Who Says You’re an Athlete?

I mean, REALLY?

Why do you think of yourself as an athlete? What makes you an athlete, and the guy next to you (perhaps it is me) not an athlete?

I am perplexed by this question. I do not know where one crosses the line, to actually become an athlete.

Many of my friends perform the same exact movements as I do in the gym. Yet they perceive themselves as bona fide athletes, while I simply see myself as a guy exercising with a barbell.

When I received my diploma at commencement, it was clear that I was a college graduate.

When I survived basic training and was given my stripes and sent off to my military assignment, I knew I was a Airman.

But what determines the who, what, when, why and how to becoming an athlete?

Was it when I signed up for my first CrossFit Competition, and my T-shirt explicitly said ATHLETE on my back?

athlete (noun) – a person trained or gifted in exercises or contests involving physical agility, stamina, or strength; a participant in a sport, exercise, or game requiring physical skill. – Dictionary

By that definition frisbee players might be athletes. Dart players might be athletes.

I did notice that the definition addressed proficiency, as well as simple participation. So I guess there is hope for me.

As I researched the topic, I concluded that being, or not being, an athlete is a mindset. When author, Steven Pressfield was asked how one knows when he is a writer, Pressfield replied, “You are when you say you are.”

Activity always follows identity. So claim the identity of writer, and act like a writer – You Write! Claim the identity of an athlete, and act like an athlete – You Train!

So in response to the title, “Who Says You’re an Athlete?”, the response is: “You say you are an athlete!” So act like one. Train, overcome resistance, perfect your skill, do the work!

Now that this post is done, I have concluded that I am indeed a writer, AND an athlete. Time to get off the soapbox, and onto the plyobox.

Join the growing Defiant Wellness Tribe!