I’ve used exercise for lots of reasons so far in life, including:

• A vehicle for self-mastery
  • Finding out who I am e.g. will I quit
  • Building focus and self-discipline on a daily basis
  • Educating myself about my mind and body
  • A personal challenge to see how far I can go
  • Headspace for self-reflection
• Improving my mood
  • Self-esteem
  • A short-term pick me up
  • Stress relief
• To be a good role model and inspire others
• Daily functional fitness and longevity

When exercise plays a (hidden) negative role

The thing to watch out for is if it starts to take away from your happiness, and this isn’t always obvious.

Maybe you need to:

• Limit your success if the commitment out balances time with your loved ones
• Loosen the grip of obsession by reminding yourself of it’s role and purpose
• Change your goals to more meaningful ones

It’s also important to consider the alignment of purpose. For example, training for your fastest marathon is a useful tool for self-mastery but does it contribute to your longevity? You may be ok with that, but it’s worth considering.

It’s also true that I’ve used physical challenges to try and prove my self-worth. Both to others and myself.

I’ve called this out because it’s another misplaced driver that detracts from your life by taking you away from more meaningful things, as well as sucking out the positives that exercise can give.