Sunday, September 2, 2012

Obsession

Marc has written a superb post here - Obsession: Why it is a dirty word.    He asks some important questions and points out some startling inconsistencies in the way in which the world views different activities.   Those of us who train and pay attention to our diet are seen as obsessed in a negative way, while those who drink too much or live life to watch tv are seen as normal and acceptable.


It might not be normal to lift heavy on a near daily basis and to try and control my weight using different dietary interventions but I find it empowering to have the ability to change my body composition and I love lifting.
If I was to be a "normal" and not know how to get leaner, or not have a hobby to obsesses over and get better at I think I would be a much less fulfilled human being.  I don't see how working a 9 to 5 job, eating 3 square meals and watching TV as my hobby would be a better alternative.
Sure people might question what you do and ask why you do it.  To those who genuinely want to know try your best to humour them you might be pleasantly surprised and maybe even make a new friend or gym buddy

3 comments:

Unknown said...

I fall into the obsessive category, I always ask people "what do you do in the 16-17 hours a day that you aren't sleeping?"

I don't see the problem with devoting a small part of that time to something I enjoy and find personally rewarding.

Bryce said...

I'm not sure if it's quite the same in the UK or Europe, but here in the US, it is perfectly acceptable to spend tremendous, time, physical/mental effort, and money to make your property, lawn, etc look immaculate. Perfectly manicured grass, elegantly landscaped flower beds, mulch, etc. This is all accepted, and even expected!

Spend 1/4 of the time or money on your health and fitness, and you are a puritannical fitness lunatic extinguishing joy in any room you enter.

Perhaps people can see the immediate personal benefit to themselves when you work hard to have a nice property - your neighbors' home values go up as the neighborhood looks nicer. Of course, keeping yourself healthy is no less beneficial to your neighbors, as society will probably never have to bear your obscene medical costs. But most people can't appreciate big picture benefits like that.

Chris said...

hi Bryce

Yes it is the same here too.