Taking the highs with the lows

Last week, while traveling in Norway, my friend Julian and I decided to visit a Norwegian Sauna.? While I've certainly been in a sauna before, this one was a bit different as it floated on the North Sea, and you're expected to rotate between the sauna and the Sea during the 1.5 hour visit.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by our Norwegian host, who shared the "rules" for the experience (i.e., bathing suits required, drink lots of water, no salt water on the sauna coals, etc.).? We then changed into our swim suits and entered the 102-degree sauna, where we were joined by a few other tourists.? While we conversed a bit, we mostly sat in the steaming heat, as water was poured over the hot coals.? After about 10-15 minutes, with sweat dripping out of every pore of my body, we decided it was time to jump into the Sea. While we were tempted to test the water first, we were advised to just jump in.? So we did. Yes, it was cold (61 degrees to be exact), but it was also incredible refreshing. We then got out, and repeated the process several times before jumping on our scooters to meet back up with our wives at the hotel.

Overall, it was a great experience. And, in my constant effort to find lessons from the world around me, I couldn't help but think of the life/business analogies that it provided:

1. Balance the highs with the lows. Jumping into 61 degree water can be quite shocking.? However, it's not all that bad after coming out of a 102 degree sauna.? When possible, try to remember the highs when dealing with the lows. It can make them a bit easier to manage (and appreciate).
2. Sweat it out. Some things in life (and work) can be uncomfortable. But, if you can grin and bear it (and sweat it out) it is often worth it. Although the sauna became a bit uncomfortable after a while, it was well worth it. At the end of the 1.5 hour session, I felt completely refreshed and ready to conquer the world (or at least the scooter ride home through the city of Bergen).
3. Just jump in. While I was tempted to dip my toe into the North Sea, I was advised to just jump in - clearly the better route, as I'm not sure I would have done it otherwise.? Damn, it was cold!? But wow did it feel good! Some things in life require the same attitude.? Just go for it!
4. Too much of one thing... Both the cold sea water and hot humid sauna were manageable for 10-15 minutes each. But, it would have been quite uncomfortable to do for much longer.? Even too much of a good thing can be unhealthy.?
5. Keep on replenishing. Throughout the experience, I was advised to keep on drinking (water).? Similarly, throughout our journey of life. we must keep on replenishing ourselves with knowledge, connections and new experiences.?

Like the Norwegian Sauna experience, life (and business) is full of highs and lows (and everything in between). While they can often be challenging and difficult to navigate, they provide a balance that enables us to power through and continue to grow.? Enjoy the ride.

As always, I hope you enjoyed this post. Please feel free to share with others who you believe may find it of interest. And, please share your thoughts and comments here.

Until next time,

- Jeff