The Day I Stopped Apologizing for What I Love: Thank You, Champion Kurt Dickson

We just re-released one of the most powerful and popular conversations we’ve ever had on Champion’s Mojo. Our guest on Episode 287 is world-class Masters swimmer, ER doctor, and all-around extraordinary human being—Kurt Dickson. I didn't get a chance to write a blog post about this episode the first time around, so I'm doing it now. 

This interview shook me—both philosophically and with laughter—in the best way. It made me think deeply about why we do the things we love and why we should never feel guilty for doing them. After this interview, we became swim friends and are pictured together above at the 2024 U.S. Masters Summer Nationals in Mission Viejo, CA.

If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s “worth it” to keep doing something simply because you love it—this one’s for you.

1. Show Up, Even When It’s Not Hard

Kurt swims six days a week—but not every session is all-out. He told me, “I just keep showing up.”
That’s it. No magic formula. No shortcuts. Just consistent presence.

It’s a reminder that success isn’t built on epic bursts of effort—it’s built on steady, faithful consistency. For us Masters athletes (and for anyone balancing life’s demands), the key isn’t to go hard every day—it’s to keep going every day, in whatever way we can. Consistency is a kind of quiet courage.

2. Do It Because It Makes You Feel Alive

When I asked Kurt why he still competes, he said something that hit me straight in the heart:
“It makes me feel alive. It gives my life meaning.”

That’s it. That’s the why.

So many of us judge our passions by their practicality or productivity. But joy is productive. Feeling alive is the ultimate purpose. I sometimes question why I still love swimming back and forth in a box, chasing times that only matter to me—but when Kurt said that, I felt a deep permission to just love it. To embrace what lights us up without apology.

3. Outwork Talent

Kurt talked about the difference between talent and distance. As we age, raw talent may fade—but grit doesn’t. We can always go farther. We can outwork what we once outperformed.

That applies in every part of life—career, health, relationships. You may not be the most naturally gifted anymore, but you can always be the most determined. Longevity belongs to those who keep showing up when others stop.

4. Keep Perspective—This Isn’t Pressure

As an ER doctor, Kurt has faced life-and-death moments. So when I asked about performance anxiety, his answer gave me chills:
“I have people bringing me dying babies.”

That’s perspective. Racing, performing, presenting—none of that is real pressure. It’s a privilege. When nerves come, remind yourself: you’ve done harder things. And most of what we fear isn’t life or death—it’s just growth disguised as discomfort.

5. Heal on Three Levels: Spiritual, Intellectual, and Primitive

Kurt also opened up about overcoming personal pain. He breaks challenges down into three levels:

• Spiritual – Forgiveness, faith, and meaning.

• Intellectual – Understanding and reframing your thoughts.

• Primitive – Moving your body to burn out the pain.

That last one struck me. There’s something profoundly healing about physical suffering—the kind we choose. When we push ourselves in the pool, on the bike, or on a run, we’re purging the poison. We’re cleansing our souls through effort. Sometimes, healing isn’t found in thinking—it’s found in movement.

6. Laugh, Float, and Eat the M&Ms

And finally—Kurt reminded us not to take ourselves too seriously. He admitted he’s not as lean as he was in college, joking about his “extra flotation” and love of M&Ms. Yet he’s still a dominant athlete. That’s the beauty of Masters sports—and of aging gracefully. You can perform at a high level even when your body changes. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s participation.

The Mojo Message

Do the thing that makes you feel alive.
Do it imperfectly, inconsistently, and joyfully—but do it.

You don’t need a reason bigger than “it matters to you.”
That’s enough.

If you need some inspiration to believe that, go listen to this incredible episode with Kurt Dickson on Champion’s Mojo. His story is proof that consistency, purpose, and humor can take you farther than talent ever could.