When Your Healthy Path Has Obstacles…
The Stoics believed that life is full of obstacles, and if we do not face them, we are not truly living. This last week, I stayed focused on the idea, if the path you are on has no obstacles, then you might be going the wrong way. Upon researching the idea further, I found a famous Epictetus quote, "If the path before you is clear, you're probably on someone else's”. The Stoics believed that it is through facing and overcoming obstacles that we grow and become stronger. This idea is particularly relevant when it comes to nutrition and fitness.
When it comes to nutrition, we often face obstacles that make it challenging to maintain a healthy diet. Our modern world is full of convenient, processed foods that are high in calories, sugar, and fat. These foods are often cheaper and more accessible than healthier options, making it easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits. Like have you had a Portillo’s Chocolate Cake?
However, as the Stoics would say, "The obstacle is the way." By accepting that maintaining a healthy diet is not always easy and that obstacles are a natural part of the process, we can overcome these challenges and stay committed to our long-term health goals.
One of the key Stoic principles that apply to nutrition is self-control. The Stoics believed that self-control is the foundation of living a good life. By exercising self-control over our eating habits, we can make healthier choices that align with our long-term health goals.
But what happens when we encounter an obstacle that threatens our self-control? For example, let's say we are at a party, and there is a buffet table full of tempting, unhealthy foods. The Stoic approach would be to recognize that the buffet table is an obstacle and to approach it with a positive attitude. We can choose to exercise self-control by limiting our portions or choosing healthier options.
In tandem, the concept applies to nutrition is the idea of acceptance. The Stoics believed that we should accept what we cannot control and focus our energy on what we can control. When it comes to nutrition, we cannot control the availability of unhealthy foods or the temptations we face. However, we can control our response to these obstacles. By accepting that unhealthy foods are a part of our environment and focusing our energy on making healthier choices, we can overcome these obstacles and stay committed to our health goals.
In addition to nutrition, the Stoic philosophy also applies to fitness. When it comes to fitness, we often face obstacles that make it challenging to stay motivated and achieve our goals. For example, we may experience injuries or plateaus that make it difficult to see progress. However, by adopting a Stoic approach to fitness, we can overcome these obstacles and stay committed to our long-term goals.
One of the key Stoic principles that apply to fitness is perseverance. The Stoics believed that we should always persevere in the face of adversity. When it comes to fitness, this means continuing to exercise even when we don't feel like it or when we encounter obstacles that make it difficult to see progress.
Another Stoic principle that applies to fitness is the idea of embracing discomfort. The Stoics believed that we should embrace discomfort and hardship as a way to build resilience and strength. When it comes to fitness, this means pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones and embracing the discomfort that comes with challenging workouts.
But what happens when we encounter an obstacle that threatens our motivation or ability to exercise? For example, let's say we experience an injury that makes it difficult to continue our regular workout routine. The Stoic approach would be to recognize that the injury is an obstacle and to approach it with a positive attitude. We can choose to focus on what we can do rather than what we can't do, such as modifying our workouts to accommodate the injury or finding alternative exercises that don't aggravate it. The Stoics believed that we have the power to choose how we respond to external circumstances, and by choosing a positive mindset and focusing on what we can control, we can overcome any obstacle.
In the case of injury, it's also important to practice patience and acceptance. It's easy to become frustrated and discouraged when we can't perform at our usual level, but a Stoic would recognize that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the journey towards physical fitness. Rather than dwelling on what we can't do, we can use this time to focus on other aspects of our health, such as nutrition or rest and recovery.
Similarly, when it comes to our fitness goals, it's important to focus on the process rather than the outcome. While it's great to have a specific goal in mind, such as running a marathon or losing a certain amount of weight, a Stoic would recognize that the real value lies in the journey towards that goal. By setting small, achievable goals and focusing on the process of becoming stronger, fitter, and healthier, we can enjoy the satisfaction of progress and growth, rather than being solely fixated on the end result.
A Stoic approach to fitness and nutrition requires discipline, self-control, and a willingness to accept setbacks and challenges as part of the process. However, the rewards are significant: improved physical health, mental clarity, and a greater sense of self-mastery and control over our lives. By choosing to approach our health goals with a Stoic mindset, we can overcome obstacles, achieve our goals, and become stronger, more resilient individuals.
