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SEPTEMBER 2019
WHY OVER WHAT How to Be Outstanding
The calendar may claim that the year starts in January, but if you have kids in school, you know the year really starts in September. This is when my family looks at the upcoming school year and thinks about what we want to focus on. When I look ahead, there are two umbrellas I assess: personal and professional.
We’re building a framework that helps us become a little more outstanding every week.
There are a bunch of subcategories that make up the areas I want to focus on in my personal life. I want to be a great dad, a loving husband, and a force for good in the community. I also want to have an outstanding family life and keep a peaceful house for my kids to grow up in.
and be a great dad.” I’ve learned that remembering the why can help you get past your own personal hang-ups and really put in the effort to better yourself. This kind of framework is built on the fact that the why is so much more important than the what. The reason a lot of people struggle with their goals is because they focus on the outcome, not the motivation. But life is about the journey, not the destination. All of my goals, whether they are personal or professional, are unattainable in some way. What I mean by this is that there’s no finish line. The why is my goal, not the what, so I’ll never be done. There won’t be a time when I look at a checklist and say, “I’ve done all these things, so now I am a great dad and a loving husband.” I have to keep trying to be a great dad and a loving husband. At work, even if we generate more cases this year or learn some incredible new skills, we can’t mark these things off the list and call it good. We have to keep looking for ways to be more and do more.
Under the professional umbrella, there are other categories: ● Generate new cases ● Improve our skills as lawyers ● Expand the firm
● Fine-tune our processes ● Empower our team
After identifying each subcategory, I ask myself some questions. What can I do every week to improve in these areas? What are my short-term goals for the quarter? Where do I want to be a year from now? I answer these questions, and then I make regular check-ins to make sure I’m not focusing too much on a single area and becoming one-dimensional. Who cares if you make a bunch of money if your personal life suffers? The idea is to foster growth in every area. We met with our team back in May to look over the subcategories under the professional umbrella and asked everyone to bring their own list of categories they wanted to focus on. The overall goal is to be outstanding, and we’re building a framework that helps us become a little more outstanding every week. This framework helps us overcome those moments when we don’t feel like doing something. It’s a reminder as to why we need to do it. “Why do I have to wake up early every morning? Oh right, so I can make my kids breakfast
The way we become outstanding is by trying to be a little better every day.
–Case Barnett
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Book Recommendations From the Ultra Successful BUILD A MILLIONAIRE’S LIBRARY
‘It's Not About the Coffee: Leadership Principles From a Life at Starbucks’ by Howard Behar Who read it? Katrina Lake, founder and CEO of Stitch Fix Starbucks is known for its quick coffee and seasonally controversial cups, but that’s not what turned the company into a world- conquering success. In “It’s Not About the
What does every successful person have in common? They read. Avid reading is a key characteristic of the ultra successful because, through great ideas, you can learn how to achieve your full potential. If you want to be more successful in business and in life, you should definitely add these great books to your reading list. ‘Business Adventures: Twelve Classic Tales From the World of Wall Street’ by John Brooks Who read it? Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft Famously loaned to Bill Gates by Warren Buffett himself, “Business Adventures” was written and originally published shortly after the stock market crash of 1962. In this book, John Brooks recorded the successes and failures of 12 major companies of the era, including Ford, Xerox, and General Electric.
Coffee,” Howard Behar highlights the importance of company culture and the role business leaders play in helping their team members reach their full potential. ‘Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration’ by Ed Catmull With Amy Wallace Who read it? Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and CEO of Facebook Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar, is responsible for some of the most successful animated movies in the history of cinema. “Creativity, Inc.” explores the creative process behind such films and how this process can be replicated in any industry. Forbes has suggested that Catmull’s book “just might be the best business book ever written.”
‘Letters to a Young Poet’ by Rainer Maria Rilke Who read it? Jen Rubio, co-founder and president of Away
From 1903–1908, renowned German poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote letters to a young, aspiring poet. These candid thoughts from one of the greatest artistic minds offer insights on life, love, and how to fully experience the world we live in. Each letter is a valuable reminder that we should never underestimate our own artistic spirit.
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST "I was referred to Case by a very good friend who told me he is an amazing attorney. Needing legal advice is not always comfortable, but after speaking with Case Barnett, I have changed my mind. He is such a kind person that you forget you are speaking to him about an unfortunate situation because he makes you feel so much as ease. He is professional and very informative. Case and his team are so responsive to phone calls and emails. Case has even given his cellphone number for after office hours if needed. I can’t say enough about Case Barnett Law. They always have your best interest at heart and are honest and trustworthy. As a business owner, employee, family member, and/or friend, it’s important to know there is a knowledgeable professional to assist you with the much confusing law! I am so grateful to have Case Barnett Law in my court! I would recommend Case to everyone I know!" –Sheri B.
This publication is intended to educate the general public about personal injury and elder abuse. It is not intended to be legal advice. Every case is different.
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949-565-4886
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WHAT HAPPENED IN REED SPRINGS?
How a Small Town Went Bankrupt Over a Pothole
In 2002, the quaint town of Reed Springs, Missouri, declared bankruptcy. The hard decision came after the town was forced to pay $100,000 to Sally Stewart, a woman who sued Reed Springs after she tripped over a pothole during a shopping trip. News of a greedy woman ruining a small village to make a quick buck sparked outrage across the country. But Stewart wasn’t the real villain of this story. A little digging into this case reveals a much deeper conspiracy. Stewart had been visiting Reed Springs in 1998 when she tripped on a pothole hidden beneath some overgrown grass on the sidewalk. But this was no small stumble. Stewart tore two ligaments in her ankle and had to undergo surgery. To help pay for the medical bills, Stewart, who’d never sued anyone before, initially filed a personal injury lawsuit against the owners of the store in front of the pothole. However, the Missouri Court of Appeals determined the city of Reed Springs was liable for Stewart’s injuries. The court ordered Reed Springs to pay Stewart $100,000, over half the city’s annual budget. Despite the high price tag, in normal circumstances, this verdict wouldn’t have forced Reed Springs to declare bankruptcy because the town’s insurance would have covered the bill. Unfortunately, at the time of Stewart’s accident, the mayor of Reed Springs was a corrupt man named Joe Dan Dwyer. Dwyer left office while being investigated for insurance fraud, child pornography, statutory rape, witness bribery, and perjury, and he was later sentenced to seven years in federal prison. Among his many indiscretions, Dwyer also let the town’s insurance policy lapse. Reed Springs didn’t have insurance when Sally Stewart got hurt, which is why they had to write a check out of their own budget and ultimately declare bankruptcy. In this case, what started as a simple pothole accident quickly unveiled the lasting damage of an unscrupulous politician. Perhaps this case serves as reminder about why it’s important to vote in local elections.
Cacio e Pepe
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
Ingredients
1. In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stopping 2 minutes short of desired doneness. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. 2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add pepper and cook until toasted and aromatic, about 1 minute. Add reserved pasta water and bring to a simmer. 3. Transfer pasta and remaining butter to pan and reduce heat to low. Add Parmesan cheese and cook until melted, tossing pasta throughout. Remove pan from heat and add pecorino, continuing to toss until cheese is melted and sauce coats pasta. • 6 oz pasta, ideally spaghetti or bucatini • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and divided • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper • 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano-Reggiano • 1/3 cup finely grated pecorino cheese • Kosher salt, for pasta water and to taste Directions
4. Transfer to bowls and serve.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Page 1 A New Year in September
Page 2 A Reading List for Real Success
Testimonials
Page 3 A Surprising Reason for Bankruptcy
Cacio e Pepe
Page 4 The Vibrant Colors of America’s National Parks
THE BEST NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT THIS FALL
those in the Northeast. This park offers many scenic lookout points accessible by car, so don’t worry about hoofing it into the forest if
Have you ever wanted to experience the colors of a Boston fall while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors? Autumn leaves are a universally appreciated sign of the changing seasons, and there’s no better place to see those vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds on display than in one of America’s national parks. So, if you’ve got some free time this autumn, here are some parks worth seeing. ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE While the maple, birch, and poplar trees of Acadia begin to change color in September, mid- October is the best time to witness autumn in full swing. The park is crisscrossed with unpaved trails that date back to a time of horse- drawn carriages, preserving an idyllic setting. If you want to see the colors in full effect, take a drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard, and watch the sun crest over the vibrant leaves. To fully experience fall in the Northeastern U.S., Acadia National Park is a must-see. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, TENNESSEE AND NORTH CAROLINA Further south, the autumn colors of the Smoky Mountains are no less breathtaking than
that’s not your thing. Park wherever you like and watch the warm colors of ancient maples, oaks, and cedars change before your eyes.
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING While the West might typically be associated with evergreen pines, the deciduous trees of the relatively small Grand Teton National Park pack a colorful punch starting around the third week of September. It’s also breeding season for elk in the area, and their high, eerie whistles can be heard in the evenings. Popular destinations in the park include the Christian Pond Loop and String Lake. Just because the weather is cooling down doesn’t mean you have to abandon your favorite national parks until next summer. The natural beauty of America can be experienced at any time of the year, so start planning your next autumn outdoor excursion!
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