Dear friend,

I wanted to philosophize a bit with you on failure. Namely, the upside of failure — and why pushing your limits until you fail is a good thing. #zenoferic

Download PDF: Push yourself beyond failure

This is my epiphany when working out:

Working out is only fun when you challenge your body to the limit, push yourself beyond what you perceive are your limits, and in order to achieve more than you think you’re capable of, you’re going to have to push yourself so hard that (of course) you will fail in trying to reach a new pinnacle or peak.

For example, my favorite lift is the deadlift. From age 18 to age 28, I increased my “one rep max” from 135 pounds to 425 pounds. The basic workout was simple yet sinister (in the words of Pavel)— I simply increased my “1 rep max” attempt by 5 pounds every week. I only deadlifted once a week, with simple sets (5 reps, rest, 3 reps, rest, 2 reps, rest, 1 rep, rest, then 1 rep maximum attempt). After each rest, I would increase the weight by around 90 pounds (two 45 pound plates on each side of the barbell).

And of course, I didn’t increase my maximum deadlift by 5 pounds every week. Some weeks I would increase my 1 rep max by 5 pounds, other weeks I could only do the same weight as the week prior. And other weeks, I would actually lift less.

Yet, this was necessary — because in the pursuit of increasing my 1 rep max, of course I would fail many weeks! But I learned a zen approach: not to feel upset. To just rest and recover, read more Seneca, listen to more Kanye West, then attempt the higher weight the next week. Because there were often factors I couldn’t control —some weeks I wouldn’t sleep well and be tired, and other weeks I might just not be feeling as vigorous. Regardless, I learned to not take my 1 rep max failures personally in a negative way. I would just tell myself,

It’s cool Eric, you gave it your all. Just rest, recover, and go harder next week!

Lately I’ve been living in Saigon, and living in a hotel across the park. I’ve been going every morning, and just doing body weight exercises — chin-ups, pull-ups, dips, and planches.

With body weight exercises I’ve actually been able to put on a lot of muscle mass the last month or so. And I think it’s because I’ve been doing the “training until failure” intense styled training. The basic idea is this:

When I’m doing pull-ups, and my biceps and forearms are on fire, and I don’t think I can do any more —just clench my fists tighter against the bar, flex my abs, and try to churn out 25% more repetitions than I think I’m physically capable of. I usually close my eyes, and imagine King Leonidas from the movie 300 shouting his Spartan battle cry.

And I think it’s those extra 3-5 pull-ups I churn out which really spark my hormone pathways, which stimulate my muscle growth and strength building.

Thus, I believe this concept of pushing yourself 25% more than what you think your limits are. Why? Because the thing is that you’re usually much stronger than you think you are —and when you think you cannot push yourself any harder, you actually can!

In other words,

Grit your teeth, and go “super saiyan” (watch any YouTube clip of Goku and Dragon Ball Z).

I’ve been thinking that this is also a good way of life and entrepreneurship, and also street photography. Once we hit what we perceive a brick wall, or a plateau —we can actually do MORE and ACHIEVE MORE than what we think we’re capable of. We just need to challenge ourselves more, and push ourselves harder —to flex harder, and to attempt more —even though attempting more you might fail!

The point isn’t to fail —the point is to reach a new pinnacle, a new peak, a new level. But in attempting to level up, there are times you’re going to fail. This distinction is important because once again, failure isn’t the goal —it’s simply part of the process of becoming great, or greater than your past self.

Selfie Ricoh Boston flash

This means in life, don’t settle for mediocrity. Don’t settle for the status quo, or don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Attempt more unusual, strange or “foolish” ventures in your life — even though you might fail!

And of course, don’t set yourself up for failure. Don’t self-sabotage yourself, which often happens to some people who want to attempt great things, but are just a little afraid.

Attempt great things, take bigger risks, and remember —if you got your soul on the line, it doesn’t matter if you fail or succeed.

Steve Jobs espresso cup

Heroes are venerated for their bravery, courage, and honor — not whether they win the battle or not.

Life is a battle, and sometimes we will lose. But that’s fine. Just don’t become discouraged (losing courage). Put on your golden, adamantine stoic armor, and let’s go fearlessly into battle!

BE BRAZEN AND GO HARD!
ERIC

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