Why You Should Do Something Scary Every Day

All the data about taking cold showers is bullshit.
Sure, some research says that they can reduce anxiety, improve your immune system, increase metabolism to assist in weight loss, reduce the number of days you call out sick from work, and potentially even improve cancer survival.
But you shouldn't care about any of that.
The reason you should interrupt your warm showers by cranking the knob to the side is far more simple, in fact it’s nearly tautological. Do it to do it.
It’s making a statement about who is in charge.
We can crank the knob in the shower to cold. We go for the run even though we’re tired. We pick up the phone and start the conversation we’ve been dreading. We agree to try what we have never tried before.
We do something difficult, something scary, something good every day. We do it to do it. We do it because we’re in charge. We do it so we can do it when it counts.
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Пікірлер: 93

  • @DailyStoic
    @DailyStoic2 жыл бұрын

    “The body should be treated more rigorously that it may not be disobedient to the mind.” - Seneca Thank you for checking out this video! Let us know what you'd like to see more of 👇

  • @seanpatrickpearson

    @seanpatrickpearson

    2 жыл бұрын

    Ryan I sent an email to you somewhat about this subject , thanks !

  • @karenrobinson4926

    @karenrobinson4926

    2 жыл бұрын

    I have a buddy who once told me “I live for change.” As someone who is always struggling with and fearing change, I marveled at that. But at 56 I see she’s right. Change is opportunity, and should never be feared.

  • @zeitakulobusta9708

    @zeitakulobusta9708

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'd like a 'day in the life' video from you, just filmed uninterrupted then edited with commentary on how Stoic insight and practices informed various decisions, interactions, outcomes. Seeing how theory integrates into practice is super educational. Seriously appreciate your work and gifts to us. I think I'm what you maybe called a 'natural stoic' to some extent already, but hearing it laid out in a more formalised framework has really helped me refine things further through more CONSCIOUS action, rather than simply, 'well that's what I've taught myself makes sense so that's what I'll do'. Thank you.

  • @DSWertz
    @DSWertz Жыл бұрын

    Stoicism practice has changed my life. As a 70-year-old woman, my challenges are somewhat different than those of youth but l do seek them out and embrace them daily. Friends see the changes in me and are drawn to learn this philosophy for themselves. It is never too late and we are never too old to be Stoic. Thank you, Ryan, for your youthful energy, enthusiasm, and work to share this practice with the world. It has made a huge difference to this old Boomer.

  • @Mark-ml3nv
    @Mark-ml3nv2 жыл бұрын

    All my major successes and good decisions in my life have been when I chose the scary option instead of the safe one. Too many people put artificial barriers in their own way by saying to themselves and others that they cannot possible do that thing, that they absolutely would love to do.

  • @egolab8258

    @egolab8258

    2 жыл бұрын

    Love it

  • @oneworldonehome
    @oneworldonehome2 жыл бұрын

    "It takes great courage to change, even under normal circumstances. One must recognize and accept the truth, trust one’s deeper inclinations and in many cases give up a preferred advantage, relationship or situation. One must face the unknown and entertain new possibilities. This all requires courage. Yet, when change is required on a greater scale-indeed when humanity itself is changing and you are in the center of this-an even greater courage is required. It is built upon trust, recognition, preparation and compassion. (...) Perhaps you do not think of yourself as a courageous person, thinking that courage is something that some are endowed with and not others. But in truth, courage is something that everyone must forge and develop in his or her own experience. This happens through making difficult decisions. This also happens through making important mistakes, learning through these mistakes and taking the necessary steps to set things right. This is what generates courage. Courage is the result here, though it can be the cause and the motivation for later action. In other words, you must generate courage. It is not something that is bestowed on some and not on others as people enter life. It is something that must be forged. Difficulty, adversity, changing circumstances, changing relationships and changing priorities all create the great opportunity for real courage to be cultivated and applied." A quote from *Wisdom from the Greater Community, Book 2* » Chapter 19: Courage. I warmly recommend this book by Marshall Vian Summers, it's completely free online.

  • @johnchapman5125

    @johnchapman5125

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Ivan.

  • @4truthlovefaith
    @4truthlovefaith2 жыл бұрын

    Brilliant! Overcome our discomfort and fear basically takes practice. The discomfort and fear never go away, we just get used to doing it anyway. It's not that bad. I love it! Thanks Ryan!

  • @Cakez253
    @Cakez2532 жыл бұрын

    I still get afraid of jumping up to the pull up bar at my gym in front of everyone. What if I slip and fall, or can't even pull myself up? This has never happened, but it feels like a lot of people look when a girl hops on the pull-up bar! I have to fight that fear each time but after I hit my first set the dopamine rush associated is so worth it. I feel proud that I faced my fear and I keep that energy throughout the day.

  • @JohnMcCullough97
    @JohnMcCullough972 жыл бұрын

    Great stuff. Early in my career when I was working long hours and trying to exercise regularly, I use to say to myself repeatedly "MCB. MCB. MCB...." when I didn't feel like getting up or working out. My Mind Controls Body chant was like a trigger to snap me out of how I was physically feeling. I need to get back to that chat, because now that I'm older and started working long hours and must exercise regularly. MCB.

  • @talithaleah6563
    @talithaleah65632 жыл бұрын

    Nothing has empowered me more than giving birth at home. I almost didn’t out of fear, but facing the fear, taking responsibility for whatever the consequences would be, and mastering myself to meet the physical challenge head on transformed me. I started my motherhood journey from a place of strength and confidence, best decision ever. As my children grew, I knew I could do the right things for them even when those things were hard.

  • @xxslyderhandsxx9872
    @xxslyderhandsxx98722 жыл бұрын

    One of my biggest fears, is getting behind the wheel and learning how to drive. 24 years old I think it's time I change.

  • @ricarellan

    @ricarellan

    2 жыл бұрын

    Tell that fear to shut up, don’t let it win. On the other side of fear is triumph 💪🏽

  • @xxslyderhandsxx9872

    @xxslyderhandsxx9872

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ricarellan thanks man, I appreciate these words.

  • @timjohn6693
    @timjohn66932 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Ryan. There are a hundred points of gratitude I could make relating to your books, news letters, daily thoughts you provide. My life is stronger and more prosperous because of what you do. In that, thank you!

  • @AlexCio
    @AlexCio2 жыл бұрын

    It‘s so important to deal with the things that we fear because when later in life real problems will come, things get even worse.

  • @bloop6111
    @bloop61112 жыл бұрын

    A while back I had it in mind to do small scary things so at the end of a run one day, I was passing by the neighborhood pool. Not stopping my pace except to kick my shoes off, I run into the pool area, run straight off the diving board fully clothed, swim to the other side, get out, walk calmly back to my shoes (trying to stay present in the moment and not think about the weird looks) slide my shoes back on and run the rest of the way home, gross squishy shoe noises the whole way back. It was uncomfortable yet refreshing, and made for a funny story for the people at the pool I’m sure xP

  • @kathleenkulp240
    @kathleenkulp2402 жыл бұрын

    I am inspired to take this challenge. Thank you for the light.

  • @richardwagon6433
    @richardwagon64332 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I've been getting your daily stoic emails for a couple weeks now. I've been journaling (mostly regularly) for that period. I work as a science instructor at a kids camp where during summer I get one day off every two weeks. These last two weeks have been the best I've done mentally with this job. It's highly rewarding but god damn is it a grind sometimes. Your teachings have helped me make choices that cultivate a positive impact I have on myself, my coworkers, and the campers. Today is my first day off in a while. I was lagging more than usual this morning. I remembered my stoic teaching. I got up, grabbed my coffee, journaled, watched this video, and now I'm nervous to not waste this day off, but I feel more empowered that I won't. Keep the positive vibrations oscillating!!! Much respect.

  • @user-wu4rk1ls6x
    @user-wu4rk1ls6x2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, thank you, thank you, Ryan! Your video gave me extra power for confronting difficulties and fears I am facing currently in my life. Actually, I think the difficulties and fears never go away, they are always there, what matters is how we see and deal with them. Our approach to them is the most important because our approach is within our control.

  • @Cakez253
    @Cakez2532 жыл бұрын

    I needed to hear to this message today. Thank you 😊💜

  • @jjbutterbeans1515
    @jjbutterbeans15152 жыл бұрын

    I leave my house every day. In this day and age that's pretty damn scary.

  • @everydaymotivationpro9419
    @everydaymotivationpro94192 жыл бұрын

    Stefan Zweig imagining starting over and proving it possible is a credit to the daily practices we include in our everyday routine. Great story.

  • @Brian-nm8ie
    @Brian-nm8ie2 жыл бұрын

    Good stuff. It refines the idea of "doing things you wouldn't normally do" as a way to better understand yourself and the ways these adventures change your overall perspective.

  • @wesleyalan9179

    @wesleyalan9179

    2 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely 💯%

  • @egolab8258

    @egolab8258

    2 жыл бұрын

    Love it! 🧡

  • @davidcooper7339
    @davidcooper73392 жыл бұрын

    Thank you everyday Ryan Holiday for your encouragement and stoic wisdom.

  • @mmka5434
    @mmka54342 жыл бұрын

    6:15 to 6:32 Great perspective. Mr. Holiday, you are a blessing.

  • @jerryhumphreys5903
    @jerryhumphreys59032 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for all you do!

  • @amyfollmer1412
    @amyfollmer14122 жыл бұрын

    I needed to hear this

  • @reymondbernal
    @reymondbernal2 жыл бұрын

    I switched from watching NY apartments videos to Ryan's. It has become a habit while washing dishes. Thank you for inspiring us! ❤️

  • @OrderofthePipe
    @OrderofthePipe2 жыл бұрын

    Experience builds perspective. 🔥

  • @egolab8258

    @egolab8258

    2 жыл бұрын

    Love it! 🧡 So true

  • @johnmowry2492
    @johnmowry24922 жыл бұрын

    Excellent message. With my poor hearing, the background music is loud enough to make it harder to understand the message. Don’t be afraid to turn it down or eliminate it. I know it’s scary, but the viewers will survive, and be better for it.

  • @ShaaayCs
    @ShaaayCs Жыл бұрын

    im glad i found ryan holiday thank you for teaching us about stoics you save my life ♥️♥️💯

  • @brandonotieno8704
    @brandonotieno87042 жыл бұрын

    Ryan I'm a big fan of your content, be blessed, Good character and acts for the common Good,Your pink shirt is amazing I just love it!😍😍😁

  • @iamlily
    @iamlily2 жыл бұрын

    In needed to hear this rn. cheers mate!

  • @johnroman4608
    @johnroman46082 жыл бұрын

    Swim twice a day in a cold pool, indifferent to what people think & say about me, equanimity is my foremost practice, I am....master of myself, my mind & my body. Good one Ryan 👌🏻

  • Жыл бұрын

    Nice video, keep on with the exercise

  • @marciabarnett4405
    @marciabarnett44052 жыл бұрын

    KEEP IT COMING. YOU INSPIRED ME TO TAKE THE MORE CHALLENGING YOGA POSITIONS TODAY AND ARTICULATED SO WELL WHAT MY MOTIVATION WAS. THANK YOU. THANK YOU!

  • @schoolofsocialscience8117
    @schoolofsocialscience81172 жыл бұрын

    You make life so easy brother. SO EASY.

  • @Anca07M
    @Anca07M2 жыл бұрын

    Hi, great video. I am in favor of doing something scary every day to build the ”muscle”, just that I am not sure if the Stefan Zweig example the best, given his tragic ending when all circumstances unfortunately changed. I enjoy his art and think he was a genius writer and that his example shows that sometimes, no matter how hard you apply yourself, too much is too much. Thanks for your work, to me you are a role model of perseverance and dedication. If only I could stay consistent with the commonplace book. All the best

  • @wiseone1013
    @wiseone10132 жыл бұрын

    Taking the path of least resistance is a great strategy for ensuring a mediocre life.

  • @Nenad-ICXC-Shuput-GFAMMA
    @Nenad-ICXC-Shuput-GFAMMA2 жыл бұрын

    Obstacle is the way.

  • @mshammond_uk1831
    @mshammond_uk18312 жыл бұрын

    You made me choke on my tea when u said crank that knob in the shower lol as knob means something else in British English but anyway great video

  • @aaronwimberleymbamsf5776
    @aaronwimberleymbamsf57762 жыл бұрын

    Great meditation to start the day=]

  • @Andrew-dg7qm
    @Andrew-dg7qm2 жыл бұрын

    Great music

  • @marklanders630
    @marklanders6302 жыл бұрын

    I jump into the Pacific ocean every day. It's not as hard as people say. I do live in Hawaii though😎

  • @egolab8258

    @egolab8258

    2 жыл бұрын

    Haha Amazing!

  • @mmka5434
    @mmka54342 жыл бұрын

    I had just taken a rather cold shower when I watched this video! Not only I liked this video but also I loved it. Recently, I have been practicing lukewarm to a bit cold showers and am trying to take cold showers without tremors. (I was influenced to take cold showers by one of your videos about "Seneca"). Taking cold showers are very hard for me to do at the moment but the state of mind after that cold (for me it's sort of cool rather than cold, since I can't tolerate it yet) shower is more balanced one.

  • @seancanela3890

    @seancanela3890

    2 жыл бұрын

    Try contrast showers if you can’t tolerate full-on cold showers at the start. Start with hot for 1-2 minutes, then cold for 1-2 minutes, then repeat as you wish. I’d recommend ending it with cold to feel the benefits of cold water after a shower.

  • @mmka5434

    @mmka5434

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@seancanela3890 Thanks for you advice.

  • @dorismahoney1440

    @dorismahoney1440

    2 жыл бұрын

    U may want to read thr benefits of lukewarm showers compared to hot or cold.

  • @taschkahn
    @taschkahn Жыл бұрын

    Reading the title like how I should do things that are scary for other people xD

  • @tadroid3858
    @tadroid38582 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Gonna start with cold showers!

  • @mbtisecrets8672
    @mbtisecrets86722 жыл бұрын

    💯💯 been taking cold showers for over a year now. I do it for toughness and it helps gives me confidence.

  • @egolab8258

    @egolab8258

    2 жыл бұрын

    Love it! 🧡

  • @Je-nf3sl
    @Je-nf3sl2 жыл бұрын

    Which instrument is the one you hear in the first seconds of the video? Does anyone know?

  • @brockfindley4324
    @brockfindley43242 жыл бұрын

    “So when I crank that knob in the shower”….ayoo😳

  • @rossthemusicandguitarteacher
    @rossthemusicandguitarteacher2 жыл бұрын

    This is why I skateboard every few days.

  • @Rope001
    @Rope0012 жыл бұрын

    "You will find peace by going to war with yourself." - David Goggins.

  • @jeffmejia3556
    @jeffmejia35562 жыл бұрын

    I take cold showers, especially in the Winter, for two reasons. One I learned it from Wim Hoff. Two, it’s because my mind screams within my head not to. Take the easy way out and take a comfortable hit shower. Soon, my mind says OK, OK, we’ll start tomorrow….I promise. I like knowing I’m in charge and my mind is subservient to me which is good practice for other areas in my life when my mind screams for me to take the easy way out.

  • @gys9271
    @gys92712 жыл бұрын

    I find that just continuing (to choose) to stay alive in this day and age is pretty gutsy 😂🤣😂🤣😂

  • @anthonyscioscia7098
    @anthonyscioscia70982 жыл бұрын

    anyone know the shirt Ryan is wearing at 3:52,?I wanna know what it says...

  • @zaiedalmustavee8676
    @zaiedalmustavee86762 жыл бұрын

    Seneca probably gave the same advice to Nero everyday 🗿

  • @avidhossanmansur9830
    @avidhossanmansur98302 жыл бұрын

    The 3 quotes that helped me deal with my own trauma and fears, “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” - Marcus Aurelius. Meditations 2.11 ''But life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear the future.” ― Seneca “Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems” ― Epictetus

  • @fabianforti5824
    @fabianforti58242 жыл бұрын

    👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

  • @fifi.871
    @fifi.8712 жыл бұрын

    Ever since I got on antidepressants, my fear has been completely gone. I feel invisible so I want to travel more and get a passport or passport card so I can leave the US

  • @Ash-so2sr
    @Ash-so2sr2 жыл бұрын

    Bravest people I know never took cold showers, they just faced live as it came.

  • @wesleyalan9179

    @wesleyalan9179

    2 жыл бұрын

    ...there was that one time my wife flushed the toilet when I was in the shower😆

  • @geemail369
    @geemail3692 жыл бұрын

    Someone please help me out here: who said *_"Difficult decisions, easy life - easy decisions, difficult life."_* ?!

  • @egolab8258

    @egolab8258

    2 жыл бұрын

    Jerzy Gregorek I believe. Amazing quote.

  • @forjazznjava
    @forjazznjava2 жыл бұрын

    I worry about false achievements Energy is finite so if one spends energy taking on false challenges then they dont have energy for real ones. For example if one spentds their energy on a cold shower they will not have enegy solving real problems like racism poverty or climate chaos. They will have a false sense of achievement

  • @Alberts_Stuff
    @Alberts_Stuff2 жыл бұрын

    Do you practice poverty Ryan? If so what do you do? Many thanks

  • @JCarrera27

    @JCarrera27

    2 жыл бұрын

    ª

  • @Alberts_Stuff

    @Alberts_Stuff

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@JCarrera27 ?

  • @pereiraplaza222
    @pereiraplaza2222 жыл бұрын

    Stefan Zweig killed himself. Bad example. (He's one of my favorite writers).

  • @bars7475
    @bars74752 жыл бұрын

    I will approach a random beautiful girl on the street, every day. And ask her out. Wish me luck

  • @teenoso4069
    @teenoso40692 жыл бұрын

    More cold showers so those in office can fly around the world

  • @cxa011500
    @cxa0115002 жыл бұрын

    What can I do that's scary? Swat at a hornet nest? 🤔

  • @JCarrera27

    @JCarrera27

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sure bud🤡

  • @wesleyalan9179

    @wesleyalan9179

    2 жыл бұрын

    One time at work, my boss was in the shower room taking a nice hot shower and a coworker/ friend of mine filled up a 5gallon bucket full of cold water and I yanked the shower curtain back and he splashed every bit of that cold water out of the bucket on the boss man, sh*t was pretty scary 🤣

  • @34visciousvideos34
    @34visciousvideos342 жыл бұрын

    Not to detract away from the points you're making but the Rams did not deserve to be in that 2018 Super Bowl. I don't care, I'm always going to remind people of the notorious NFC Championship No call against the Saints that essentially prevented the Saints from winning it right then and there and booking their rightful tickets to the Super Bowl 53.

  • @RyanHolidayYT

    @RyanHolidayYT

    2 жыл бұрын

    As a Saints fan, I agree :)

  • @bluepajamagamers5704
    @bluepajamagamers57042 жыл бұрын

    Jumping into the cold water of the pacific is not the same as a cold shower. If I had access to the pacific each morning I’d absolutely do it every day. We don’t all have Snead’s privilege. Cold water raining down on your head is far more unpleasant and uncomfortable than it is scary.

  • @raginald7mars408
    @raginald7mars4082 жыл бұрын

    every day - I try to SCARE YOU - but You Coward hide away...

  • @harrylegthigh
    @harrylegthigh2 жыл бұрын

    Living in my neighborhood has gotten scary because of minorities moving in.

  • @happyhippiesurbanfarm8991
    @happyhippiesurbanfarm89912 жыл бұрын

    You can’t say do something scary after you told everyone to obey the government and put on a mask. Just doesn’t feel authentic.

  • @huntermetz2659

    @huntermetz2659

    Жыл бұрын

    Good point.

  • @moniquea2497
    @moniquea24972 жыл бұрын

    Something I learned from @noahkagan is that he'd challenge himself to ask for a discount at least once when gets out to get his coffee. Just ask. Don't attach yourself to the result. If the barista says no, that's ok, no biggie. At least you asked. And this is useful is business. Just ask for that meeting, just ask for that extra perk, just ask for that deal, just ask.