Don’t Just Complete—Compete: Why Adults Still Need a Healthy Outlet for Competition
I love signing up for races and competitions that feel just a little out of reach. The kind that makes me think, “Okay, this is going to be tough... but I can totally crush it.” Whether it’s CrossFit, a sprint triathlon, or an occasional 10K, there’s something electric about pushing myself—not just to finish, but to really compete.
And I’ve realized over time: this isn’t just about fitness. It’s about having a place to put that inner drive. Because here’s the truth—we don’t lose our competitive edge as we get older. We just lose the outlets for it.
Where Does That Competitive Energy Go?
When we’re kids and teens, there are constant opportunities to compete. Sports, school, games—everything has a score, a ranking, a clear win or lose. As adults, though, those outlets quietly vanish. We still feel that internal fire to test ourselves, to improve, to strive... but it doesn’t have a place to go.
So what happens? That pent-up energy can come out sideways—in our relationships, our jobs, even our self-talk. We can become irritable, frustrated, overly critical of ourselves or others, or stuck in a loop of comparison without a clear way to break it.
Healthy Competition Is Still Healthy—We Just Have to Find It
This is why I believe so strongly in finding something that challenges you, physically or otherwise. It doesn’t have to be intense or extreme. It just needs to be yours—something that makes you a little nervous to sign up for, but also lights that fire to train, improve, and go for it.
Here are a few ways I’ve seen patients (and myself) tap into that competitive outlet in a healthy way:
Join a gym that tracks progress. Whether it’s CrossFit, a local gym, or any structured program done at home, the mix of community and progress can be super motivating. Don’t forget to track the weights you’re using, the speed in which you are going etc.
Sign up for a race or event. Even if you’re not “a runner,” there’s something incredibly motivating about putting a date on the calendar and working toward it.
Track personal goals. Competing with your past self is powerful—lift a little more, go a little faster, recover a little better.
Turn hobbies into challenges. Chess, photography contests, fantasy football... the outlet doesn’t have to be physical to scratch that itch.
Compete to Show Up as Your Best Self
When we give our competitive energy a home, everything else starts to click into place. You show up to your relationships with more patience and perspective. Work doesn’t feel like a battlefield. You feel more fulfilled, more confident, and more in tune with your body and your goals.
I always tell my patients—your body is built to move, to strive, to compete. You don’t have to try to “outgrow” that drive. Instead, embrace it. Channel it into something that lights you up.
Because you’re not here just to complete life. You’re here to compete—with joy, with purpose, and with the belief that your best self is still waiting at the edge of your next challenge.
Ready to find your competitive edge again?
Schedule a free Discovery Call with us — we’ll help you figure out what’s next, and how to train for it pain-free.
And if this reminded you of someone you’d love to train, race, or challenge yourself with—forward this to them. Sign up for something together. It’s always more fun when you’ve got a teammate. 💪
