The Power of Diversifying Identity in Sports

Neil Vanderpool, a speed skater, decided to take a break from his intense training and focus on other interests. This unconventional approach, known as identity foreclosure, allowed him to become a fuller human being and ultimately led to his impressive performance. Vanderpool's story is important because it demonstrates the power of diversifying one's identity, even at the highest level of competition. It's a reminder that our metaphorical 'rooms' in life will change, and it's important to have sources of meaning beyond our primary pursuits.