When Work Feels Like Play: Redefining Passion in Business and Fitness
There’s a common misconception that equates long hours and intense dedication with struggle or sacrifice. But what if we’re looking at it all wrong? What if what appears to be grueling work to some is actually a form of play to others? This realization hit me after experiencing both sides of the coin in my professional and fitness lives. Having transitioned from a stressed-out corporate employee to business owner and startup founder, and from a fitness struggler to an enthusiast, I’ve gained a unique perspective on what it truly means to be passionate about one’s work and workout.
The Misunderstood Professional
In my previous life in corporate America, I held a stressful, unfulfilling job that left me drained and questioning the long hours I was putting in. I used to wonder about colleagues who seemed to thrive in this environment, pouring endless energy into their work. Whether it was a long-tenured executive or a new hire, I viewed their level of commitment—and my lack of comparable drive—as somewhat of a personal shortcoming.
But here’s the insight that changed my perspective when I ventured into entrepreneurship: when someone is working on something they passionately believe in, it might not feel like work at all. What looks like grueling effort to an outside observer could actually be a form of play to the person doing the work.
The Fitness Parallel
I noticed the same principle applies to fitness, an area where I also struggled. For years, I couldn’t stick to an exercise routine, viewing it as a necessary evil for health. Then I discovered CrossFit, and my perception completely changed.
From the outside, activities like CrossFit or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu might seem like grueling, masochistic endeavors. I used to wonder, "How do they motivate themselves to do that every day?" Now, as someone who loves these activities, I understand that no motivation is needed. What looks like extreme dedication to others feels like pure enjoyment to the participants. It’s not about discipline or forcing oneself to exercise; it’s about finding a form of physical activity that’s genuinely fun and fulfilling.
The Core Realization
The key insight is simple but profound: both business and fitness can feel like play when they align with one’s passions and interests. As Naval Ravikant wisely said, "What looks like work to others is play to me." When people discover activities that create intrinsic value and enjoyment, they don’t have to force themselves to do them. These activities cease to be obligations and instead become sources of joy and satisfaction.
This doesn’t mean the work or exercise won’t be challenging. In fact, it’s often the challenge itself that makes these activities so engaging. The difference is that the challenge is welcome and exciting, not dreadful and draining.
The Reality Check
It’s important to acknowledge that finding your "play"—whether in business or fitness—is often easier said than done. I know firsthand the significant barriers such as financial constraints, limited opportunities, or societal pressures that can make it challenging to pursue your passions. It’s not always feasible to immediately change career paths or completely overhaul your fitness routine.
However, the goal isn’t to make drastic changes overnight. Instead, it’s about being open to exploration and gradual shifts. At great gyms and martial arts schools—like those in the Gym Force network—countless individuals discover their passion for fitness by trying different activities and finding supportive communities. Whether it’s martial arts, functional fitness programs, or CrossFit, there are numerous avenues for people to find their fitness "play."
Reframing the Narrative
I believe it’s time we reframe the narrative around work ethic and fitness commitment. Instead of praising long hours or extreme workout regimens for their own sake, we should celebrate those who have found their passion—their "play."
The goal shouldn’t be to work more hours or exercise more intensely. Instead, it should be to find business roles and physical activities that align so closely with our interests and values that they energize us rather than deplete us.
Conclusion
The next time you see someone pouring hours into their work or religiously attending their fitness classes, resist the urge to label them as workaholics or fitness fanatics. Instead, consider that they might have found their "play"—activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.
And if you find yourself dreading your work or your workouts, take it as a sign. It might be time to explore and experiment until you find the business role or exercise that feels like play to you. This process may take time and patience, but it’s worth the effort. Because when you do find that alignment, you’ll discover a level of dedication and enjoyment that others might see as crazy, but you’ll recognize as pure passion.
Remember, the aim isn’t to consciously try to make business or fitness feel like play. Rather, it’s about being open to discovering activities that naturally resonate with you. When you find that alignment, what others perceive as obsession or extreme dedication might just be you enjoying your own unique form of play.
