The athlete metaphor undermines its own point. Yes athletes work very hard, but they also specifically build in rest, recovery, and structure. Their training is

The athlete metaphor undermines its own point. Yes athletes work very hard, but they also specifically build in rest, recovery, and structure. Their training is periodized and supported by coaches, trainers, and nutritionists to _maximize_ their performance without burning out. It’s understood that this level of output isnt sustainable without significant individualized support. Without it even elite athletes plateau, regress, or get injured. A real athlete isnt left to figure it out alone, theyre backed by an entire system designed to _help them thrive long term_. This article exists because it is a spectacle, and that alone should tell us something. Edit: The athlete metaphor is used here because it is an “appeal to heroism” (greatness demands this of you) which is the root of all hustle culture inspo. Im sure that Chong believes this framing himself. In the search for purpose, it is common (very human) to attempt to transmute pain into purpose. And sometimes it does help people find clarity or endure hard situations. An individual can choose that path, it is their right. But it is a dangerous alchemy when applied at scale and by leaders.