Compete to Live: What It Really Means

Joe Mychalczuk
Mar 11
2 min read

Most people drift through life, assuming that health and happiness will fall into place. But the truth is, without intention and effort, you risk missing out on a truly fulfilling existence. Compete to Live isn’t just a name—it’s a call to action. It’s about taking ownership of your life, making deliberate choices, and maximizing every moment.

The Three Pillars of a Meaningful Life

To live fully, we must optimize three key areas:

1. The Esoteric – The Unexplainable Yet Essential

This is the part of life that raises the biggest, most profound questions—things we feel but can’t always define:

Suffering vs. Non-Suffering – Do you actively work to reduce unnecessary suffering in your life?
Meaning & Purpose – Are you living in alignment with what truly matters to you?
Fulfillment & Satisfaction – Do your choices bring you joy and deep contentment?

2. The Intangible – The Things That Matter Most (But Can’t Be Measured)

Some of the most critical aspects of life aren’t found on a spreadsheet, yet they shape our experience in profound ways:

Being Present – Can you sit in stillness, appreciating the now?
Relationships – Do you nurture meaningful connections with others?
Emotional Health – How well do you manage stress, setbacks, and personal growth?

3. The Tangible – The Measurable Factors That Shape Your Reality

Your physical health is the foundation that allows you to fully engage with life. These factors can be tracked, improved, and optimized:

Strength & Physical Health – Can your body support the life you want to live?
Metabolic & Cardiovascular Health – Are you taking proactive steps to stay healthy long-term?
Cognitive Health – Are you challenging your mind and keeping it sharp?

Are You Just Going Through the Motions?

When you live passively, all three of these pillars suffer. You might feel lost, disconnected, or stuck in a cycle of reactivity—managing problems only when they arise instead of preventing them. This is a fast track to a life of regret.

But Competing to Live means showing up intentionally. It means putting in the effort to optimize every area of life—your mindset, your relationships, and your health. Small, consistent changes lead to massive transformations.

Compete for Yourself. Compete for Those You Love.

We only get one life. While circumstances may be unfair or difficult, the way we respond to them is in our control. As Viktor Frankl wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning, even in suffering, we have the power to choose our response.

So, choose to compete. Choose to challenge yourself, to seek growth, to stop coasting. The results won’t happen overnight, but over time, they’ll be undeniable. Every day is an opportunity to live with intention. Don’t waste it.