Make time for yourself and family.

How happy are you right now?

That's an important question, and perhaps more important than you might think, according to Larry Port, CEO of RocketMatter and the lecturer at the Bar's seminar, "The Secrets to a Happy, Successful Legal Career." The session was held January 19 at the Bar's Winter Meeting and is part of the Bar's effort to promote health and wellness among its membership.

"The best predictor of how happy you'll be in 20 years is simply how happy you are now, which is a sobering thought," Port said. "Because we all believe that we're going to have some incredible transformation in the next couple of years that will change everything. But you know, statistically speaking, we won't."

It's also not an abstract, feel-good goal to seek happiness. Studies have shown that happy people are far more productive and accurate in their work than unhappy people, Port said.

In a presentation that ranged from human evolution to the way the brain works, Port laid out his advice for lawyers--or anyone--to pursue a happier mental state. And he noted there's nothing new about that drive. Benjamin Franklin, in his autobiography, listed 13 goals in seeking a more fulfilled life and a schedule for practicing them. They included: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility.

Port's list is a bit shorter. It includes exercise, listing daily things he's accomplished and things he's grateful for, eating properly, meditation, and setting a schedule that allows time for the things that make him happy, including time with his family and exercise.

"For exercise, find something you enjoy," he advised. "It actively reduces stress."

In his case, he plays ultimate Frisbee, a noncontact sport he described as a cross between football and soccer and where he usually competes against much younger players. To stay in shape for that, he does Orangetheory workouts.

Port takes a few minutes after he arrives at work to compile two lists. One list is at least three things he's grateful for. It's frequently family related but can include work. He asked the attendees what they were grateful for. The list included two wins in court, a good office work team, family, children, and arms and legs.

"Grateful people are happier and more satisfied with their lives and it brings freedom from envy," Port said.

The second list is of achievements, mostly from the recent day. Attendees gave...