Give it your best shot, rather than fearing loss.

by Marc Evan Aupiais

Among the worst things many lawyers learn while still interns is that all that matters is winning, or achieving certain objectives within a very limited time period. It sets them up for both massive stress and for overriding their client's wishes, if they cannot escape this dangerous sort of thinking.

An intern is told to write three summonses in a single day. They obey, but the summonses are substandard, and every time they do so, remain substandard, because they have been taught to work for an object instead of to work as best they can. Give an intern instead one summons to write over three days, and the next he will write in two, and the next in a few hours, and he soon surpasses the intern who consistently writes three in a day, not the least in an ability to write without serious error. Speed is something which should not be there out of the hat, it should come with experience and rightly earned confidence.

I don't tell myself I will get this, this and this done today. If I do, I know I am in danger of doing shoddy work in all. Instead, I tell myself, I am setting aside this much time today, for this, this much time for this other thing, and this much time for that. The result is that I do better work, and achieve my goal. As a sole practitioner, I also find that I am far better motivated to get my work done timeously, by setting aside time for it, than by setting set specific goals. Goals can be useful and deadlines do need to be met, but if the focus is on the goal, work quality is likely to suffer.

What governs an attorney, whether in the office or at court, should be procedural, not substantive. At court, I will do all I am able to do to protect my client's rights, both in offence and defence. But, should I instead decide that I shall win, I add enough stress to my job to hinder myself somewhat, which is why I don't focus on that. Such an approach, of win at all costs, also makes us fearful of attempting some matter well within our wheelhouse but which may be difficult, or which may see us lose.

Good sportsmanship, we are told, is always giving your all on the field, while respecting the rules and your opponents. Be down a few points and if your only goal is to win, then you have lost the morale for it. But, if your goal is to simply always give your best, you might well come back from your early losses and still have victory.

A lawyer wanting to win may make all the strategic decisions for their client, and be surprised when sued for negligence by a disappointed patron.

A lawyer whose concern is procedure, not substance i.e. one which focuses on doing their job the best they are able, rather than on winning, however, has the added advantage of being a creature of instruction. The decision to take a risk for a client can send a man to the madhouse from stress. However, informing your client of all the risks of various decisions but letting them decide not only lengthens a lawyer's life due to a reduction in stress but also gives their client ownership of the decision.

Having a win-lose mindset instantly puts the lawyer's ego into a matter. With each case he feels he is fighting for his own life and reputation. But, his client might not have told him everything.

Having instead a procedural mindset, of: whatever I am to do today, I will give it my best shot, regardless of whether I succeed or not, however, makes a legal career bearable and puts the client back in the driver's seat. The lawyer is operating without ego, because his pride is not tied in to victory, but into giving the best possible service to his client, in the circumstances.

The Holy Rosary (Full Text)

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.


I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth;

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord;
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified,

died,

and was buried.

He descended into Hell;
The third day he rose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God,
the Father Almighty;
From thence He shall come
to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
Amen.


Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name;
Thy Kingdom come;
Thy Will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.


For the virtue of Hope.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

For the virtue of Faith.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

For the virtue of Love.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.


Glory be: to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be;
World without end.
Amen.

The Mysteries of the Rosary are contemplated when praying each decade (a decade consists of 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be, followed by the Fatima prayer of Oh my Jesus).

They are:

The Joyful Mysteries (J) which are said on Mondays and Saturdays (Sundays during Advent is optional);
The Sorrowful Mysteries (S) which are said on Tuesdays and Fridays (Sundays during Lent is optional);
The Glorious Mysteries (G) which are said on Wednesdays and Sundays;
And the Luminous Mysteries (L) which are said on Thursdays.



The first mystery:

J: The Annunciation
S: The Agony in the Garden
G: The Resurrection
L: The Baptism in the Jordan



Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name;
Thy Kingdom come;
Thy Will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.


Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.


Glory be: to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be;
World without end.

Amen.


Oh, my Jesus,
forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of Hell,
lead all souls to heaven,
especially those who are most in need of
Thy mercy.

Amen.

The second mystery:

J: The Visitation
S: The Scourging at the Pillar
G: The Ascension
L: The Wedding at Cana



Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name;
Thy Kingdom come;
Thy Will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.


Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.


Glory be: to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be;
World without end.

Amen.


Oh, my Jesus,
forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of Hell,
lead all souls to heaven,
especially those who are most in need of
Thy mercy.

Amen.


The third mystery:

J: The Nativity
S: The Crowning with Thorns
G: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
L: The Proclamation of the Kingdom



Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name;
Thy Kingdom come;
Thy Will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.


Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.


Glory be: to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be;
World without end.

Amen.


Oh, my Jesus,
forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of Hell,
lead all souls to heaven,
especially those who are most in need of
Thy mercy.

Amen.


The fourth mystery:

L: The Presentation
S: The Carrying of the Cross
G: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
L: The Transfiguration



Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name;
Thy Kingdom come;
Thy Will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.


Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.


Glory be: to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be;
World without end.

Amen.


Oh, my Jesus,
forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of Hell,
lead all souls to heaven,
especially those who are most in need of
Thy mercy.

Amen.

The fifth mystery:

J: The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
S: The Crucifixion
G: The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
L: The Institution of the Eucharist



Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name;
Thy Kingdom come;
Thy Will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.


Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.


Glory be: to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be;
World without end.

Amen.


Oh, my Jesus,
forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of Hell,
lead all souls to heaven,
especially those who are most in need of
Thy mercy.

Amen.


Having said the five decades of the Rosary, the Hail Holy Queen is said.


Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
Our Life, Our Sweetness, and Our Hope.

To thee do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve.

To thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Turn then, Most Gracious Advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this, our exile,
show us the blessed fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Oh clement, oh loving, oh sweet Virgin Mary,
Pray for us oh Holy Mother of God,
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Amen.


In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.