"We start focusing on the How To, and too easily lose sight of the actual end goal. The prescription ⏤ the training regimen ⏤ becomes the object of our desire.

"We start focusing on the How To, and too easily lose sight of the actual end goal. The prescription ⏤ the training regimen ⏤ becomes the object of our desire. To execute it perfectly. And just like that, we become robot instead of artist." A counterpoint to that is the idea of "trusting the process". Work out the path to the goal and then focus on the path without distraction. Don't be mislead by hunches that you incorrectly think will get you there, or bad habits come naturally. There'd be issues though if the goal moves or if a significant part of it all was about enjoyment.