by A. Roger Merrill and Rebecca R. Merrill, (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003).

“Life Matters” is a great book. It covers a lot of good ideas, the thoughts and observations are well presented, and the book reads quickly.

Roger and Becky Merrill understand that life balance isn’t a static condition that you obtain, but a dynamic skill that you learn. I had to include this in my book review for lawyers because I’ve gone back to this book at least a half-dozen times to review this time-tested practical guide that integrates positive, practical, integrated approaches to creating financial balance in solving money problems.

The Merrill’s work with Stephen R Covey in writing several books. Their research focuses on the connections between how well harmonizing people’s personal lives are in their effectiveness at work by implementing the “optimizers” described in “Work Matters” and creating this dynamic life balance that the Merrills describe, people will significantly increase their value to their organization.

They include some very good recommendations on how best to use the book. They recommend that you share each of the seven chapters with your loved ones, friends or professional associates. Second, you should discuss and apply the ideas step-by-step. When you share with others what you are learning in the spirit of humility, it will cause them to see you in a new light. One of the things the authors learned in the field of personal change was that a nurturing support team is almost essential, particularly if you seek change that is real and sustainable. I find this particularly important for lawyers to understand. Aging is something you should not do on your own. You have to learn to rely on your family and friends.

The seven chapters in this book include:

  1. What Matters?
  2. The Three Gotta Do’s
  3. Work Matters
  4. Family Matters
  5. Time Matters
  6. Money Matters
  7. Wisdom Matters

At the beginning of the book the authors suggest that you take a few minutes and assess how you feel about each of these vital elements in your own life. They include a half-dozen questions for each of the elements that you rate on a scale of 0 to 4. The resources they pull together in this book get you thinking.

To achieve personal balance, the authors suggest becoming a better team player, working more effectively, learning about finances and setting home and work priorities. They establish the goal of building a strong family, centered around parental “family leadership.”

Finally, there is a particularly relevant section under Chapter 4 Family Matters that provides a great method for increasing happiness in your home. Anyone who thinks that is of critical importance needs to read this book.