Are You Just Pushing Through?

Rita Thompson, NBC-HWC

National Board and Mayo Clinic-certified Health and Wellness Coach

​While following the NBA trader rumors in the news, an article with a cringe-worthy title caught my eye, “Jayson Tatum's Ability to Play Through Pain Only Enhances His Value."

The implication from this headline is that it is a heroic act to ignore or push throughphysical or any other type of pain.
Of course, there are times NBA players play through games with injuries, but that is not because they are above their experience of pain. 

This headline leaves out the added context of much players like Jayson do to pro-actively care for their health and well-being. He conditions his body through well-rounded physical training, is disciplined in resting injuries when possible, and is likely making constant adjustments in his lifestyle behaviors based on his pain levels and injuries.

As a professional athlete, Jayson also has the support of high caliber health care professionals like coaches, trainers, physical therapists, mental health professionals, and clinicians who attend to his injuries and personal challenges.

Especially for those of you who are or want to make changes in your life and health, the path to change becomes possible when we understand that we have choices in how we take care of ourselves. 

One does not become more valuable by simply pushing through. This is true for physical health, mental health, and all aspects of well-being.