Young and Profiting (YAP) with Hala Taha Episode Summary: YAPClassic: Colin O'Brady, Conquer Your Mind and Develop an Unstoppable Mindset Release Date: November 29, 2024
Introduction
In this inspiring episode of Young and Profiting (YAP), host Hala Taha welcomes the legendary endurance athlete and explorer, Colin O'Brady. Known for his remarkable achievements, including the world's first solo, unsupported, and fully human-powered crossing of Antarctica, Colin shares his profound insights on cultivating a powerful mindset to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Colin O'Brady's Upbringing and Early Influences
Timestamp: [04:25]
Colin delves into his unconventional childhood, born on a hippie commune in Olympia, Washington. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, his parents instilled in him a growth mindset, actively involving him in entrepreneurial ventures from a young age. This early exposure to entrepreneurship laid the foundation for his later successes both in business and extreme sports.
“My dinner table conversation when I was 13, 14, was my parents looking at this sales forecast, should we do this marketing plan?”
— Colin O'Brady [04:25]
Defining the "Possible Mindset"
Timestamp: [07:29]
Colin introduces the concept of the "possible mindset," an evolution of the traditional growth mindset. This empowered way of thinking not only embraces personal growth but also incorporates intuition and community support. He emphasizes that this mindset unlocks limitless possibilities and is a cornerstone of his book, "The 12 Hour Walk."
“A possible mindset is an empowered way of thinking that unlocks a life of limitless possibilities.”
— Colin O'Brady [07:29]
Overcoming Adversity: A Life-Altering Incident
Timestamp: [14:51]
Colin recounts a pivotal moment in his 20s when a severe accident in Thailand left him with life-threatening burns. Doctors predicted he would never walk again, but with unwavering support from his mother, Colin defied the odds. Her relentless positivity and encouragement propelled him to not only walk but also complete a triathlon within eight months—eventually winning the Chicago Triathlon.
“I realized that all of us as humans... we have reservoirs of untapped potential to achieve extraordinary things in our life. But it all starts with our mindset.”
— Colin O'Brady [20:57]
The Power of Persistence and Networking
Timestamp: [30:01]
Colin shares the story of how persistence led him to secure sponsorship from Nike. After numerous rejections while raising funds for his ambitious Explorers Grand Slam project, a chance encounter at a spin class introduced him to Kathy Collin, a former world record holder. This serendipitous meeting culminated in a sponsorship deal with Nike, underscoring the importance of resilience and being prepared when opportunities arise.
“Luck comes to those who are prepared.”
— Colin O'Brady [39:40]
Introducing the "12 Hour Walk"
Timestamp: [42:36]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Colin experienced a mental health setback despite his previous successes. To regain his mental equilibrium, he embarked on a 12-hour walk—a practice inspired by his Antarctic trek. This walk became a personal reset, enhancing his mental clarity and well-being. Observing the transformative effects of this walk, Colin developed it into a broader movement aimed at helping others conquer their minds and unlock their best lives.
“The 12-hour walk imprints on you, but in a way that allows you to go, oh. If I just for one day can prove to myself that actually a little bit of discomfort... can exist for me.”
— Colin O'Brady [71:30]
Six Steps to Taking a 12-Hour Walk
Timestamp: [56:42]
Colin outlines a practical framework for listeners to undertake their own 12-hour walk:
- Commit: Decide to take the walk and set a specific date.
- Record: Document intentions and feelings before embarking.
- Unplug: Disconnect from distractions by putting devices on airplane mode.
- Walk: Engage in the walk, embracing solitude and reflection.
- Rest: Allow yourself breaks without losing the mental focus.
- Reflect: Contemplate the experience and its impact on your mindset.
Colin emphasizes that this walk is not a race but a personal journey to confront and overcome limiting beliefs.
“The 12-hour walk is one day. It is one day. If that makes you a better parent and a more present parent for the next 10 years, that was a worthwhile investment.”
— Colin O'Brady [68:14]
Addressing Common Limiting Beliefs
Timestamp: [64:50]
Colin discusses how the 12-hour walk helps dismantle common limiting beliefs:
-
You Don't Know What to Do Next: Trust your intuition and inner voice instead of over-analyzing.
“You actually know the answer. You literally already know the answer.”
— Colin O'Brady [65:18] -
I Don't Have the Time: Prioritize self-care and recognize that investing time in yourself can enhance your ability to support others.
“Self-care is selfless... investing that time in yourself to better yourself has a ripple and exponentially positive effect on all of the other things that you're doing.”
— Colin O'Brady [68:14]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Timestamp: [76:06]
In wrapping up the conversation, Colin encourages listeners to undertake the 12-hour walk as an actionable step towards personal growth and mindset transformation. He highlights the importance of staying connected to one's purpose and the love of family as foundational to profiting in life.
“Staying connected to purpose. And for me, that has been remembering the most important thing, which is the love of my life, my wife, my community.”
— Colin O'Brady [76:19]
Colin directs listeners to his social media and websites for further engagement and resources:
- Instagram: @colinobrady
- Website: colinobrady.com
- 12 Hour Walk: twelvehourwalk.com
Key Takeaways
- Mindset Matters: Cultivating a possible mindset can transform perceived limitations into opportunities.
- Persistence Pays Off: Continuous effort and resilience can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
- Actionable Self-Care: Simple practices like the 12-hour walk can have profound impacts on mental and emotional well-being.
- Purpose-Driven Life: Staying connected to personal purpose and values is essential for long-term success and fulfillment.
This episode serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and determination, individuals can overcome the most daunting challenges and unlock their true potential.