Paul Goto decided on less success, he traded the symbols of success for the experience of success. But there is much more to learn from this trial lawyer that turned health care worker than how to change jobs. People who would never consider working for less money can apply Goto's life philosophy to their own, and learn from his approach to creating a life built around activities that he feels good about doing. Goto received his undergraduate degree from UCLA in 1979 and his Law degree from the University of Hawaii in 1983. For four years he worked in the City Prosecutors Office as a trial lawyer. For the next nine years he worked in private practice, again as a trial lawyer. Despite Goto's success as a trial lawyer he was painfully aware that something was missing from his life.

The moral of Goto's story; respond to the red flags in your life, follow your heart and give back. Red Flags are warning signals that something is missing and/or not right in your life. The something that was missing in Goto's life was obvious; he did not feel nurtured by his work. In his words, "All of my ego, identity and self-esteem were wrapped up in being a good attorney. However, the rewards were outweighed by the lack of personal satisfaction. In short, the practice of law was not for me and I knew I needed to make a change." Goto responded by changing jobs. Change can be scary, and it was in Goto's case. He was able to reframe his fear into excitement by taking pride in his ability to respond to his need to feel good about his work.

To follow your heart is to make the decision that allows you to feel good about the results of your actions. Goto took a job as a Department Manager for HMSA. In his job he works with health care providers to protect the rights of the patient and to provide valuable health care to the people of Hawaii. In his words, "my job involves heading up a new department, one for which there was no existing standards. The transition required long hours of work to familiarize myself with the business, the mental toughness and humility to learn from my mistakes. My commitment is to growth; I want to be the best that I can be at this job. I read everything I can get my hands on regarding the health care business and I take classes in underwriting, marketing and health care products. I'm excited about this job and I love the challenge. I feel good about my ability to contribute to HMSA, the people of Hawaii and the health care industry."

To give back is to make a contribution to the lives of people who are important to you. First and foremost Goto wanted to spend more time with his wife, mother and extended family. "I now have the time to be supportive to the people who matter most to me. The time I spend being a good uncle to my brother's children is way more important to me than the time I used to spend preparing for a trial. In his spare time, a newfound commodity, he volunteers to teach and coach the Mock Trial Team at Sacred Hearts Academy and he coaches track at Punahou School. "In high school, I was inspired by a few key teachers and coaches. Their interest in me made a major contribution to my life. I'm thrilled that I'm now in position to do the same for the young people I coach." Goto has found that his decision for less success has resulted in the feeling of more success, "I love my new life and I couldn't be happier."