Finding the Good in The Bad

In this past year, I have found myself listening to tons of amazing podcasts. One of my favorites is done by former Navy SEAL Jocko Willinck. During one of his episodes, he talked about the importance of finding the good in every bad situation. If you apply for a job and don't get it, GOOD! Work on your resume and get back after it. If you have an ankle injury and could not train your lower body, GOOD! Rest up those legs and place an emphasis on training the muscles that you can. Instead of adopting the "woe is me" philosophy, take control of the situation and be positive.

Just last night our water heater malfunctioned. We have no hot water at the time being. Instead of going on an obscenity laced tirade, I decided to use this as an opportunity to try something that I have been wanting to do for a long time: Cold Water Immersion, or in this case, taking an ice cold shower. Some of you may think I am nuts but the benefits and research done on this topic is inarguable. It improves things like blood circulation, boosts mental clarity, can improve recovery from physical activity, and more (just do a quick google search and you'd be able to find an additional 10-15 benefits). After attempting this for the very first time, it was freaking tough. But when I got out of the shower, I felt pretty damn good. I believe Mark Twain once said "Eat a live frog first thing in the morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day." That is exactly how I feel after freezing my behind off in the shower!

I’m not suggesting that taking a cold shower in the morning will make everything go smoothly in the afternoon. That’s not the point at all. But, when was the last time you challenged yourself? Be honest with me here. Was it in the last, week, month, year or even decade? As we get older, the challenges we embark on are few and far between. Take the cold shower challenge and tell me how you feel. 5 days, 10 days, 20 days, or the rest of the year. It doesn't matter how long, as long as you make an effort. 

​Chris Fluck