Reach new limits

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I recently found myself on the other side of hell sitting in an ice bath at 4 degrees for 2 mins. (The icy ocean water in CT is on ave 14-16 degrees for some perspective).

I was attending a Wim “The Iceman” Hoff Method workshop in Cape Town with Eric. 

At the beginning of the workshop, we were asked to submerge both arms up to our elbows in a bucket of ice water for 2 mins. I thought it would be easy. Wrong! It was excruciating. I lasted 7 seconds and felt like a giant loser. This big strong tough guy was whimpering with my tail between my legs. 

Defeated and deflated I decided there was no possible way I’d be able to sit with my entire body submerged in that same water for 2 mins later that day as planned. I was preemptively embarrassed and sad of the regret I knew I would have for chickening out. All possible justifications and excuses already flooding my brain. 

Next, we were taught a simple breathing method focusing on long exhales. One proven technique that monks have been using for centuries to warm their bodies and ‘stoke the furnace’ within. 

Back to the ice I hesitantly went. This time I prepared my mind, braced myself, closed my eyes, focused and got breathing as we were taught. I did it! Submerged my arms in the same water for 3 minutes! Miraculous.

All of a sudden sitting in that ice bath later in the day for 2 mins suddenly became a possibility! My spirits lifted. I did not want to leave a loser.  

I did it. It was not easy and I lost my concentration and nerve a little but I gritted my way to the end. Eric looked like Lake Placid. I looked like a victim in a Stephen King novel about to meet his maker. 

In life, we place ceilings on our potential according to our limiting beliefs. 

What if ALL that’s standing between you and your limits is learning a new tool, habit or skill? 

This is one of the reasons why I promote continual learning and personal growth.

Research, ask questions, seek out experts in the areas you want to progress and you may just find the capabilities for your next level. 

It’s tempting to believe we know everything but it’s often not the case. 

Cheers,
Elan (get to know me better over here)