Unveiling the Secret Behind Vegan Longevity: Why Some Thrive While Others Burn Out
The bustling coffee shop in Tiong Bahru buzzed with chatter, but my focus was riveted to the table in front of me. Two women, Anna and Sarah, once fervent vegans united in their university days, now sat bearing witness to a painful divergence. While Anna shared her feelings of failure, Sarah remained steadfast in her commitment, sparking a critical question: Why did one thrive while the other burned out?
The Identity Dilemma
"I failed," Anna lamented, stirring oat milk into her latte as if trying to mix away her disappointment. Contrast that with Sarah’s gentle reassurance: "You didn’t fail. You’re here with me right now, aren’t you? Choosing plant milk?"
This simple exchange hinted at a deeper truth—one that resonated through every conversation I had during the following three weeks. Observations from ten long-term vegans illuminated a hidden psychological pattern. It wasn’t merely about willpower or moral superiority; it was about how we define our identities.
The Key to Thriving: Flexibility Over Rigidity
Enter Marcus, a management consultant and veteran vegan of twelve years. His approach to client dinners in non-vegan-friendly locales illustrated this point perfectly. "I do my best," he chuckled, as he relayed tales of plain rice and the occasional fish-stocked soup. "I don’t interrogate waiters in languages I don’t speak. Instead of what I can’t have, I focus on what I can with joy."
Here lies a crucial distinction: Marcus wasn’t performing veganism for anyone. He was living his values as fully as the moment allowed, embodying what I refer to as "fluid integrity." This concept encapsulates the ability to commit to core beliefs while allowing for the nuanced expression of those beliefs.
Embracing Imperfection: Lessons from Long-Term Vegans
Diane, a seasoned animal rights activist, also dispelled the myth of rigid adherence. At a family birthday party, she relished a slice of cake, acknowledging that one indulgence didn’t tarnish her two decades of advocacy. "I don’t need to reconcile anything," she stated firmly. Her wisdom illuminated that veganism is a practice, not an unbreakable identity.
This transformative mindset resonated across countless stories. James, who successfully embraced veganism after failing twice, remarked, "I stopped trying to be ‘a vegan’ and started exploring how I could best contribute to reducing animal suffering." This insight reminded us all that our identities are not fixed but can evolve with our experiences.
Expanding Our Reasons: A Journey of Transformation
Elena’s narrative underscored the vital idea that motivation can and should evolve. Initially adopting veganism for health, she rediscovered her purpose through animal welfare and environmental concerns. “My reasons keep expanding,” she explained. “I don’t need to defend my original motivation.”
Surprisingly, research reflects this understanding. While statistics indicate that 84% of vegetarians and vegans abandon their diets, the EPIC-Oxford Study reveals that 73% of those who identified as vegan or vegetarian in the 1990s still adhered two decades later, demonstrating that the practice of veganism must naturally integrate into one’s identity.
The Efficacy of Fluidity: A New Approach to Advocacy
The most striking revelation from my conversations was that flexible practitioners often became more effective advocates. Take Lisa, for instance, who employs non-vegan chefs at her thriving vegan restaurant. Her strategic inclusivity drew in curious omnivores, debunking the misconception that purity equates to effectiveness.
This created a paradigm shift: What if rigid identities actually hinder our ability to sustain challenging practices?
Navigating Internal Conflict: The Burden of Purity
The correlation between identity rigidity and burnout became evident. Research demonstrates that activists overly identified with their cause experience higher rates of compassion fatigue. They exhaust themselves defending who they believe they should be, losing sight of what they’re trying to achieve.
Returning to that poignant moment in the coffee shop, it became clear that Sarah wasn’t inherently more moral than Anna. She simply found a more sustainable path to holding her values.
Redefining Veganism: The Power of Language
Reflecting on her journey, Sarah articulated this distinction beautifully: “I never actually call myself vegan anymore. I just say I don’t eat animals.” This subtle linguistic shift represented a profound leap towards self-acceptance and authenticity.
The Translational Approach: Adapting While Staying True
Priya, who transitioned to veganism from a vegetarian upbringing, revealed how she honored her roots while evolving her dietary choices. “I don’t use that word around my family. I honor our vegetarian traditions while quietly veganizing family recipes,” she shared, demonstrating the power of translation—adapting expression while maintaining essence.
Finding Joy in the Journey
Tom, a former athlete, echoed the philosophy of adapting practice according to life’s demands. “Real life is about doing the best you can with the constraints you face,” he stated with conviction.
This sentiment resonated with David, who practiced what he called "collaborative veganism," navigating dietary choices for his children with grace. He emphasized that joy creates desire, a principle that transcends food choices and enters the realm of relationships.
Conclusion: The Choice Before Us
The recurring theme from all these insightful interviews was clear: it is more beneficial to perceive our identities as temporary vessels rather than permanent structures. The profound distinctions between description and declaration illuminate how we can engage with our personal values flexibly.
After concluding my interviews, I reached out to Anna again. “So I can just… start again? Without a grand declaration?” she asked, inflected with hope.
I encouraged her to embrace her daily choices. “What if you stopped trying to be ‘a vegan’ and started exploring how Anna can contribute to reducing animal suffering?” Her laughter conveyed a transformation—an understanding that she only needed to be herself.
The thriving vegans have uncovered a simple truth: You don’t need to be defined by your labels. Instead, focus on your actions, persistently drawing closer to your values.
Because in the end, what truly matters is not what you call yourself, but what you do—the choices you make with authenticity and joy. The animals don’t care about your title; they care about your actions. Let your choices reflect your heart, and they will always be enough.
