There has never been a more exciting time to join the Jacksonville Bar Association and participate in our events.
I hope you were able to attend our first luncheon of the Bar year on July 18 featuring keynote speaker Doug Pederson, head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, with a surprise appearance by Pro Bowl linebacker Josh Hines-Allen.
Pederson spoke about his 14-year career in the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of college, as well as a stellar coaching career influenced by mentors like Don Shula and Andy Reid.
The head coach is optimistic about the upcoming season and stated there is a lot to look forward to this year as the team begins training camp with 90 players vying to be part of the 53-man roster.
I was expecting Pederson to speak about his career in football and the upcoming season. The decorated former athlete and coach exceeded my expectations with his focus on leadership and living a rewarding, selfless and happy life.
As someone who has literally been listening to podcasts on topics such as mental health and wellness, maintaining efficiency at work and balancing my career, leadership positions and family, I simply did not expect to leave this lunch inspired in so many ways.
Pederson spoke about five pillars that he instills in his team that can be applied to our lives, law practices and to the JBA.
I personally found his pillars to be an excellent foundation in living a fulfilling and happy life, building a team and achieving goals.
The first pillar Pederson spoke about is “eliminating distractions.”
In a world where we are constantly attached to cellphones and other technology where clients and others contact us at all hours of the day, it is important to stay focused on the task at hand.
This is not only important in our jobs, but also in our personal lives – being present with loved ones is an absolute must in my life that leads to the happiest of moments.
Pederson next focused on “creating energy” in regard to setting a positive tone as a leader.
This pillar is particularly relevant in my career and life. I find that if I do not maintain a positive vibe in my office, other lawyers and staff are negatively affected.
This is true as president of the JBA and, more importantly, as a father and husband.
As a side note, the JBA board is focused on creating energy all year in organizing electrifying events, such as this past luncheon.
The third pillar that Pederson instills in the Jaguars is to “fear nothing.”
In my practice, when walking into a boardroom or courtroom I shed any and all fear by being more prepared than Joey Chestnut at a hot dog eating contest.
I often repeat to my family and friends that “nothing cool comes easy.” If we fear taking on a difficult task, we may never achieve optimal success and happiness.
While it may be hard to equate “attack everything” to our lives as lawyers, this pillar is focused on setting goals and attacking them every day.
I have a to-do list on my desk with the knowledge that I may only be able to address the top three before the needs of the day leads me down a different path.
By attacking as much as we can each and every day, we can achieve our daily, weekly and more long-term goals.
Finally, Pederson spoke about his fifth pillar which is an acronym – WIN (what’s important now).
It is important to maintain focus on the immediate task at hand and understand the purpose in the moment.
By maintaining purposeful activity, we all can achieve maximum efficiency.
I did not expect to be writing this month’s Bar Bulletin article about life lessons learned from a NFL coach, but that is what this Bar year is going to be all about.
The JBA board is focused on continuing to deliver dynamic speakers in a fun environment fo the remaining luncheons.
Mark your calendar for the next luncheon Sept. 19.
Christian George is managing partner in Akerman’s Jacksonville office.