Lawyer Like an Olympian

Krystal Weigl

Krystal Weigl is a business attorney, author, and wellness enthusiast, at the BiState Law Center.

There are a few minor differences between lawyers and Olympians. Our competition doesn't unfold on the world's stage. We're rarely awarded a medal for our efforts. We don't have many fun chants to pump up our performances ("USA!"). Yet, lawyers, like Olympians, must be well-rested, hydrated, and focused to practice their craft. Considering Ms. Biles' recent stance, another similarity ought to be highlighted: our health must come first.

The culture we work in asks us to make several sacrifices in the name of going for gold. To make matters worse, we internalize this culture in the name of "job security," performing at our best, or fitting in. It can be a little too easy to confuse your definition of success with the one the firm gives you. We quickly learn to give up sleep, nutrition, and leisure. (Read: things that keep us healthy.) The hang up is that health is not an impediment to success. Success is wholly dependent on it.

Take for example, a tale of two athletes: Kerri Strug and Simone Biles. In 1996, Kerri Strug vaulted into the spotlight, injured. Her coach, seeing her injury said, "You can do it! You better do it!" She did it. Strug landed a now-infamous one-legged vault on a badly injured left leg. Strug was eighteen and her gymnastics career ended with that jump. Ignoring that her vault wasn't needed to secure gold and the severity of her injury, this culture failed Strug and her fellow athletes.

Fast forward to 2021 and a new mentality takes the podium alongside Simone Biles. Biles expressed concerns about her mental health. Her coaches supported her decision to withdraw. When she was ready, she returned to earn bronze on the balance beam. Biles and her coach took a position that allowed her to fight another day and exemplified leadership for her fellow athletes. As she eloquently told reporters after withdrawing, "Physical health is mental health".

Whether we're competing in the world's largest sporting event or over the county's lowest value small claims dispute, mental health matters. Prioritizing and protecting mental health means stepping back when we need to. Our long-term health is critical to our long-term success. It is not a sacrifice we can offer up when work gets in the way. Want to lawyer like an Olympian? Put your health first.

Well-Being Resources: https://www.bamsl.org/wellbeing
Missouri Lawyers' Assistance Program (MOLAP): 1-800-688-7859