How you frame what you’re doing—and how you respond to what’s happening in your life—dictates whether you feel disempowered or empowered.
When I think of the word work, I immediately go to the #1 definition in the dictionary: “activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result.”
This definition highlights effort, but I would add commitment and accountability alongside effort. Yes, it sounds demanding, but notice the words purpose and result. That’s the fuel. I love purpose because it implies a journey—an unfolding process—rather than a finish line. Purpose keeps you moving forward, even when the results aren’t immediate.
Now let’s look at definition #2: “a task or tasks to be undertaken; something a person or thing has to do.”
That’s where work gets a bad rap. “Has to do” feels heavy, forced. That’s why I often suggest my clients swap out have to or should with want to.
👉 Example: Instead of saying, “I have to stay home and miss paddling the Gauley”
(one of my all-time favorite rivers), I say, “I want to heal my back, so I want to stay home and focus on walking, PT, and giving my body and mind the rest they need.”
Notice the difference? Both require effort, commitment, and accountability. Both can feel hard. But one frames me as a victim with no choice, and the other reminds me I’m choosing with purpose—even in less-than-ideal circumstances. And when I zoom out, I see how much I have to be grateful for. Healing my back is my purpose right now.
Try this for yourself
If you have a goal—whether it’s in paddling, confidence, or health—lean into definition #1 of work. Get clear on what you WANT, then replace “have to” and “should” with “want to,” “excited to,” or even “looking forward to.” Suddenly, your effort feels lighter, more joyful, and easier to commit to.
Another reframe? Swap out the word work with practice. Instead of thinking, “I have to work hard,” try, “I’m committing to my practices.” Practices build over time. Practices create momentum. Practices carry you toward your purpose.
And don’t forget: focus on how it will feel when you reach your purpose. That vision will give you extra juice when things feel tough.
The power of community
One more secret: Surround yourself with folks who are using the same framework. When it feels hard, knowing you’re not alone makes all the difference. Accountability + connection = more motivation and more fun.
That’s the groundwork for my Reboot and Refuel Fall Reset this October. Yes,
we’ll let go of some favorite foods. We’ll reset our guts. We’ll take on daily practices like mindful movement, breathwork, and sleep hygiene. On the surface, it could feel like work definition #2. But together, we choose definition #1—the framing of purpose. And the results? Joy. Confidence. Lightness. Clarity. Energy. Vitality—on and off the water.
✨ If you’re ready to reframe work and step into your purpose, join us October 20–24 for Reboot and Refuel. [Register HERE]. Use code Blog10 to save 10%!
