Fun makes you keep going
When we think about what motivates people to stick with any physical activity, the usual suspects include improving fitness, mastering skills or competing. While all of these reasons are valid, research shows that fun plays an even more critical role than many might think.
A recent study from Ohio State University looked at the benefits of sticking with a sport throughout the youth years. One of the interesting findings was that, by far, the most common reason cited for dropping out of sports at school age was “not having fun,” which is what 45 % of respondents said in the study.
While this research focused on youth, its findings hold true for adults as well. Enjoyment is the strongest factor in fostering commitment to sports. When the joy disappears, so too does the desire to keep going.
Long-term commitment to a sport
Lack of enjoyment is one of the leading causes of dropouts in all types of sports, including cycling. Cyclists who focus solely on external rewards, such as winning races or completing specific milestones, often struggle to maintain long-term enthusiasm unless they also find joy in the journey. When cycling feels like an obligation rather than a passion, the likelihood of quitting increases significantly.
Andy Schleck, one of the Tour de France winners, also sees fun and passion for the sport as more important than the competitive drive or money. Here is what he said when I interviewed him.
“So, if you are young, it really needs to be about passion and fun only. Only at the age of about 16 to 18, you can start focusing on becoming a pro. If you wake up at 15, thinking, ‘I want to win the Tour de France because I will be able to make a million per year,’ I can guarantee you will not succeed with that motivation.”
The psychological benefits of fun
Why does fun work so well in the long term? When you’re enjoying an activity, you’re more focused and have greater resilience in the face of challenges. When faced with a steep climb, technical descent, bad weather or even a crash, you’re much more likely to keep going – and keep coming back.
And enjoying a sport also helps to lower levels of stress and anxiety. This can translate into improved mental health overall if it’s a regular part of your life. This is confirmed by the above-mentioned Ohio State University study. The main findings were that adults who continuously played organised sports through their youth have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression than those who dropped out or those who never played.
Fun is your secret weapon
In the world of cycling, where endurance, speed, and power are highly prized, it’s easy to overlook the importance of fun. Yet, it is the key to long-term commitment and mental well-being. Remember, fun can come from many places. It could be the simple thrill of going fast, the feeling of flow during a technical descent, the joy of spending time in the great outdoors, the excitement of exploration or the camaraderie during group rides. Whatever does it for you in cycling, keep doing it.
