What Simone Biles is Teaching Us

Several weeks ago, a self-help “guru” sent an email extolling the benefits of cold plunges. He shared: “For starters, taking a cold plunge wakes you up like nothing else (note, he’s correct about this), but he continued by sharing how they…boost your immune system, increase circulation, and even help with weight loss…reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.”

Sounds impressive. Right???

Unfortunately, rigorous science doesn’t support his claims, and he didn’t mention the dangers of cold plunging for those with cardiovascular health concerns. However, hundreds of thousands will believe him because of his status in the multi-billion dollar “personal development” industry.

His email got me thinking: To what extent have you relied on other people’s opinions to shape your beliefs?

Consider the world of athletics. There was a time when “experts” had us believe that athletes—especially those performing at elite levels like the Olympics—shouldn’t talk about their mental health. As an athlete, you think you always have to be fierce and strong. The last thing you want is to appear weak or give your competition any perceived edge. As a result, you shove your pain deep into your backpack, but it can build up until you can’t compete anymore. 

Thankfully, some of the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) athletes, like Michael Phelps and Simone Biles, have come forward to share that they face mental health challenges just like us. However, being vulnerable isn’t easy, as Simone experienced during the Tokyo Games. 

Over the next two weeks, Simone will join nearly 11,000 athletes in Paris for the Olympics. She has endured so much and changed the sport forever—she does not need to return to competition. There’s nothing left to prove except maybe this: She’ll help us see that we are all perfectly imperfect and bring our physical and mental health and mindset into every competition and moment we face – her story is our story. 

In the past, the limiting beliefs of supposed experts told us what to believe, what success means, how to be happy, and what’s truthful, often despite facts or scientific rigor. Seeking guidance is essential, but over-indexing on these external perspectives can trap us into thinking, “But that’s what they told me to do,” which minimizes our agency and potential. 

We always have the opportunity to Pause, Breathe, and Reflect on who shapes our beliefs and why. We can do our own research, strengthen our mindset, and focus on the influencer that matters most—YOU. 

So, if you wish to take a cold plunge, who am I to stop you? They can be very refreshing, but if you want to strengthen your mindset without freezing your tuckus off, join me HERE. 

Until next week, have fun storming the castle! 

Michael

If you want to receive my free supportive texts during the week, reach out at 503-487-5957 and I’ll set you up.