"Research has shown that power can cause a lot of negative things, but it can also cause a lot of positive things. The sort of common denominator that power does is it makes people more likely to act in situations, especially situations of ambiguity. People who are in higher positions of power are more likely to actually act." - Dr. Vanessa Bohns How can you accurately assess the influence you have? How do leaders approach power differently? Why are people more inclined to agree than disagree? Why do the people around you impact your decisions more than facts? Social Butterfly: Understanding interactionWith over 15 years of experience in the field of social psychology, Dr. Vanessa Bohns has made a career of studying the everyday interactions that govern our lives. Her book, “You Have More Influence Than You Think” has received rave reviews from The Financial Times and BBC Worklife, who say it offers an exciting, new, scientific way of thinking about influence.In her work, Dr. Bohns looks deeper than tips on growing your following and aims to understand how behaviors are passed through social interaction. Legendary author Robert Cialdini states that Vanessa's book is an “enormously empowering call to anyone who has ever felt ineffective or invisible to recognize their power and wield it accordingly.”Make the Call: Understanding DecisionsIn this episode, Dr. Bohns explains social science concepts such as the “invisibility cloak illusion” and the mechanics behind why people conform to perceived social norms. Vanessa believes that “people don't agree to do things because they want to; they agree to do things because it's hard to say no.” Observing the social pressure behind decision-making can help you focus on your priorities when you’re faced with difficult choices.Of particular relevance to game changers is the “bystander effect,” which addresses how decisions are made in relation to those around you. Bohns provides a number of classic case studies which highlight why certain people take action while others avoid it. Being aware of this phenomenon can be the difference between a true game changer and someone who doesn't step up.Get Out of Your Own HeadOne point Dr. Bohns stresses is that we're limited by our own blind spots. We understand how others impact us, but can't easily see the results of our own behavior. Vanessa recommends “simple exercises where you get out of your own head.” She believes these exercises can help you see how you're perceived and can be the first step to creating a positive impact with everyone you touch.Key takeaways: Gratitude. Be appreciative of what you have. Awareness. Understand your influence and how it may impact others. Reassurance. Appreciate the influence you already have on those around you. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Website Crisp Facebook Crisp Twitter Crisp Instagram Crisp LinkedIn Vanessa Bohns Website Vanessa Bohns LinkedIn Vanessa Bohns Twitter You Have More Influence Than You Think - Book Website

"You have to exhibit empathy, but you have to exhibit empathy in other ways than mouthing cliche or something like that." - Kenneth Feinberg What was the emotional impact of administering the 9/11 Compensation Fund? What are the main responsibilities of a mediator? How do great leaders deal with pushback? Why does the American legal system approach tort law differently with certain individuals? Man in the Middle: Origins of a MediatorKenneth Feinberg has been described as an attorney who "has appeared at nearly every scene of tragedy and disaster in the US in the past two decades" by the Financial Times. From 9/11 to the BP oil spill, Kenneth has been at the heart of some of the biggest social catastrophes in modern history. He has faced an abundance of loss and sadness, yet has balanced the course of justice through financial reparations.While he claims to have fallen into mediation by accident, once asked to mediate the agent orange situation over in Vietnam, he soon found his feet and what followed has been a storied career. Through his many bittersweet successes, Kenneth has written two books, one of which has been adapted into a film. Featured on Netflix in 2020, the motion picture “Worth” unpacks the processes Kenneth had to face when supporting the victims of 9/11. The film features high-profile figures such as Michael Keaton and Stanley Tucci.Even with the recognition brought on through media prominence, Feinberg never views his successes as “justice,” but rather “mercy” — and while situational factors are irreversible, Kenneth does everything in his power to hopefully bring long-awaited relief.A Shoulder to Cry On: Approaching EmpathyDealing with the bereaved is never an easy endeavor. Nothing you say can be up to the task. Early in his career, Feinberg attempted to console a grieving father by saying, "I know how you feel" which was met with the response, "Don't ever tell someone like me you know how I feel." By attempting to empathize through shared emotion, Kenneth realized he had to find another way to relate to clients dealing with loss. Offering financial certainty can bring a glimmer of hope to those who struggle, and providing support can make a world of difference. Through resilience and willingness to succeed, he's managed to win settlements exceeding billions of dollars throughout his career.Not Just a Suit: Heart Behind the JobKenneth states that “there's a lot of personality involved in being an effective mediator.” It takes a huge emotional investment to work in proximity to so much grief. Many involved in the 9/11 Compensation Fund were left angry and unsatisfied with the process. In an interview with Damien Carrick, Feinberg says those involved often asked, "Why did the government let us down?" But even when dealt a difficult hand, Kenneth has produced magnificent results across an illustrious career.In our discussion, Kenneth draws on the overriding emotional element of his job, the success stories, the heartbreaking details, and the limitations that the legal system often presents.Key takeaways: Empathize: Understanding and appreciating the emotions of those around you goes a long way. Structured Approach: Resolving conflict comes in many forms. Equality: Equality comes from placing everyone on the same pedestal. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Website Crisp Facebook Crisp Twitter Crisp Instagram Crisp LinkedIn What is Life Worth? - Book Website Who Gets What - Book Website

"If you want to know if you're a leader or not, turn around and see if anybody's behind you." - Henry Cloud What makes a good leader? How important are boundaries in a professional environment? Why do people struggle approaching difficult conversations? How significant is strategy when building a team? What are the key components of emotional intelligence? Foundations: A Long Road to the TopHenry Cloud's passion for the human mind sprung from an early age, and he believes that "humans are glued together by character."As an expert in leadership, Henry has a firm grasp on human behavior. He understands the dynamics of people both in and outside of the workplace when it comes to hierarchical status. His book “Boundaries for Leaders” explores the appropriate behaviors needed when communicating with those around you — a must-read for the players at the top.Follow the Leader: Leading the CrowdIn this episode, we look at efficient leadership skills such as emotional intelligence and problem-solving. We also ask why people become leaders and how they conduct their behavior when building a team. For Henry, leaders are those that "see something that doesn't exist," with the ability to transform and guide their colleagues.Henry also believes there are different types of leadership, and each of those leaders present different values. He says, "I've never met a CEO that had all of those strengths: vision, engaging talent, strategy and execution, measurement, accountability and fixing and adapting."Mr. Worldwide: A Man Who Speaks to AllWith his 45 published books and nearly 20 million copies sold worldwide, Henry is dedicated to spreading his knowledge. He's been named in the top 25 most influential leaders in personal growth alongside names such as Oprah, Brene Brown, and Seth Godin.But Henry's audiences still have to wrestle with difficult questions. In this interview, Henry says that great leaders "chase conflict so they can resolve it to get past that obstacle to the next level." Without obstacles in our way, how will we ever become stronger?Key takeaways: Lead by example: To be a successful and well-respected leader, make the effort and involve yourself in practice. Building blocks: You can't do everything on your own, so hold on to a helping hand. Be respectful: Showing respect is a key component to efficient leadership. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Website Crisp Facebook Crisp Twitter Crisp Instagram Crisp LinkedIn Henry Cloud Website Henry Cloud LinkedIn Henry Cloud Twitter Boundaries for Leaders - Book

"I really do believe at the end of the day, we do make the community safer. There are industry changes that happened because of what we do." - Sean Claggett How do lawyers know when they're ready to take a case to trial? Why are focus groups so significant when going to trial? How important is trial preparation? What makes a good trial lawyer? From the Ground UpAs an established personal injury attorney, Sean Claggett knows how to win a case. With an abundance of success across more than 15 years of professional practice, Sean has received many accolades. From being listed in the 2020 Top 10 accident and injury lawyers in Elko, to the 2017 Trial Lawyer of The Year, he's certainly made a name for himself.Hailing from Twin Falls, Idaho, Sean has always stood up for what is right. From schoolyard altercations to multi-million dollar cases, he's firmly rooted his beliefs in justice and doing the right thing. In 2005, he and fellow partner William Sykes set up their firm, and 16 years later have nothing but sparkling reviews.In 2016, according to Courtroom View Network, Sean had the fourth most influential verdict in the United States, highlighting his commitment to the cause. In 2020 he was added to the “Who We're Watching” list (once again) by the Courtroom View Network, and with a $38,750,000 verdict obtained in a case this year, he's proven time and time again his ability to deliver on all fronts.Winning is Sean's middle name.The Art of Hard WorkAs a law firm frontrunner, Claggett & Sykes brings justice and joy to many people, yet Sean's rise to the top hasn't been easy sailing. Sean says, "I've done every job in this firm out of necessity when I was building it. You lead by doing what needs to be done." Not only is that impressive, but shows a distinct knack for leadership, something that's made him a major player in the legal industry.We look at some of Sean's biggest cases, what it takes to win a trial, and what it means to be on the winning side. We get emotional by exploring some of the heartbreaking details Sean has to deal with on a daily basis and understanding what it means to all those involved throughout the process. We also look at the significance of preparation and how to stay ahead of the courtroom curve, and we take a look at finance through exponential settlements. Last but not least, we dive deeper into the person behind the suit and what he brings to the table.Do the Right ThingSean always fights for the right cause. Sean describes one of his most recent cases as an "emotional low." With the verdict not including punitive damages, he and the victim's family both felt cheated. But through the rollercoaster of emotions faced in the courtroom, Sean remains supportive and will push for the best result. He says, "I'm in a fortunate position that I don't need to do this anymore." Yet through his sheer desire to demand vindication, Sean sets a strong example.Sean shares some of his toughest cases, both strategically and emotionally. He speaks of how "there'd be no access to justice" without well-structured contingency work, and while winning cases is an everyday occurrence for a top trial lawyer, regaining livelihoods with a touch of TLC is why Sean is head and shoulders above the crowd.Key takeaways: Preparation: Being prepared from the start will always keep you one step ahead. Taking the lead: Leading by example will rub off on those around you. Gratification: Enjoying the small wins makes a big difference. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Website Crisp Facebook Crisp Twitter Crisp Instagram Crisp LinkedIn Claggett & Sykes Website Sean Claggett LinkedIn

"If we can set goals, that make it bite-size to achieve the long run objective, then that brings forward also our motivation, because we can see what we need to do today and tomorrow." Katy Milkman What inspired Katy Milkman to become a behavioral scientist? What is 'present-bias' and why is it so common? How are habits maintained and built? What are the personal benefits of 'temptation bundling'? Jack of all trades: An illustrious careerBehavioral scientist, professor of operations, economist; Dr. Katy Milkman can do it all. She's so versatile that in addition to being a Professor at Wharton School of Business, she has a secondary appointment at Penn's Perelman School of Medicine. Her research revolves around the process of decision-making and habit formation; essentially, how people change. With a range of academic interests and abilities, Dr. Milkman is one of the most reliable resources in the field. She’s won awards through research, including an early career award from the Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences. She was named one of the top 40 under 40 business school professors in the world by Poets & Quants, as well as a finalist for the Thinkers 50 2017 Radar Thinker Award. Katy's work is published on platforms such as The New York Times and The Harvard Business Review and is regularly featured on NPR.She's become something of a celebrity in academic circles. But it's her work translating the science for ordinary people that may have the most impact. She hosts the Choiceology podcast for Charles Schwab, has a TEDx talk, and her new book, How to Change, was named one of the Amazon’s best of 2021. Dr. Milkman is not just researching change. She's making it available to everyone.Gaming the System: Exploring behavioral economicsThroughout her career Katy has gained insight from the decision-making process of average people. Knowing what makes people tick and why can be life-changing. We look at what motivates people, internal and external barriers, goal pursuing and habits. We dig into the mechanics behind behaviorism as Katy tells us about devices like 'present bias' and 'gamification'.Gamification can be a powerful force for change. By creating game-like incentives for behavior, goal achievement can be more fun. This strategy can be applied to individual habits or to something larger like employee performance and government programs, like vaccine adoption. The possibilities are endless.Patience is a Virtue: Behavioral change takes timeAs a member of the Forbes Top 10 Behavioral Scientists of 2020 list, Dr. Milkman knows a thing or two about human nature. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Milkman argued that getting people to wear masks would have been easier if people had considered them as fashion items. This thesis closely relates to a term she coined: 'temptation bundling'. It’s the idea of coupling something you enjoy with something you view as a burden to invoke the willpower to get things completed. As she says, "if we recognize we need to make it fun to pursue our goals, we're going to be much more likely to persist". In our discussion, Katy draws on the ways people find motivation to pursue their goals, self-discipline and social influence. Want to find out more about yourself? Katy has the answers.Key takeaways: Tick Tock: Behavioral and habitual change doesn't happen overnight. Take your time, understand the process Dilemma: Learn to address and overcome internal and external barriers Understand your surroundings: Recognize how your social environment impacts your decision-making Links And Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Website Crisp Facebook Crisp Twitter Crisp Instagram Crisp LinkedIn Katy Milkman Website Katy Milkman LinkedIn Katy Milkman Twitter How to Change - Book Website

Being a game changing attorney is about more than just what you do in the courtroom. True game changers understand what it takes to push the boundaries of what's possible — whether that's in business, sport, law, or any other field.That’s why we present to you conversations with innovators across the spectrum. Topics to broaden your horizons and deepen your perspective. To shake things up, you need to look outside the legal profession.This quarter we’ve talked to motivational speakers, endurance athletes, best-selling authors, and of course, Hall of Fame attorneys. They each bring different insights to the table. They express their passions, expound their stories, and give you the tools to succeed...in law and in life.We’ve extracted the season's highlights. In this Best of Q3 episode, we revisit the most prominent conversations of the past few months. From NBA to talk show, from the courtroom to the top of the mountain, these stories are timeless and the advice invaluable.In this episode: John Morgan on how to envisage success and build a tight-knit organization Mike Papantonio on breaking away from the mold by pursuing your passion Brian Panish on the importance of understanding your surroundings to match your competitors Tim Grover on dealing with setbacks and taking the win Mark Manson on being fearless through facing change James Lawrence on developing resilience and building strong foundations Colin O'Brady on finding the finish line by thriving on competition Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Morgan & Morgan Website John Morgan LinkedIn John Morgan Books Mike Papantonio LinkedIn Levin, Papantonio, Rafferty Website Mass Torts Made Perfect Website Panish Shea & Boyle LLP Website Brian Panish LinkedIn Brian Panish Twitter Tim Grover Website Tim Grover Twitter ATTACK Athletics Website Tim Grover LinkedIn W1NNING Book Homepage James Lawrence Website James Lawrence Instagram Iron Cowboy Speaker Iron Cowboy Documentary Colin O'Brady Website Colin O'Brady LinkedIn Colin O'Brady Twitter Colin O'Brady YouTube Colin O'Brady Instagram

"People want to be kind, caring, and helpful, but you have to create the environment to allow for that to happen." - Dr. James Doty How do you override your fight or flight response and train your brain to make better decisions? Why are negative thoughts stickier than positive ones? Why did Dr. James turn down $30 million when he was dead broke? What is the proven path to lasting happiness and life satisfaction? Practical MagicYou may know Dr. James Doty as a clinical professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Stanford University School of Medicine. Or maybe as Director and Founder of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. You might know him from his New York Times best-selling book “Into the Magic Shop.”But before anyone knew James Doty, he was a poor kid from a broken family. At age 13, faced with regular eviction, tiptoeing around an alcoholic father and a severely depressed and ill mother, James was only ever in survival mode. That is, until he met Ruth, an older woman at a local magic shop. She set him on a path that he still walks today — one that explores the connection between our brains, our bodies, our environments, and our society.Survey Says...Ruth gave young James the tools to stay present — to understand and take control of his physiology. When something overwhelmed him, he would conduct a "body survey." Later, in his research, Dr. Doty discovered the science behind this approach: that these steps actually shifted the brain from the sympathetic nervous response (the "fight or flight" response) to the parasympathetic nervous response, which has incredible health benefits. He also observed that in our modern world, we are constantly faced with stress and threats that throw our bodies into that sympathetic nervous response — essentially, we're all constantly living life in 5th gear.Dr. James calls what Ruth taught him "mindfulness plus." She gave him the tools to slow down physiologically and stay present emotionally. She also showed him how to be kind to himself and undo a lifetime of self-hate, which had unexpected benefits. He says, "When you can be kind, when you can change the narrative, it actually changes not only your own physiology, but also how you see the world."A Call to ServeDr. James’s research led him to the study of compassion and what happens when people extend that compassion to others. He found that overwhelmingly, the people who are the happiest and most at peace with themselves are the ones who work in service of others.He worries because he sees our society and values oriented away from service. Everyone is working towards climbing the corporate ladder, accumulating wealth, and buying status symbols, all in the name of chasing happiness. But if they would just turn around, the answer is there, behind them on the trail. He explains: "They will climb this mountain. They will get all of this money, Ferraris, all this stuff. But for a large percentage of them, they're not going to be happy unless they are oriented towards being selfless and being of service."Key takeaways: Breathe in, breathe out. When you're under stress, regulate your body's autonomic response. You'll make better decisions and won't compound a bad situation. Be present. Most people are stuck in the past or worried about the future. But you can't connect with others unless you're with them in the present moment. Live a life of service. Whether it's money, time, or effort, giving brings joy that getting simply can't match. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Website Crisp Facebook Crisp Twitter Crisp Instagram Crisp LinkedIn James Doty LinkedIn Stanford University - Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) Website Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart

"We all have reservoirs of untapped potential to achieve extraordinary things, particularly when we can shift our mindset towards the positive and choose how to react in tough situations." - Colin O'Brady Why should we celebrate all successes (even those of our competitors)? How do you turn big dreams into reality? Why can't we experience the highs in life without first going through the hardships? How does Colin break through his walls? Unconventional BeginningsBorn into a hippie commune, Colin O'Brady didn't have the most conventional of starts in life. However, Colin's family didn't stay in the alternative lifestyle for long. At the forefront of the health food movement, the couple's entrepreneurship led to incredible success and instilled in Colin the ambition and determination he is so famed for today.Colin is an endurance athlete, 10X world record holder, and New York Times best-seller. His achievements include being the fastest person to complete the Explorer's Grand Slam, the fastest person to complete the Three Poles Challenge, and the fastest person to complete the 50 highest points in the US just to name a few. In his book "The Impossible First," Colin details his treacherous 932-mile journey across one of the world's most inhospitable environments, Antarctica. This best-seller highlights the importance of self-belief, riding emotional highs, and pushing through the lowest lows.Overcoming TragedyAs a 22-year-old man, Colin set out on his first adventure. Traveling the world with little more than the money he saved up from painting houses, he found himself in Thailand. There, a tragic accident left him with severe burns to his legs. It was here that Colin was told by doctors that he'd never walk properly again — and it was also here that he decided they were wrong.We discuss how Colin went from a hospital bed to winning the Chicago Triathlon in just 18 months. He breaks down how he achieves such ambitious feats and lets us in on the mindset that empowers him to turn struggle into motivation. He also shares the importance of setting goals and gives us an insight into how we can all leverage our untapped potential to achieve extraordinary things.Nothing's Scarier Than a Comfort ZoneEven though he's bested mountains, frozen plains, and even an ocean, Colin will be the first to admit that he isn't fearless. He just has different fears from most people. Where most would fear exposure to the elements or injury, in Colin's mind, there's nothing worse than falling into the zone of "comfortable complacency." In this zone, we may no longer hit rock bottom — but neither do we hit our highest peaks.Colin shares why experiencing the entire gamut of life's trials and rewards is important to him and he shares with us how embracing the turmoil of our own minds can lead to clarity and help us achieve flow states. He also explains how the mind can be strengthened and flexed so we can persevere in the most challenging of circumstances, helping us remain positive in the face of adversity.Key takeaways: Find your own Everest and work towards conquering it every day. Cherish competition as it brings out the best in us. Don't get preoccupied with the finish line. Just focus on the next checkpoint. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Website Crisp Facebook Crisp Twitter Crisp Instagram Crisp LinkedIn Colin O'Brady Website Colin O'Brady LinkedIn Colin O'Brady Twitter Colin O'Brady YouTube Colin O'Brady Instagram

"The right thing to do is always the right thing. The people who do that — there's a reason those are the successful guys." - Paul Faust How do you network best at conferences? Why does Paul think voice communication is never going away? What is a “no zero” day? How can being a part of your community distinguish your practice? How did Paul end up playing a character on “The Office”? Connection is KeyPaul Faust is the king of custom phone numbers, but he's not just that. He’s a catalyst in the legal industry, connecting attorneys nationally, giving counsel to newcomers, and sharing a wealth of materials. Paul knows who’s going to which conference, who has a good client packet, and which mass torts need lawyers. He’s got a big Rolodex and he’s not afraid to use it. And whether you’re his client or not, nothing makes Paul happier than finding a way to help you out.Paul started college with no understanding of what he wanted to do — but he knew what he liked and what he was good at: connecting with people. Through an unexpected meeting at a softball game, Paul went into the communications business with his partner Greg Hammerschlag. Together they started RingBoost, which allowed him to focus on his strengths: working with people. As he says, “It's not about phone numbers. It's about human connection. My tool just happens to be your number.”A Helping Hand Goes a Long WayPaul helps people even if they aren't clients and never will be. Being helpful develops trust so that if a lawyer ever does need his services, they already have a relationship. But more than that, Paul sees it as the right thing to do. “At the end of the day, it will come around,” he believes. “People will know that you're not just trying to sell them. You actually believe in what you're doing and that it's the right thing.”From noting ideas on the back of a "barf bag" to attending conferences worldwide, Paul idolizes helping others through the tool of "human connection."The Unconventional is the FuturePaul breaks away from convention and thinks outside the box. As he puts it: "I think too many people don't get that by getting out of your regular inbox you see a lot of things you would not normally see."As Paul mentions, he didn't "plan everything," which allowed him to keep an open mind and explore different avenues, such as the one that got him where he is today. Paul reinforces the principle of speaking to "everybody," insisting that "you have no idea where your life's going to take you."With the rise in technological advances, Paul still believes in staying connected. While he is most certainly intrigued by the evolution of technology, he feels as though human contact will always be more significant.Key takeaways: Talk to everybody. You never know what a relationship could bring. Be a resource. Helping people will come back to help you. Your grind may look different. Don’t just hustle to hustle. Do what works for your business. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Website Crisp Facebook Crisp Twitter Crisp Instagram Crisp LinkedIn Paul Faust LinkedIn Paul Faust Company Website Cool Guy Paul - The Office 1-800-PREPARE

"It's so easy and quantifiable. You eliminate any type of excuse or entitlement, and you show up and do the work. That's seriously as simple as it can get. Everybody needs to stand up, look themselves in the mirror, and go, ‘Okay, I'm in this position in my life because of me. I need to take full accountability for where I am.’" - James Lawrence Why is adversity key in creating resilience? What must you get right before you begin a big endeavor? Why did James add an extra triathlon after he completed 100 straight, even though he was injured? How did James approach the 50-straight and the 100-straight triathlon attempts differently? The Iron CowboyFor most people, completing a full-distance triathlon would be a crowning life achievement. James Lawrence has done hundreds of them, including 101 in a row. On consecutive days. For anyone counting, that's 140.6 miles a day, every day for 3 and a half months, for a total of 14,060 miles.James has earned the nickname "The Iron Cowboy" for the cowboy hat he wears during Ironman Triathlons. But it also reflects his maverick spirit and the frontier toughness he brings to all his endeavors. After all, who would even think of doing 50 triathlons in 50 states over 50 days, let alone have the guts to do it all with five kids in tow?A Solid FoundationOne thing that James says is key to have when you're attempting difficult things is a strong ethos. You have to know the reason WHY you're going on a tough journey, and you have to believe it. That gives you something to fall back on, and it keeps you from giving up, even when you're at your lowest.As James puts it: "You will not make rational decisions when you're broken mentally, physically, when you're fatigued. You have to say, ‘Okay, I'm not of sound mind, but what are my core values? What do I stand for?’ Really commit and buy into those statements, and then every question you have on a tough journey becomes very easy to answer because you just revert back to my ethos and what I stand for."No ExcusesJames doesn't believe that he's got a special gift that makes him unique. He thinks that everyone has greatness within them. So why is James the one pushing the boundaries of what's possible?If you ask him, it's because of accountability. "It's so easy and quantifiable. You eliminate any type of excuse or entitlement, and you show up and do the work. That's seriously as simple as it can get. Everybody needs to stand up, look themselves in the mirror, and go, ‘Okay, I'm in this position in my life because of me. I need to take full accountability for where I am.’ Once you can get to the realization that you're taking accountability for where you are in your life — only then can you start to make the changes that you need to."Key takeaways: Take your time. The biggest reason people fail on big goals is they get impatient and want it done quickly. Let yourself heal. After you finish a period of struggle and growth, you need time to recuperate physically, mentally, and emotionally. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. James hates running! But to build healthy relationships or achieve your goals, you need to do things that you don't want to do. Links And Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Website Crisp Facebook Crisp Twitter Crisp Instagram Crisp LinkedIn James Lawrence Website James Lawrence Instagram Iron Cowboy Speaker Iron Cowboy Documentary