Passion Is High Octane Gasoline for Achieving Your Fitness Goals
If you’re not enjoying yourself you’re doing something wrong.
Renowned surfing legend Kelly Slater has this to say about his chosen sport:
“I didn’t start surfing because I expected it to be my career. It was something I just had a good time doing. But once I started, I couldn’t stop. Nothing compared to the thrill of riding waves.”
He would eventually ride to 11 world surfing titles as part of 55 career victories. He has the distinction of being the youngest and oldest world champion in men’s history. In short, he’s the greatest surfer of all time.
Kelly’s accolades are obvious and apparent. A quick Google search returns thousands of results on his best moments and biggest accomplishments.
What’s less obvious is the work he puts in behind the scenes. The hours and hours (and hours) spent training and practicing. The injuries and setbacks. The doubts that invariably creep in along the way: “Do I have what it takes? Am I good enough? Am I worthy enough?”
You don’t achieve his level of success without passion for your chosen endeavor. It’s what keeps you going when the going gets tough.
The last time I stepped foot in a gym I was astounded. I couldn’t believe how many people walked around with blank stares and lifeless faces. Moving from machine to machine, exercise to exercise in the same expressionless manner. You’d have thought they were waiting in the lunch line for today’s “soup surprise”.
Fitness shouldn’t be a chore, yet many view it as such. A box to check, like going to the grocery store after work. It’s no wonder we have such a hard time committing to a healthy lifestyle long-term. There’s no joy, no happiness, no passion. Only obligation.
Read Kelly’s quote again. He uses words like “good time” and “thrill” and “couldn’t stop”. Can you say that about your fitness habit?
If not, you’ve got some thinking to do.
Passion feeds success
Passion is the catalyst behind meaningful progress.
When we’re passionate about something, we’re inspired. When we’re inspired, we’ll move heaven and earth in its pursuit. And when we’re willing to work that hard, we’re more likely to reach the mountaintop. Passion is what fuels success above all else. It is the foundation of hard work, grit and determination.
Because you love what you’re doing.
When I head out for a run, I’m not looking to run a specific time, pace or distance. Metrics like those used to dominate my training ethos, but not anymore. Now I run because I’m able to think and feel in a way I can’t replicate anywhere else. Finding that groove is what success looks like to me now.
If you’re not similarly moved by your training, if you’re not feeling the butterflies like you used to, it’s time to reevaluate. It’s time to refocus your training around activities you enjoy, not how many minutes you can squeeze in on the elliptical before dinner.
You don’t need to have an existential experience every time you pick up a weight or run a mile. But if you’re stuck in a rut, rebuild your training around what moves you physically, mentally and spiritually. And that starts with passion.
Passion is your best weapon against hardship
Hardship is part of the human condition. Always has been, always will be.
I’ve battled my fair share of injuries over the years. It comes with the territory of being a distance runner.
Rehabbing an injury is an arduous process. It involves a lot of rest, a lot of ibuprofen and, if you’re like me, a lot of time cross-training (read: fuming) on a bike wishing you were running instead. Rehab is an exercise in patience, humility, and the ability to follow directions.
But if it means I can be back on my feet sooner rather than later? I’ll do it. Whatever it takes. No questions asked.
Passion is what sees us through the dark times, when things look bleak and dreary. When hope is a fading light in the distance. Passion reminds us this is merely a bump in the road. That salvation awaits us on the other side.
By focusing your fitness on what you’re passionate about, you’ll prove to yourself just how resilient you are in times of strife. How unflappable you can be. You’re not the type of person who gives up at the first sign of trouble. You’ll do what it takes to get back out there. Because you have to.
And you’ll come back even stronger than before.
Passion is permanent
I get a kick out of all the “motivational” fitness content that flutters around the internet. You know what I’m talking about — pictures, videos and quotes of genetically gifted pretty people telling me if I “just put in the work” or “stay true to myself” I’ll look and perform exactly like them. What a bunch of crap.
Motivation in and of itself is not a bad thing. We all need a boost from time to time. Sometimes a classic motivator like David Goggins yelling at me to “Stay hard!” is exactly what I need to get my ass out the door.
But motivation is fleeting. It’s gone just as quickly as it arrived. Motivation is derived externally, its power limited to a very specific place and time. Its shelf-life is short.
Passion is intrinsic. It comes from within, from deep in our bones, our very framework. When we’re passionate about something we’re obsessed. We feel compelled to act because if we don’t we’ll burst at the seams. And that has serious staying power.
Motivation is temporary. Passion is permanent.
Passions are discovered, not bestowed
There are certain things in life you have to figure out for yourself.
When I didn’t make the high school freshman golf team I was devastated. Not only was I not going to play my favorite sport for one of the best programs in the state (and use one of their sweet new golf bags), I thought I missed my only opportunity to make new friends at a new school.
My dad suggested I go out for cross-country. I didn’t have a better idea, so the next afternoon I laced up my shoes and headed out to the track. I knew before that first practice was over…running and I were destined to be together. Nearly 20 years later that passion still burns bright as day.
Finding your passion is like falling in love. No one can tell you you’re in love, you just know it. Through and through. No one can tell you what you’re passionate about, you just know it. Through and through.
If you haven’t found a fitness activity that lights you up just yet, have faith. Good things come to those who wait, but better things come to those who take action. Get out there and try something new. Join a yoga studio. Try a spin class. Join a rec league. The possibilities are endless.
But you have to step up to the plate and take a couple of swings.
“Twenty years from now you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
— Mark Twain
Our first e-book is available now! “How To Build a Kickass Fitness Habit: A guide to discovering your passion for a healthy way of life.” Check out our website for all the details, as well as read the introduction for free. Thank you so much for your support of our mission!
Scott Mayer is a runner, thinker, curious observer and certified personal trainer.