DO SOMETHING DIFFICULT
In last week’s newsletter I talked about the important role wrestling plays in any winning pursuit, and how - if we’re really committed to becoming the best version of ourselves - we should accept that straining and struggling with some hard questions is a good thing. One of those hard questions was, “Where do I need to be more intentional about choosing some discomfort?” I’m not sure if that question resonated with you or not, but it did with me. So I decided this week to intentionally do something difficult.
I chose to complete an 86 hour water fast. I consumed nothing but water from Sunday night until Thursday morning. I first heard of this exercise in an interview with UFC CEO Dana White. He did it and raved about the benefits, so I decided - despite my uneasiness - to experience it for myself. It was easily the hardest thing I’ve done in a long time, and while I’m not sharing my experience here today to brag, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m proud of myself. I decided to share because I believe there was value for me in intentionally choosing some discomfort this week, and I believe there is value in it for you, too.
Why, you might be asking, would I possibly want to do something like that? That’s a good question, one you can really only answer for yourself. I’m not necessarily saying you should do what I did, but I am challenging you to consider where you could initiate some intentional discomfort. I’ll use my experience this week to highlight how it benefited me, and maybe it’ll clarify why you might decide to make a similar choice.
As someone who loves to eat, I'll tell you that 86 hours without food felt like an eternity. It tested me in a variety of ways. But that’s something I’ve accepted I need more of in my life - some testing. First and foremost, it tested my spirit. As a person of faith, it’s impossible not to mention the impact fasting had on my spiritual walk. If you’re interested in reading more about that part of my experience, you can do that here.
I also believe there was a physical benefit to my experience this week. According to Dana White, studies have shown that fasting reduces your chances of cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases. It’s also never bad to drop a few extra pounds. Ultimately though, testing ourselves is the only way to keep our bodies sharp. Those who are only committed to seeking comfort, acting on every impulse, and avoiding every challenge are headed for trouble. That’s why any uncomfortable decision you choose to make - lifting weights, going for a jog, or denying yourself the easy and unhealthy eating option today - has value. It’s an investment you're making in your future self.
The bigger benefit of my uncomfortable experience wasn't physical, though. It was mental. You know, sometimes the value of completing a challenging task is simply validating to yourself that you’re the kind of person who’s capable of doing it. If your mind is anything like mine, it can be relentless in rationalizing the easy way out and trying to dismiss any difficulty it encounters. But if we aren’t careful, our unchecked mind can make us soft. That’s why it’s good to intentionally do something difficult. Sometimes you need to put your mind in its place and remind it who’s boss.
Choosing discomfort builds a few things in you that your very best requires you to possess. It builds a sense of pride that's generated by honoring your commitment. You said you were gonna do it, and by God, you did it. That’s important. Choosing discomfort also builds the kind of mental toughness it takes to win in any important area of life, and it prepares you for the adversity that will be part of your journey ahead. I don’t know what you’ve had to endure up to this point, but I am confident that success moving forward will require some toughness. Training today - in mind, body, and spirit - helps us win tomorrow. That’s why I decided to do something difficult this week, and why I think you should consider it, too.