The Recap.
As you read this, I have officially reached Day 100 of 100 in “Project 100”. For those unfamiliar with this challenge I’ve created, it involves a 5-minute cold plunge to start the morning, followed by 30 minutes of hardcore cardio or workout, 15 minutes of yoga/stretch, and topped off with a rewarding 15-minute sauna session. It's been a rollercoaster, and here are the raw thoughts and reflections as I look back.
Consistency Amid Imperfections: Let's keep it real – perfection is a unicorn. I didn't nail every stretch or hit every cardio session, but the scoreboard reads 89 out of 100 stretches, 94 out of 100 cardio/workout sessions, and a solid 96 out of 100 sauna soaks. But you know what? I did do a perfect 100 out of 100 cold plunges. I am damn proud of that!
Morning Routine: The order of my morning routine has become a sacred ritual. First, hunt down a lake, river, or my horse trough for the daily cold plunge. Then, warm up naturally with a workout or a run, stretch out the kinks, and finally, bask in the glory of a rewarding sauna session.
Discipline vs. Comfort Zone: The workout, cardio, and sauna bits – those were a breeze. I love them. But the stretching and cold plunge? Not so much. It tested my discipline – forcing me to override the feelings of discomfort and press on. It's easy to do what you love, but true discipline lies in conquering what challenges you.
The Cold Plunge Mentality Shift: Let's talk about that cold plunge. It's no ordinary dunk; it's a mind game changer. Starting every day with a plunge into 40-degree or less water has shifted my mentality to a whole new level. If I can face that shock every single morning, I can face anything life throws at me – business challenges, emotional hurdles, you name it.
The Power of 5 Minutes: That brief 5-minute dip has opened up avenues in my brain. It's not just about physical strength; it's a mental reset. By sitting there, staying calm, controlling my breath, I've learned to assess situations without fear, anxiety, or doubt clouding my judgment. If I can brave 33-degree water when it's -17 outside at 5 AM, trust me, nothing can hold me back.
Believing in Unseen Strength: This project has been a testament to the belief that we all have way more in us than we give ourselves credit for. Pushing myself to the limits, testing my body's resilience, and exploring the depths of my mental fortitude has been an eye-opener. The mind and body connection is a force to be reckoned with, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.
Continuing the Cold Plunge Tradition: As I wrap up Project 100, I'm not slowing down. I've witnessed incredible benefits – a stronger immune system, mental resilience, and an unshakeable belief in my capabilities. Cold shock proteins or not, I've found the morning plunge to be the secret sauce to tackling my day, and I'm not letting go of that anytime soon.
A Challenge to Discover Your Limits: So, why do I love pushing myself like this? It's not just about the physical feats; it's about peeling back those unexplored territories within. We all have reservoirs of strength waiting to be discovered. Project 100 has been my way of tapping into that well, and I'm all in to see where this journey of self-discovery takes me.
In closing, let's remember that we are stronger than we think. Whether it's facing the cold, tackling business challenges, or embracing the unknown, the human spirit is resilient. So, here's to pushing boundaries, embracing discomfort, and venturing into the uncharted – because the best is yet to come!
