You Are More Than Your Workout: A Self-Reflection Guide
You Are More Than Your Workout: A Self-Reflection Guide
If you identify as the "fit friend," the one who's always praised for showing up, pushing harder, staying disciplined—this one’s for you.
You are more than your sport.
Even professional athletes aren’t only athletes. They have full lives, identities, relationships, dreams, and favorite playlists. So why do so many of us feel like everything depends on sticking to the training plan?
Let’s look at a few mindset check-ins:
Do You Prioritize Training Above Everything Else?
Yes, it’s okay to prioritize your goals. Planning ahead is necessary. But if you find yourself missing family events, sleeping through your child’s recital, or skipping social plans you want to attend because of your workout, that might be a yellow flag.
Can You Tolerate Rest, Injury, or Illness?
Your body needs rest to function, recover, and perform. If being sick, injured, or exhausted makes you feel panicked or like you’re losing control, it might be time to work on releasing that all-or-nothing grip.
Is Your Self-Worth Tied to Being an Athlete?
This is a big one. If you couldn’t run tomorrow, who would you be? Would you still feel valuable? Lovable? Successful?
Here’s a quick exercise that can help:
Make a Pie Chart of Your Identity
Grab a piece of paper and draw a circle.
Start labeling slices of your life: parent, partner, therapist, friend, artist, music lover, traveler, fashion enthusiast, etc.
Notice how many of those slices have nothing to do with exercise.
You are a whole human being. And being an athlete is just one part of that. Let the rest of your life matter too.
If you feel like you’re struggling, this isn’t a replacement for therapy—but it is a starting point. And if you're in New York, New Jersey, or Florida, you're welcome to reach out for support.
Want to dig deeper?
Download the free Self-Reflection Prompts to start exploring your identity beyond workouts and reconnect with the parts of you that bring joy, meaning, and healing.