Actions vs. Activities: The Shift That Transforms Our Mental and Physical Health
So much of what we do in life is tied to activities—the things that fill our schedules, keep us busy, and give us a sense of progress. When I step back and look at what really leads to meaningful change in my mental and physical health, it’s never about the activity itself. It’s always about the action behind it.
When I focus too much on the activity, I get caught up in the structure, the routine, or the identity tied to it. When I focus on the action, I unlock real progress.
The Difference Between Activities and Actions
An activity is what I do.
An action is what I get from it.
Running is an activity. Moving my body is the action.
Reading is an activity. Learning is the action.
Meditating is an activity. Finding stillness is the action.
Going to the gym is an activity. Building strength is the action.
Journaling is an activity. Self-reflection is the action.
When I fixate on the activity, I risk losing sight of what really matters. If I tell myself, “I have to go for a run,” but I don’t feel like running (which I never feel like going for a run, lol), I might skip it altogether. Yet when I remind myself, “I need to move my body today,” suddenly, I have options—walking, stretching, swimming, dancing (yes, dancing, my daughter will tell me and Chelsea to dance in our kitchen while we make dinner… A LOT). The action remains intact, even if the activity shifts.
Why This Shift Matters for Mental and Physical Health
Focusing on activities can create rigid expectations. If I think the only way to work out is to lift weights at the gym, then on the days I can’t go, I do nothing. If I believe self-improvement only happens by reading books, I miss out on learning through conversations, experiences, or videos.
When I shift to focusing on actions, I gain flexibility and consistency. I stop measuring success by whether or not I completed a specific activity and start measuring it by whether or not I honored the action behind it. This shift reduces guilt, increases motivation, and creates sustainable habits.
How to Shift from Activity-Based Thinking to Action-Based Living
Identify the True Purpose Behind an Activity
Instead of saying, “I need to go to the gym,” I say, “I want to strengthen my body.”
Instead of “I should read more,” I say, “I want to expand my mind.”
Instead of “I have to meditate,” I say, “I want to create stillness.”
Give Myself Options
If the action is to move my body, I can run, walk, do yoga, or even play outside with my kids. Right now, I am working on being in water as much as I can and that feels so good for my soul, body and mind. It might change, right now that is what feels good.
If the action is to learn, I can read, watch a video, take a course, or engage in deep conversation.
If the action is to rest, I can sleep, meditate, sit in silence, or take a slow morning.
Measure Success by the Action, Not the Activity
Did I move today? Yes. Then I took action.
Did I grow today? Yes. Then I took action.
Did I take care of my mind today? Yes. Then I took action.
The Path to Lasting Change
The more I shift my focus from activities to actions, the easier it becomes to stay consistent in my physical and mental health. I stop stressing about how something gets done and start celebrating that it gets done. I replace rigid rules with intentional movement. I stop forcing habits that don’t serve me and start embracing choices that align with my goals.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about what I do, it’s about what I gain from doing it. Keep being THE!