Entrepreneur Peter Barton was at the pinnacle of success—until life took a devastating turn.
Barton lived a life many aspire to, excelling in his career and cherishing his roles as a husband and father. But one fateful day, his world was shattered:
He was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Suddenly, his work lost its significance, and the experiences he once valued became meaningless. Barton grappled with the heartbreak of knowing he wouldn’t see his children grow up or grow old with his wife. He tried to piece together a sense of purpose amidst the sorrow of an unfinished life.
Barton poured his thoughts and emotions into a deeply poignant book titled Not Fade Away. One passage, in particular, has stayed with me.
One day, as his body was ravaged by cancer, Barton felt broken and defeated. He turned to his supportive wife and said:
“I just don’t see the meaning.”
She replied, “Then find it.”
And so, finding meaning became the meaning.
Facing his mortality, Barton chose to “find meaning in life” by writing a book for his children—and for others searching for purpose in their own lives.
This idea of “finding meaning becoming the meaning” resonated with me as I revisited another one of my favorite books, inspired by a recent episode of my friend Brett McKay’s The Art of Manliness podcast.
Man’s Search for Meaning
Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, psychotherapist, and founder of “Logotherapy,” emerged from the horrors of Auschwitz and other concentration camps to pen his seminal work, Man’s Search for Meaning, in just nine days.
Originally planning to publish it anonymously, Frankl ultimately attached his name to lend gravitas to his story of survival. Since its release, the book has sold over 16 million copies and been translated into 50+ languages.
Frankl’s philosophy, logotherapy, centers on the belief that “the purpose of life is to find meaning.” He often referenced Nietzsche’s famous quote:
“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
In his book, Frankl reflects on his experiences and observations of life and death in the concentration camps. What stands out is his ability to find hope and meaning amidst one of humanity’s darkest chapters.
The latter half of the book delves deeper into logotherapy, encouraging readers to discover their own individual “why.”
“The meaning of life differs from person to person, from day to day, and from hour to hour.”
“What matters is not the meaning of life in general, but rather the specific meaning of a person’s life at a given moment.”
While most of us won’t face terminal cancer or the atrocities of a concentration camp, we’ve all had moments where we’ve asked, “Why am I doing this?”
We might think this question signals something wrong with us—that we’re not living in the moment or that we need help. But Frankl argues that asking this question is healthy and vital:
“The greatest task for any person is to find meaning in their life.”
What if this question is part of the journey? What if the act of searching for meaning is, in itself, meaningful?
Your “Big Why”
At Nerd Fitness Rebellion, we often discuss the importance of finding your “big why.”
When we’re forced to do things we don’t love (or even actively dislike), it’s our “why” that keeps us going.
Let’s be honest: Who wants to burn extra calories, wake up early to exercise, or skip comfort foods? These actions require effort, discipline, and discomfort—and our brains are wired to resist them.
While it might not be as profound as “the meaning of life,” having a strong “why” helps us stay consistent when life gets tough:
- Why wake up at 5 a.m. for a walk in the cold?
- Why choose salads and lean proteins over cookies and donuts?
- Why lift weights (despite the sweat and discomfort)?
- Why push through a 5K or endure a yoga class that challenges us?
We frequently explore this with our coaching clients and members of the Nerd Fitness community. Having a clear reminder of why we do what we do helps us stay on track when motivation fades:
Perhaps we want to break unhealthy generational habits around food.
Perhaps we want our kids to see us as strong, active parents who embrace challenges.
Perhaps we want to feel better about ourselves or experience the post-workout high.
Your challenge this week is to dig deep and ask yourself why you’re here:
- Why endure the discomfort that comes with change?
- Why learn a new skill or adjust your eating habits?
- Why sacrifice couch time to get up early and move?
Keep asking “why” and see where it takes you. Write it down. Post it on your fridge, bathroom mirror, or car dashboard as a daily reminder.
–Steve
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