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by Robin Sharma
Strategies for an Unbreakable Mind and Body
The Art of Resilience by Ross Edgley is a book that explores the concept of mental and physical resilience. Edgley shares his personal experiences and offers practical advice on how to overcome challenges and build resilience in all areas of life.
When Ross Edgley embarked on his monumental journey of swimming around Great Britain, he was fueled by a desire to rediscover human resilience and valor. This venture was a tribute to Captain Matthew Webb, the first to swim the English Channel in 1875, embodying Victorian grit and defiance. Edgley aimed to show that, like our ancestors, we are capable of overcoming formidable challenges.
Edgley’s journey, spanning 1,780 miles, was not just against the unpredictable wrath of the sea – it was also against skepticism about his ability to conquer established sports science norms. His physique, atypical for a long-distance swimmer, was perceived as a disadvantage. But Edgley saw his robust build as a wellspring of resilience, essential for such a daunting undertaking. He sought to defy the skepticism of many, including those who doubted he would pass the 100-mile mark.
Edgley started the swim powerfully, covering 21 miles in under 9 hours. He knew, however, that his journey would require repeating this effort approximately 100 times. The relentless sea had begun to imprint its toll on his mind and body, whispering fatigue and testing his endurance with every wave. Beating this fatigue would also be a mental battle, and Edgley recognized that he needed to train his mind to push beyond its self-imposed limits.
Following Professor Tim Noakes’s Central Governor theory, which posits the brain limits the body to maintain homeostasis, Edgley trained his mind to extend these limits – and allowed his body to push past his brain's protective barriers. He adopted a philosophy he called “Stoic Sports Science,” which draws on the US Navy Seals’ 40 percent rule to overcome fatigue. At the brink of exhaustion, the rule says, an untouched reserve of about 40 percent still remains.
In the face of impossibility and the rage of the seas, Edgley swam with the spirit of ancient warriors and the wisdom of modern science. But what did he learn from this experience? That’s what we’ll explore next.
The Art of Resilience (2020) is the story of Ross Edgley’s extraordinary swim around Great Britain, in which he pushed the limits of human endurance and resilience. Through anecdotes, scientific research, and philosophical reflections, it explores the depths of mental and physical strength and offers advice on how to be truly unbreakable.
The Art of Resilience (2021) explores the powerful mindset and strategies needed to overcome challenges and thrive in the face of adversity. Here's why this book is worth reading:
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Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trialBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What is the main message of The Art of Resilience?
The main message of The Art of Resilience is to embrace discomfort and push our limits to become stronger and more resilient.
How long does it take to read The Art of Resilience?
The reading time for The Art of Resilience varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Art of Resilience a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Art of Resilience is worth reading as it offers valuable insights and strategies to overcome challenges and build resilience in various aspects of life.
Who is the author of The Art of Resilience?
The author of The Art of Resilience is Ross Edgley.