No, he is right with the hard workout or whatever hard one wants to do. The important part is the "hard" part because it is what generates meaning & self-esteem

No, he is right with the hard workout or whatever hard one wants to do. The important part is the "hard" part because it is what generates meaning & self-esteem. People then at least have something in their life (especially if they are stuck in their workplace) which bring them forward.