One of the usual comments Crossfitters get from friends and family is that they seem addicted to this sport. I am too, which made me think about what makes certain activities so addictive and also why other sports are much less so.
Many may remember Tony Robbins’ great speech at the 2006 TED conference about the 6 human needs. What Tony didn’t mention was his 20-year study of how people get addicted to things that satisfy those 6 human needs at very high levels.
According to him, if you have 3 of your needs met at a high level by any activity it will be totally addictive. If it satisfies more than 3 there is absolutely no turning back for you…
So here is my non-scientific analysis of CrossFit Addiction using Tony’s Six Human Needs:
1. Variety – this one rules. CF provides extreme variety. It’s a 10.
2. Certainty – Not much. You gotta learn to negotiate strange objects, big weights and then there is Pukie and maybe Rhabdo… Let’s call it a 2.
3. Connection – Huge. Everything in a CF gym happens as a community. You are never alone and are always supported by your fellow-athletes and coaches. It’s a 10.
4. Significance – We get to do things we’ve never done before in our lives. We put numbers on the whiteboard that keep getting better. People around us notice it all… 10.
5. Growth – Most of us go from casual recreation to being a gymnast, weightlifter and sprinter in one. And sweat and learn every minute of every day. I’d say it is a 10.
6. Contribution – Daily we contribute to others as they make their own breakthroughs and also in a bigger way (Hero WODs) we get to support even greater sacrifices. 10.
There you have it. Crossfit satisfies 5 out of 6 human needs at an extreme level.
No wonder it is so addictive. It is a potent drug. Enjoy responsibly…
