‘Being Healthy’ Isn’t Enough

I know what you’re thinking. “That’s a pretty bold title, what do you mean being healthy isn’t enough?”

Let me explain.

Of course being healthy is enough in the sense of your actual overall health. If you’ve done a good job taking care of yourself, that’s good, and it’s enough.

What I’m talking about is your incentive to "be healthy.”

My motivation for being healthy has simply been that, to be healthy.

There are other motivating factors of course like:

-Fear of becoming a “struggling” old person.

-Fear of health issues.

-Wanting to remain physically attractive.

-Wanting to feel good in my body/move well.

The list goes on..

The problem with the list though is the over-arching motivation of ‘being healthy.’

Sometimes this motivation is enough, it has been for me, but I notice as I’ve gotten older, that motivation has started to become a little bit less and less. As I write this I’m sitting here pondering the reason why that is. I think I’m finally getting to a point in my life where things feels stable and secure, so my fears and insecurities have slowly been getting quieter and quieter. Since those nagging fears have calmed down a bit, the fear fuel is a bit low and the incentive of ‘being healthy’ isn’t as motivating as it used to be. So why is this relevant?

A lot of people, especially in the first world where life is pretty cozy, lack incentive to keep themselves healthy and in shape. Especially if you’re someone who doesn’t have a job that demands physical capabilities, especially-especially if you don’t have hobbies that require you to be physically fit. This is why I say ‘being healthy’ isn’t enough. Sure everybody wants to be healthy, but what’s the point if life doesn’t necessarily demand it?

For example, firefighters. Firefighters have a job that very much requires them to be physically fit and capable of doing difficult things under intense stress. Like oh, I don’t know, pulling an adult out of a burning building! Firefighters have a huge incentive to stay in good physical shape and remain in good health because their job demands it. That’s a huge incentive that reaches past just ‘being healthy'.

If you’re an athlete, your incentive extends past ‘being healthy’ for obvious reasons. You need to be in peak physically condition to perform well in your sport of choice. I could keep going with examples but I think you get the idea.

If you’re struggling with the motivation to ‘be healthy’, and you don’t have a job or hobby that requires it, considering partaking in something that requires you to be healthy! You could join a adult sports league, you could sign up for a marathon (maybe start at a 5k), maybe you just don’t want to have a sore back anymore! You can even think a bit more abstract. Think about the ability to run around and play with your kids as an adult or grandkids as a grandparent. Think about wanting to hold on to your physical independence as you age, or your Costco trip taking less of a physical toll because you could throw around those bulky items much easier! Maybe you want to feel sharper when it comes to reading or writing, or even better at playing competitive video games!

We all want to be healthy but sometimes ‘being healthy’ isn’t that motivating. Sometimes we do need that “obligation” nipping at us to keep us going.

So what’s that obligation that could help keep you going?

Think about it, ponder it, and I hope you found this helpful!

Thanks for reading!

Joshua

Druid Fitness