on Amazon in a couple of weeks.

The card sending business has been booming as well. My office sent about 3,000 holiday cards and I sent another 125+. What a pleasure it was this year - none of that sticking, stuffing, stamping and licking! Just the fun of creating a great card and then pushing the magic SendOutCards button knowing they would soon be on their way to the post office. I'm never going back to traditional card sending. And for all my November and December birthdays - I didn't even have to fight the lines at the malls - just a great card and a gift without ever leaving my house.

Competitive horse back riding has been slow since early November when we completed the Boggy Creek 27. That was actually a great ride - great location, good friends, good weather. The right combination for a fantastic time. Last week's ride was under the threat of rain and I decided since I've already reached my 500 mile goal that I'd sit that one out. Glad I did because the weather was really yukky. Had a great day of staying in, watching movies and being lazy. My next ride should be at the end of the month.

Everyday is a great day! New opportunities, new friends, and good cheer. I wish each and every one of you the happiest of holiday seasons! I'm looking forward to 2010 and all that it will bring.

Thank Everybody for Everything

Thank Everybody for Everything - Grow Your Life and Business with Gratitude, that's the name of my newest book, co-authored with Debbie Roser. Debbie is an attorney colleague as well as a colleague in SendOutCards. We are getting to close to finalizing the book and going to print for a release date in September 2009. Look for us on Amazon and other online book sites. The book will also have a companion journal, Gratitude Expressions, a five-year journal to record daily blessings and appreciations.

The purpose of the book is to share with friends, family and colleagues the importance of gratitude and appreciation in our daily lives. You can improve the quality of your life and your business with sincere appreciation and gratitude. One way we are doing that in our law practice is to get into the habit of sending a heartfelt card anytime we make a new acquaintance, receive a referral, hear about an illness, death or sadness in someone's life. Likewise we want to celebrate the good things that happen in people's lives - graduations, business promotions, new homes, etc.

We look forward to sharing with you. Thank you in advance for your support.