An Exercise in Self-Discipline: Cold Shower Challenge

I’ve been reading a lot of stuff over at Scott Marcaccio’s blog, he’s got some awesome stuff over there, I highly recommend you check it out. He posted one article about a cold shower challenge.

The premise is basically that while you’re enjoying your nice, hot shower, you give yourself a test in self-discipline and focus. You give your back to the shower and focus on a spot on the wall. Then turn the water to 70% cold. You’ll start to get really uncomfortable and have trouble catching your breath. Once you calm yourself down and get your breathing under control, turn the water the coldest it’ll go: this is the real test, your chest will tighten like no other and your body’ll go numb. Once you stabilize your breathing, count 15 breaths and you’re down. You have conquered the cold shower challenge .

“Do you have the will and self-control to master your fear and stand strong in spite of that fear?” -Scott

That’s really what it’s all about: will and self-control. It’s nothing your body can’t take physically, it’s just hell on your mind. You need an intense amount of focus to complete this exercise. But if you can do it, it’s a great and simple way to learn about yourself and improve yourself. For example, someone on Scott’s blog post commented that this resembles how in your life you’ll never be completely ready for the challenges that await you. Sometimes you just have to plunge into things headfirst. Look at that, a deep contemplation came out of something as simple as a shower .

My personal experience? Ridiculously hard lol. It was a couple of days ago so, looking back on it, it doesn’t seem like it was that hard, but I’m not letting that fool me haha. It was really difficult and took a lot of effort. Personally, I didn’t feel much difference going from 70% cold to the coldest, it seemed like most of the effort had to be used during that transition. But it helped me learn a lot about myself. Firstly, I’m scared. It’s extremely difficult to start and there’ll always be an element of fear when you’re about to take on a challenge, but you can use that fear to your advantage and let it psych you up. Second, I learned that I’m capable for a lot more than I give myself credit for. I have a tendency to discourage myself and convince myself I can’t do something, but what do ya know, turns out I can . Lastly, the amount of focus you can achieve is incredible. This is not something that you can just accidentally go in and accomplish, it takes an extreme amount of discipline and focus. Your mind is stronger than your body and you have to focus in letting your mind take over.

So, why not try this challenge out for yourself and practice the fine art of self-discipline?

Anyone who tries this, come back and let me know how it went! Leave a comment or e-mail me at ordinarytooutstanding@gmail.com

Also, be sure to stop by Scott’s blog! You’ll definitely thank me

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