My exercise of choice when it comes to wellness is cardio. Specifically running. No, not because of my Jamaican heritage or because of the Olympics but because I find a good jog after a long stressful day to be detoxing and releasing. I realized while running one day that the paralegal legal career and running have a number of similarities. Stay with me here. We all know the paralegal career is not a sprint. It’s a full-blown marathon that ends when you decide to stop. 

So what exactly do I mean? Here’s an example, like running, the paralegal career has many ways to train.  The trick is to find the track (law firm) you’re most comfortable with. However the only way to determine that is to start. Maybe you prefer an indoor track better than outdoor or maybe you prefer a treadmill. Like deciding  what law firm to work for, paralegals have a choice as to how they want to run their race. 

Undeniably, there are many additional correlations between  running and being a paralegal. Your pace for example. With both running and being a paralegal, You can determine your pace. If you want to fast track it like you’re Sha’Carri Richardson that’s up to you or you may choose a more slow and steady approach. There is no right way just the way that works best for you.   

Further, running teaches you breathing techniques. As a paralegal, you will be tested. Learning to take proper deep breathes and not immediately reacting is a must. Like with running, learning how to regulate your breathing will help you stay the course. You won’t feel so overwhelmed or filled with anxiety if you learn how to breathe through the stressful moments.

Don’t stop keep going even when it tough. Sometimes with running, our body gives up before your mind and vice versa. Working as a paralegal will leave you tired and ready to quit. Don’t stop if your desire is to learn and grow your paralegal skills. Of course, I encourage you to listen to your body first and foremost BUT most of the time we are our worst coach. We forget how to cheer for ourselves and decide to prematurely call it quits. Continuing to jog and make it fun will help you in both disciplines. 

So what do you think? Have I provided enough evidence that can correlate and show a strong similarity between running and becoming a paralegal? Or are you left needing more evidence to decide?