Performing Without Purpose: The Ultimate Test of Discipline

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Read time: 5 minutes

Welcome to One Day Out, a weekly newsletter to help deepen your faith, enhance your health, and guide you in pursuing a purpose-filled life.

Opening Prayer
Father, thank You for giving us strong bodies and sound minds. Help us to steward them with intention—not just for competition, but to bring You glory in every area of our lives. May we not chase performance for pride, but train for purpose. Align our motives with Yours and give us the strength to show up with discipline even when there’s no spotlight.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Performing Without Purpose Isn’t the Flex You Think It Is

“Perform without purpose.”
That’s something I read in David Goggins’ Never Finished.
Now before you get worried, I’m not about to start running 50 miles on broken legs or screaming at you through your AirPods while doing pull-ups with one arm.

But the idea stuck with me.

There’s something strangely admirable about showing up and doing hard things… even when no one’s watching. Even when there’s no race, no transformation photo, no end-of-the-month before-and-after.

I used to think I needed a finish line to stay motivated. But ironically, I’ve found that I’m often at my healthiest when I’m not training for anything.
Why?
Because the goal shifts from “perform at all costs” to “perform well at everything.”
Have more energy for my work.
Show up fully in my relationships.
Be present in conversations.
Honor my commitments.
Steward the body and life God gave me… not just for a finish line, but for this line—right here, right now.

Stewarding the Body Doesn’t Mean Babying It

Yesterday, I ran 12 x 400m on the track.

No race on the calendar. No competition in sight.

I just did it because I wanted to challenge myself—mentally, physically, and spiritually. Because that’s what training should be about sometimes:
Doing hard things to sharpen your edge, not to prove your worth.

This is where performing with Godly purpose comes in.
You can train hard. You should train hard.
But not because you hate your body. Because you honor it.

We’re called to steward the body God gave us. Not destroy it.
Not idolize it.
But prepare it. Sharpen it. Use it.

What If You Trained to Be Ready—Not Just Ripped?

Training without a set goal is one of the most freeing experiences I’ve ever had.
There’s no pressure to peak. No obsession over splits.
But there’s still discipline.

It looks like:

• A hard track session to keep your cardio sharp.

• 3–4 full-body strength workouts to build real-world muscle.

• Daily movement, mobility, walks, and quality nutrition to feel energized and fully alive.

• Showing up when it’s uncomfortable—because God works in discomfort.

You don’t need a race to stay ready.
You just need a reason.

And “honoring the body God gave me” is a pretty good one.

The Word Backs This Up

📖 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
📖 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
📖 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…? Therefore honor God with your bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
📖 “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better…” – 1 Timothy 4:7–8

Practical Application: Train to Thrive, Not Just Survive

This is what I teach my clients, and it’s embedded in my approach:

So whether you’re running 400m repeats, hitting a full-body lift after a long day of work, or getting up for a morning walk to start the day, the goal stays the same:

Train to glorify.
Train to sharpen.
Train to live fully.

Recipe of the Week: Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes 🥞🍓

A high-protein, whole-food way to start your day right:

🛒 Ingredients (1 serving):

• ½ cup cottage cheese

• ⅓ cup rolled oats

• 1 whole egg

• 3 egg whites

• ½ banana

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp cinnamon

Optional toppings: fresh berries, banana, maple syrup, almond butter, Greek yogurt, granola

🔥 Macros (per serving – without toppings):
Calories: 396
Protein: 34.6g
Carbs: 37.8g
Fat: 12.3g

Struggling with Nutrition? Let’s Fix That.

Whether it’s overthinking what to eat, stressing about macros, or trying to fuel performance without burning out—I’ve been there. That’s why I help my clients build a nutrition plan that’s simple, satisfying, and sustainable.

We don’t obsess.
We fuel with purpose.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start feeling good in your body again, let’s talk.
📅 Book a free call with me here

Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for calling me to a life of discipline—not for self-glory, but for Your glory. Help me train with intention and rest with trust. I don’t need a race to show up—I just need You. Make me strong, not for pride, but for purpose.

Amen.

Know others who want to grow in their faith, optimize their health, and live a biblically sound life according to God’s word? Share this and let’s grow His Kingdom!

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