While I believe we need change in the tribalism that has occurred in our views on what health means, there are several benefits to the same behavior.
Finding like minded individuals who share your values is a powerful tool to help you achieve goals that might otherwise seem out of reach. There is immense power in community.
Shared values can help us to understand our identity but it’s important to note that our identity is not what we do. Too often we form our identity around hobbies or sport.
“I’m a powerlifter. I’m a Crossfitter. I’m a gamer.”
We are none of those things. They are simply things we do. The danger with tying our identity to an activity is what happens if we can no longer participate in that activity? What happens if age force a football player from the game? Injuries leave a pianist unable to play? A change in goals sends a Crossfitter to a globo gym?
Our values are who we are, not what we do. And a tribe can help us to determine that, sometimes through those things we do. Instead of saying, “I’m a triathlete.” try, “I’m someone who is unafraid of challenge. I’m determined and resilient.” Your tribe will hold similar values. See how they can guide you to find yours.
Tribalism isn’t the problem, dogma is. Find a tribe that supports your values through shared interest, not one that promotes their agenda.
