Taking the plunge: 5 career change lessons from ultra-extreme ice swimmer

Who is Ryan?

Ryan Stramrood is not your typical athlete. A self-proclaimed "average Joe," Ryan never considered himself a natural-born swimmer, let alone an ultra-extreme one. However, Ryan’s insatiable thirst for adventure and personal growth led him to push his limits and pursue some of the most challenging swimming feats in the world. Today, Ryan is a record-breaking ice swimmer, having completed several gruelling swims in sub-zero water temperatures, including a world-first Antarctica Ice Mile. His journey from ordinary to extraordinary is a testament to the power of grit, determination, and embracing the things we perceive to be impossible.

Mind over matter

Ryan’s experiences offer invaluable lessons on navigating personal and professional challenges, and how the power of the human mind can be the single biggest barrier to achieving our goals. Speaking to the Academy, Ryan explains: “the human mind is designed to keep you safe, which is a brilliant survival mechanism we’ve developed over millennia. But it also keeps you safe from emotional pain and failure – both of which you have to experience to learn and grow.”

It's possible to draw insight from Ryan’s experiences and apply it to our decisions around our professional lives and our career path. Within his experiences of overcoming adversity, there are some useful career change tips. 

Embarking on a job search and making a career change can provoke similar mental or emotional battles, such as facing the unknown, leaning into our fears, and the risk of failure. It’s how we deal with such challenges which guides us towards our goals and allows us to unlock our full potential and find fulfilment in a new challenge.

Lesson 1: Embrace uncertainty

Ultra-extreme by name, ultra-extreme by nature, Ryan’s swims are never without complications, most of which arise completely out of his control. Whether it’s unpredictable weather conditions, ocean currents, or wildlife, Ryan has had his fair share of uncertainty. However, Ryan explains that he has learned to embrace uncertainty as an integral part of the new challenge and as a way of managing change in life:

“Think about the goals you might set yourself,” he says. “Do you know how to reach that goal? If you do, then you’re not aiming high enough. Life is about setting goals you’re not certain you can achieve.”

Like Ryan, embrace uncertainty by:

• Acknowledging and accepting that uncertainty is a natural part of life and that it cannot be completely eliminated.
• Preparing as much as possible, but also being ready to adapt to changing circumstances and make last-minute decisions.
• Focusing on what you can control rather than what you can't, and developing a plan to manage potential risks and challenges.

By learning to embrace uncertainty, we can approach challenges with a sense of openness and curiosity rather than fear and hesitation. This can help us build resilience, develop new skills, and ultimately achieve our goals, skills that are essential when changing careers. Within every challenge there are growth opportunities and learning you can take with you. 

Lesson 2: Face fear

Whether it's a face-off with the cold, isolation, failure, or death, Ryan is no stranger to the feeling of fear. However, he has developed an extraordinary ability to manage these fears and use them as a source of motivation, courage, and resilience in both his swimming and personal life.

For example, in 2014, Ryan undertook his most dangerous challenge yet: a mile swim in the icy waters of Antarctica. A challenge not for the faint-hearted, and one which has since set the benchmarks for human endurance in cold-water swimming. When reflecting on the accomplishment, he says, “the body can only naturally perform in extreme cold water for around 5-10 minutes. It’s painful, but it’s also a mental game. Your mind will determine whether make it not.”

Ryan’s unique understanding of the psychological motivations of fear reveals that it is not an aversion to the feeling itself – but a conquering of it – that leads us to success. It is this emphasis on the role of fear in one’s personal growth that defines Ryan’s message: "The comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there."

Fear can play a significant role in the decisions we make on a day-to-day basis. It can be a valuable protective mechanism – but it may also limit us. When thinking about your goals:

• Acknowledge and accept your fear: it's essential to acknowledge and accept our fears rather than ignoring or denying them. By accepting fear, you can channel it into a positive force.
• Prepare and practice: this can help reduce fear and anxiety. By training, rehearsing, and accounting for different scenarios, you can increase your confidence and ability to face fear.
• Focus on the present moment rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on past failures. This helps you stay grounded and focused on the task at hand.
• Embrace discomfort: discomfort and pain are necessary for growth and progress. By embracing discomfort, you can push past your fears and accomplish what you set out to do.

In short, Ryan’s extreme swimming experiences have taught him that stepping out of your comfort zone and facing your fears is crucial in achieving greatness and unlocking your full potential. “What is so important to understand is that what seemed insurmountable to you at first, quickly becomes your new platform from where you set the next goal. And upwards we climb.”

Lesson 3: Build resilience

When asked how he maintains his unremitting resilience, Ryan explains that the mental barriers can often be more difficult to overcome than the physical ones. Whilst the body can perform for up to 15 minutes in water at a temperature of 5°C, the brain’s survival mode stops you from jumping in with two feet. When plunged into ice-cold water, the body and brain is flooded with pain, panic, and hyperventilation – all instincts your body unleashes to get you out of the water. It can be almost impossible to push past these survival mechanisms which are not only physical processes, but cognitive ones too.

The brain is hardwired to avoid these circumstances at all costs: but when you’re an ultra-extreme ice swimmer like Ryan, these environments become your workplace. Ryan explains that the brain starts searching for ‘silver platter excuses’, or reasons we use to bail out of difficult circumstances.

“It’s human nature to search for reasons beyond our control that excuse us from facing our toughest challenges. In difficult circumstances, we seek out opportunities to bail or fail. It’s about recognising them and pushing past these mental limitations.”

• Train for adversity: Ryan has built the resilience needed in extreme swimming through intense physical training that mimics the harsh conditions he faces during his swims. Think about your key challenges and train yourself to first deal with them in a comfortable environment. This will prepare you to be resilient in more challenging circumstances.
• Cultivate a positive mindset: develop a resilient mindset by embracing discomfort and staying positive in the face of adversity. Ryan believes that a positive attitude is crucial for overcoming complex challenges. Focus on the positive aspects of a situation, and practice gratitude and mindfulness to maintain a positive outlook.
• Break challenges down into manageable steps: by focusing on one step at a time, you can avoid becoming overwhelmed and maintain momentum towards your new career path.

Don’t give into your silver platter excuses: they might be the ultimate barrier to you need to overcome to achieve your ambitions.

Lesson 4: Never underestimate the power of teamwork

As a self-proclaimed ‘average Joe’, Ryan explains that his ultra-extreme feats are by no means single-handed accomplishments. On the contrary, each swimming adventure is carefully planned and prepared with the assistance of a team of support crew, coaches, and fellow swimmers.

When asked about his iciest swims in one of the coldest places on Earth – Antarctica – he says, ‘It is difficult to describe how frightening it is when you feel yourself physically shutting down.’ If it were not for his support crew cheering him on and keeping their eyes on him every stroke of the way, Ryan would not have made it. ‘I knew they would not let me sink,’ he says. ‘You put your whole life in their hands.’

Drawing on this experience, the importance of effective communication, delegation of tasks, and relying on others' expertise becomes clear. Such collaboration can also prove valuable when thinking about your changing career:

• Communicate clearly and regularly: When transitioning to a new career, effective communication with your colleagues, supervisors, and mentors is key. Regular check-ins ensure that you are on track and meeting expectations, and clear communication can help avoid misunderstandings and help avoid poor leadership. 
• Delegate tasks based on expertise: Whether it’s a question of the weather, navigating arctic landscapes or even a medical analysis of his own capabilities, Ryan emphasises the importance of learning from the experts. When moving away from your current career and entering a new field, it's essential to recognise your strengths and weaknesses. Delegate tasks that align with your strengths and seek advice from colleagues with expertise in areas where you may need it. This will help you be more efficient and support a healthy work life balance.
• Seek support from your team: Ryan credits his most challenging swims to the support and motivation of his inner circle. Similarly, surrounding yourself with a supportive group from those in the same field as you can make all the difference when navigating a career change. Seeking guidance and advice from your support system can motivate you and prevent you from feeling alone in your decision-making and ultimately improve job satisfaction.

Ryan is certainly not your average person, but his story serves as a testament to the power of teamwork and the potential for personal and professional growth that can be achieved by anyone. The key is to prioritise collaborating, which will lead to increased productivity, innovation, and success. This is just as valuable in the work environment as it is for cold water swimming. 

Lesson 5: Focus on purpose

In extreme environments, Ryan often gets asked how he maintains focus and sticks it out until the very end. What sets his swimming challenges apart is that they all have a clear purpose beyond personal achievement. He uses his swims to promote environmental conservation and raise awareness about the need to protect our oceans. He also works towards inspiring others to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.

To stay motivated, focused, and committed to his challenges, having a clear sense of purpose is vital. Knowing that his swims serve a greater cause beyond himself gives Ryan the drive to push through the physical and mental challenges he faces.

Finding and pursuing one's purpose can provide a similar sense of direction and fulfilment, leading to a fulfilling career. You don’t need to have a concrete plan; moreover, having an idea of your why can help guide your next step in your career and in life. Reflecting on your values, passions, and skills is important in identifying areas where you can make a positive impact. Here are three practical pieces of advice to help you find and pursue your purpose:

·       Begin by identifying small, achievable goals that align with your values and passions. Accomplishing these goals can give you a sense of fulfilment and inspire you to tackle bigger challenges.

·       Stay flexible. Your purpose may evolve over time, and that's okay. Stay open to new opportunities and experiences that align with your values and passions, even if they take you in a different direction than you originally planned.

·       Take action: Purpose without action is just an idea. Take concrete steps towards your goals, even if they are small at first. Each action you take can help build momentum and move you closer to realising your purpose and finding a new job that unlocks your passion. 

Taking the plunge

Although Ryan is a prime example of pushing the limits to reach your goals, you don’t need to go to physically extreme lengths to make a recognisable change in your life. What Ryan’s story does reveal, however, is the need to manage the inherent defence mechanisms that might prevent us from reaching new heights. Ryan leaves us with one key message: If we can unlock the potential of our mind – by embracing fear and uncertainty, leaning on our network, and finding resilience through purpose, we are all capable of pushing past our perception of the impossible and fulfilling our true potential.