--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Playing rugby has been my whole life and…" description: "\"Playing rugby has been my whole life and for me, keeping fit was part of my job. But when I gave up my career, I was determined to keep motivated, and ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bc0/gareth-thomas-6040_career_playing-rugby-has-been-my-whole-life-and_748328.jpg" --- # Playing rugby has been my whole life and for me, keeping… ![“Playing rugby has been my whole life and for me, keeping fit was part of my job. But when I gave up my career, I was determined to keep motivated, and that isn't always easy when you have lost the competitive edge to it.” quote by Gareth Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bc0/gareth-thomas-6040_career_playing-rugby-has-been-my-whole-life-and_748328.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bc0/gareth-thomas-6040_career_playing-rugby-has-been-my-whole-life-and_748328.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bc0/gareth-thomas-6040_career_playing-rugby-has-been-my-whole-life-and_748328.jpg) > “Playing rugby has been my whole life and for me, keeping fit was part of my job. But when I gave up my career, I was determined to keep motivated, and that isn't always easy when you have lost the competitive edge to it.” [Gareth Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-thomas/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. After retiring from professional rugby, he struggled to stay motivated without competition, highlighting the challenge of finding purpose post‑career. **In simple terms:** Finding purpose after sports is hard. Key Takeaway Seek new goals beyond sport. Themes motivation career transition identity Mood inspirational thoughtful Type motivational personal narrative When to use this quote - Coaching - volunteering - personal fitness plans Key Concepts post‑athletic identity goal setting psychology Questions to Reflect On - How can athletes redefine success? - What new motivations can replace competition? A Different Perspective Loss of competitive drive can reduce drive. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Career](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/career/) [Career Determined](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/career-determined-1075452/) [Determined Motivated](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/determined-motivated-2448063/) [Easy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/easy/) [Keeping Fit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/keeping-fit-411012/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Lost](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lost/) [Playing rugby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/playing-rugby/) [Rugby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rugby/) [Rugby Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rugby-life-2681660/) [Whole life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/whole-life/) ## Related quotes > [It was so important to have stuff outside of rugby so you have a life balance. 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