Just How Hard Should You Push Yourself ?
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
And How Do You Know When You ’ ve Gone Too Far ?
Back in June , my friend James Lawrence , aka “ The Iron Cowboy ,” pushed the limits of human endurance to accomplish what any rational person would deem impossible : He successfully completed 100 Ironman triathlons in 100 consecutive days .
That ’ s 100 days of waking up to face a grueling 14-hour workout consisting of a 2.4-mile swim , a 112.2-mile bike ride , and a 26.2-mile run .
If you ’ re unfamiliar with James ’ story , he originally earned his fame by completing 50 Ironman triathlons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days — a truly superhuman achievement and a world record that no one has even come close to beating . Back in January of this year , we had James speak to our Producers Club members about what he went through during the “ 50 .” The audience LOVED him , so we instantly booked him to come back to talk to us after completing the 100 . Why 100 ? “ Seventy-five didn ’ t scare me , so it had to be 100 ,” he said . But the aftermath of pushing his mind and body that hard shattered him . When we had him come back to speak to our Producers Club members in July about the 100 , he broke down onstage and was very open and honest about dealing with PTSD after putting himself through such an intense physical test . He suffered from night terrors , insomnia , and mental exhaustion to the point of falling asleep while running as well as severe , crippling injuries and intense physical pain . When I asked him onstage if he was glad he did this challenge , he hesitated , which surprised me .
“ The Iron Cowboy ,” James Lawrence , presenting on stage during his return visit at the 2021 Q3 Producers Club Meeting
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Was it heroic to push himself that hard , or did he go too far ?
Most cannot understand the motive behind people like James , who drive themselves to extreme limits , because they don ’ t push themselves to do much of anything . They ’ re all about living an “ easy ” life in a comfort zone and then applauding themselves for it . As an entrepreneur with drive , you ’ re probably often lectured by others to “ Take it easy ,” or they say , “ You shouldn ’ t work so hard .”
Sometimes this comes from well-meaning people who are concerned for us , but most of these comments are from people who find our drive and ambition unsettling . Offensive , even . It ’ s a stark contrast to their own lack of discipline and a sharp reminder of their shortcomings , so it must be villainized and wronged .
Personally , I push myself into the “ red ” zone often , burning the midnight oil , taking on another project , another goal , a big overhaul of something “ good ” to make it great . I ’ m never happy or complacent and constantly want to grow , improve , earn , and achieve . I constantly feel I can do more or be better . Yes , there are times when I wonder if I ’ m making the right choice , pushing myself as hard as I do , working the hours and dealing with the stress that comes with it . And , yes , there are times when I pushed a little too hard .
But when I think about “ taking it easy ,” I find no peace in it , no honor . I believe the meaning of life is to become the best version of ourselves through discipline , hard work , and standing up to a major challenge presented to us . Life is too short to let the lazy river meander you through it . Grab an oar . n
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