Staying Connected to Your "Why" as an Athlete

Every athlete has days when the grind feels heavy, when the workouts are long, the results don’t come fast enough, or setbacks leave you questioning why you even started. In those moments, the most powerful tool you can return to isn’t a new training plan or mental trick. It’s your why.

Your why is the deeper reason you compete, the values that fuel you, and the vision of the person you want to become through sport. Without it, training can feel like a chore. With it, the challenges transform into opportunities to grow.

An Athlete Story: Eliud Kipchoge and the Power of Purpose

Eliud Kipchoge, the Olympic marathon champion and first human to run a marathon under two hours, often speaks about his why. For him, running is about more than medals or times, it’s about inspiring humanity to believe that “no human is limited.” Kipchoge’s training isn’t just physical repetition; it’s anchored in a sense of purpose that extends beyond himself. That bigger why has carried him through countless miles, grueling races, and the weight of global expectations.

When setbacks happen - whether it’s a missed goal, injury, or losing streak - reconnecting with your why helps you endure. Research in sport psychology shows that athletes grounded in intrinsic motivation (driven by purpose, love of the game, or personal growth) sustain higher resilience, perform more consistently, and are less likely to burn out compared to athletes who only chase external rewards.

How to Find and Use Your Why

• Write it down: Ask yourself, Why do I train? Why do I compete? Who do I want to become through sport?  Put it on paper.

  
  

• Visual reminders: Create a cue card, phone background, or mantra that keeps your why front and center.

  
  

• Return to values: Your why is less about outcomes (“I want to win”) and more about values (“I want to grow,” “I want to inspire others,” “I want to test my limits”).

  
  

• Revisit during adversity: Before a race or tough practice, take a deep breath and anchor to your why. It creates perspective and steadiness.

Closing Thought

Your why is like a compass. It won’t prevent the storms, but it will keep you pointed in the right direction when the waves hit. Like Kipchoge and so many athletes who’ve endured setbacks, staying grounded in purpose gives you the strength to keep going and to love the journey along the way.

References

• Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.

• Gucciardi, D. F., & Jackson, B. (2015). Understanding sport motivation through self-determination theory: Lessons for mental performance coaching. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 46(2), 77–98.

• Kipchoge, E. (2019). No Human Is Limited: Breaking the 2-Hour Marathon Barrier.