Let me share with you a compelling motto from Noah Ohlsen, a dedicated CrossFit athlete – “happy but hungry”.
Yes, CrossFit again, but bear with me.
Over a span of 10 years, Noah has made it to the CrossFit games an impressive 10 times.
He’s a force to be reckoned with, and considered a legend in the sport.
Yet, despite his consistent efforts, he’s only secured a ‘podium’ spot once, coming in 2nd overall.
In a candid podcast interview, Noah revealed a fascinating insight.
He confessed that he sometimes felt he hadn’t quite made it as a ‘legitimate’ athlete due to his lack of winning spots.
He had pushed himself for a decade, yet felt he hadn’t reached the pinnacle of his profession.
But over time, Noah came to realise that success doesn’t just reside on the podium.
He found contentment in the journey – in the countless hours of practice, the support from his community, and the joy of doing what he loves.
At the same time, this contentment doesn’t mean complacency.
“Happy but hungry” is a mindset that appreciates the present while continuously striving for more.
Like Noah, we can learn to celebrate our journey and our growth while still fostering a hunger to achieve more.
It’s a tightrope walk, but one that can lead to a fulfilling and progressive life.
Contentment is not about settling. It’s about acknowledging what you have, while ambition is about pushing your boundaries for more.
And it’s perfectly possible to hold both feelings simultaneously.
So, how can you apply the “happy but hungry” principle in your life today?
