Confidence Classic: Conquer Your Mind and Redefine What’s Possible with Colin O’Brady
In this episode of Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan, explorer and author Colin O'Brady shares the concept of the "12-hour walk," which emerged from his experience crossing Antarctica. O'Brady explains how walking for 12 hours without technology or distractions can help people confront their limiting beliefs and adopt a growth mindset.
The conversation covers O'Brady's journey from burn victim to explorer, including his record-breaking achievements and the development of an app to help others undertake their own 12-hour walks. Through examples from thousands of participants, O'Brady and Monahan examine how this practice has led people to make significant life changes, from starting businesses to navigating major transitions.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Dec 16, 2025 episode of the Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan
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1-Page Summary
Colin O'Brady's Background and Achievements
Colin O'Brady has established himself as a world-renowned explorer, holding 10 world records including the first solo, unsupported crossing of Antarctica and the first human-powered ocean row across the Drake Passage. Beyond his physical achievements, O'Brady is also a New York Times bestselling author of "The Impossible First" and "The 12 Hour Walk." His journey from severe burn victim to record-breaking explorer has captured worldwide attention and made him a sought-after speaker on mindset and human potential.
Origin and Concept of the 12 Hour Walk
The 12-hour walk concept emerged from O'Brady's Antarctic expedition, where he walked 12 hours daily to complete his journey. During the COVID-19 lockdown, O'Brady found that recreating these long, unplugged walks along the Oregon coast helped restore his peace of mind. This experience inspired him to develop an app that enables others to undertake their own 12-hour walks while staying disconnected from technology. The practice emphasizes mindset over physical fitness, encouraging participants to walk in solitude without distractions like music or social media.
12-hour Walk to Overcome Limiting Beliefs
O'Brady and host Heather Monahan discuss how the 12-hour walk serves as a powerful tool for confronting limiting beliefs. O'Brady identifies common barriers people face, such as perceived lack of time, money, or fear of failure. Through his own experiences, including overcoming a devastating accident and switching careers, O'Brady demonstrates how the walk can help individuals challenge their self-imposed limitations and adopt a growth mindset.
Impact and Results of the 12 Hour Walk
According to O'Brady, thousands have completed the 12-hour walk, reporting significant mindset shifts that have led to life-changing decisions, from launching businesses to navigating major life transitions. With a goal of inspiring 10 million people to take the walk, O'Brady has created supporting materials including short videos and a website. He's also organizing a Global Participation Day on September 10th to encourage worldwide engagement in this transformative practice.
1-Page Summary
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Clarifications
- The first solo, unsupported crossing of Antarctica means traveling alone across the continent without any external help or resupplies. This journey involves extreme cold, unpredictable weather, and vast, remote terrain with crevasses and ice fields. The explorer must carry all supplies, including food and equipment, making the sled heavy and progress physically demanding. Success requires exceptional endurance, navigation skills, and mental resilience.
- The Drake Passage is a treacherous body of water between South America and Antarctica known for extreme weather and rough seas. A human-powered ocean row means crossing this passage solely by rowing, without motorized assistance or sails. This feat requires immense physical endurance, navigation skills, and teamwork to survive harsh conditions. It was the first time anyone completed this crossing using only human rowing power.
- Colin O'Brady suffered severe burns over a large portion of his body in a childhood accident, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. These injuries posed significant physical and psychological challenges, making his later endurance feats even more remarkable. His recovery and resilience demonstrate his extraordinary determination and mental strength. This background highlights the depth of his achievements beyond physical endurance alone.
- "The Impossible First" is Colin O'Brady's memoir detailing his journey to become the first person to solo, unsupportedly cross Antarctica, focusing on overcoming physical and mental challenges. "The 12 Hour Walk" is a guidebook inspired by his Antarctic experience, promoting long, uninterrupted walks as a method for mental clarity and personal growth. Both books emphasize mindset, resilience, and pushing beyond perceived limits. They combine personal stories with practical advice for readers seeking transformation.
- Walking 12 hours daily in Antarctica is extremely challenging due to harsh weather, freezing temperatures, and strong winds. The terrain is icy and uneven, increasing physical strain and risk of injury. Carrying all necessary supplies without external support adds significant weight and difficulty. This endurance feat requires exceptional physical and mental resilience.
- The app guides users through a 12-hour walk by providing structured prompts and timing without digital distractions. It encourages mindfulness and reflection, helping users focus inward rather than on external stimuli. The app may include features like silent timers, motivational messages, and progress tracking. Its purpose is to facilitate a deep, uninterrupted mental reset similar to O'Brady's original experience.
- "Mindset over physical fitness" means the walk focuses more on mental strength and attitude than on physical ability. It encourages participants to face challenges, stay present, and overcome internal doubts rather than just testing endurance or speed. The practice values solitude and mental clarity, helping people build resilience and self-awareness. Physical fitness is helpful but not required to benefit from the walk.
- Limiting beliefs are negative thoughts or assumptions that restrict a person's potential and actions. They often stem from past experiences, societal conditioning, or fear, causing self-doubt and hesitation. Examples include beliefs like "I'm not smart enough," "I don't deserve success," or "Change is too risky." Overcoming these helps individuals unlock growth and pursue goals confidently.
- A 12-hour walk creates extended solitude, allowing the mind to focus inward without external distractions. This uninterrupted time helps individuals confront and reflect on their fears and limiting beliefs. The physical challenge builds mental resilience, reinforcing confidence in overcoming obstacles. The practice encourages mindfulness, which can shift negative thought patterns toward a growth mindset.
- The term "thousands" indicates a large but not precisely quantified number of participants worldwide. Reported mindset shifts often include increased self-confidence, clarity in decision-making, and a stronger sense of resilience. These changes help individuals break free from fear and self-doubt, enabling personal growth and new opportunities. The walk's impact is amplified by community support and shared experiences through O'Brady's app and events.
- Global Participation Day is a coordinated event where people worldwide commit to completing the 12-hour walk simultaneously. Participants benefit by joining a collective experience that fosters motivation and a sense of community. The event often includes guided resources, social media sharing, and virtual meetups to enhance engagement. It aims to amplify the walk’s impact by uniting diverse individuals in a shared mindset challenge.
Counterarguments
- While Colin O'Brady's achievements are impressive, it's important to note that some explorers and experts have raised questions about the details and reporting of his Antarctic crossing, suggesting that the term "unsupported" might not fully apply to his journey.
- The concept of a 12-hour walk, while beneficial for some, may not be practical or safe for everyone, considering factors like physical ability, medical conditions, or unsafe walking environments.
- The emphasis on mindset and personal growth through the 12-hour walk may not acknowledge the complex interplay of socioeconomic factors that can also limit an individual's ability to make life-changing decisions.
- The claim that thousands have completed the 12-hour walk and reported significant mindset shifts could benefit from empirical research to substantiate the effectiveness of this practice for a wider population.
- The goal to inspire 10 million people to take the 12-hour walk is ambitious, but it may not account for the diverse interests and motivational factors that drive human behavior and personal development.
- The focus on disconnection from technology during the 12-hour walk may not recognize the potential benefits of technology in enhancing personal growth experiences for some individuals.
- Organizing a Global Participation Day is a positive initiative, but it may not reach or resonate with all demographics, particularly those who may not have access to the necessary resources or information.
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Colin O'brady's Background and Achievements
Colin O'Brady, a world-renowned explorer and multiple world record holder, has an impressive background that extends far beyond the limits of physical endurance into the realms of mindset expertise, authorship, and inspirational speaking.
Colin O'Brady: World Record Explorer, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Mindset Expert
Colin O'Brady has established himself as not only an elite athlete and pioneer in exploration but also as an influential speaker and entrepreneur. He is a 10-time world record-breaking explorer who has achieved a litany of historic feats.
Achievements: First Solo Unsupported Antarctic Crossing, Speed Records For Explorers Grand Slam and Seven Summits, First Human-Powered Drake Passage Ocean Row
O'Brady's accomplishments include the first solo, unsupported, and entirely human-powered crossing of Antarctica. During this feat, he traversed nearly 1000 miles pulling a 375-pound sled through the harsh conditions of the frozen continent. Besides this unparalleled achievement, he holds speed records for completing the Explorers Grand Slam and the Seven Summits, which require summiting the highest peak on each continent and reaching both the North and South Poles.
O'Brady also set a monumental record as the first person to realize a human-powered ocean row across the treacherous Drake Passage. He recounts completing this harrowing journey, successfully rowing the most dangerous ocean crossing in the world without the aid of motors or sails.
Colin's Expeditions, Followed by Millions, Featured In Major Media Outlets
The adventures and achievements of Colin O'Brady have captured the attention of millions worldwide, making him a subject of interest across various major media outlets. He has been invited to speak to influential audiences, including groups of billionaires, to share the insights and inspirations from his expeditions.
Author of Nyt Bestsellers "the Impossible First" & "the 12 Hour Walk"
In his capacity as an author, O'Brady has penned New York Times bestsellers "The Impossible First" and "The 12 Hour W ...
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Colin O'brady's Background and Achievements
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- The Explorers Grand Slam is a challenge that involves reaching the North Pole, the South Pole, and climbing the highest peak on each of the seven continents. It is considered one of the most demanding feats in exploration due to the extreme environments and physical endurance required. Completing it demonstrates exceptional skill, determination, and versatility in polar and mountain expeditions. This achievement is highly respected in the adventure and exploration community.
- The "Seven Summits" are the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Climbing all of them is considered a major mountaineering challenge and a symbol of global climbing achievement. The list includes peaks like Mount Everest in Asia and Aconcagua in South America. Completing the Seven Summits demonstrates exceptional skill, endurance, and determination in mountaineering.
- Crossing Antarctica solo and unsupported means traveling alone without any external help, supplies, or resupplies. The explorer faces extreme cold, fierce winds, and crevasse-filled terrain, making navigation and survival difficult. They must carry all food, fuel, and equipment on a sled, adding significant physical strain. The journey can last weeks or months, requiring exceptional endurance and self-reliance.
- The Drake Passage is a body of water between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica. It is known for its extremely rough seas, strong winds, and cold temperatures. These conditions make rowing across it highly dangerous and physically demanding. Few have attempted this human-powered crossing due to the severe weather and ocean currents.
- "Human-powered" means relying solely on physical effort from the explorer's own body, without engines, motors, sails, or external assistance. In ocean rowing, this means propelling the boat using only oars moved by the rower's muscles. This approach demands extreme endurance and skill, as the explorer must overcome natural elements without mechanical help. It highlights the purity and challenge of the journey, emphasizing human strength and determination.
- Pulling a 375-pound sled means carrying all necessary supplies like food, fuel, and equipment without external help. This adds immense physical strain, as the weight must be dragged over ice and snow in extreme cold and wind. It demonstrates true self-sufficiency and endurance in one of the harshest environments on Earth. This challenge significantly increases the difficulty and risk of the expedition.
- The term "personal Everest" is a metaphor for an individual's greatest challenge or goal. It draws from Mount Everest, the highest and most difficult mountain to climb, symbolizing a peak achievement. This concept encourages people to identify and strive toward their own significant obstacles or ambitions. It highlights personal growth through overcoming tough, meaningful challenges.
- The older gentleman's story about missed opportunities is a metaphor Colin O'Brady uses to illustrate the regret people feel when they avoid taking risks or pursuing their dreams. It emphasizes the importance of seizing moments and challenges before they pass. This story inspired O'Brady to view his own challenges as a "personal Everest," symbolizing a pea ...
Counterarguments
- While Colin O'Brady's achievements are indeed impressive, it's important to note that the narrative of individual triumph can sometimes overshadow the collective efforts and support systems that make such feats possible, including the roles of sponsors, logistical support teams, and local guides.
- The emphasis on setting and breaking world records can contribute to a competitive approach to exploration that may not always align with values of environmental stewardship and cultural sensitivity.
- The portrayal of O'Brady's achievements might contribute to a hero narrative that could set unrealistic expectations for others, potentially leading to dangerous attempts to replicate such feats without adequate preparation or understanding of the risks involved.
- The focus on extreme physical accomplishments and the mindset required to achieve them might inadvertently minimize the importance of other forms of achievement or imply that success is predominantly a result of individual willpower, rather than a combination of factors including opportunity, access to resources, and community support.
- The commercialization of exploration and adventure, as seen in speaking engagements and book deals, can raise questions about the authenticity of the pursuit of explor ...
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Origin and Concept of the 12 Hour Walk
The 12-hour walk, an unplugged and undistracted walking practice, was born from endurance athlete Colin O'Brady's solo crossing of Antarctica and has become a means for restoring peace and improving mindset and fitness.
Concept of 12-hour Walk Originated From Colin's Solo Antarctic Crossing, Walking 12 Hours Daily to Complete Journey
The concept of the 12 Hour Walk harks back to a critical period in athlete Colin O'Brady's life. The challenge found its roots in O'Brady's solo journey across Antarctica, during which he had planned to pull his sled for just 10 hours each day. However, to keep pace with a competitor, Captain Lewis Rudd, and to avoid running out of food, he pushed himself to walk 12 hours daily. This change in his routine was prompted by an encouraging satellite phone call from his wife, and it proved to be essential for his success.
Colin Found 12-hour Antarctica Walks During Lockdown Restored Peace, Inspiring Others
While facing the isolation of the COVID-19 lockdown, Colin O'Brady was reminded of the calming and invigorating effect his 12-hour daily walks had on him during his Antarctic expedition. Seeking to replicate the peaceful state of mind he achieved during those long walks, he decided to walk for 12 hours along the Oregon coast. This experience, devoid of any connection to the phone or modern technology, left him with a profound sense of peace and vitality, inspiring the formal concept of the 12-hour walk.
Colin found that the walks during lockdown not only resonated with his experiences in Antarctica but also helped him to deal with the challenging headspace brought on by the pandemic's restrictions.
12-hour Walk: Unplugged and Undistracted Walking Practice
With the intention of sharing this transformative practice, Colin O'Brady introduced an app specifically designed for the 12-hour walk. This app is notable for its feature that prevents walkers from getting lost even while keeping their phones on ...
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Origin and Concept of the 12 Hour Walk
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Counterarguments
- The 12-hour walk, while beneficial for some, may not be suitable for everyone due to physical limitations or health conditions that make walking for such an extended period unfeasible or unsafe.
- The concept of unplugged and undistracted walking is not new and has been practiced in various forms, such as mindfulness walking, long before the 12-hour walk was formalized by Colin O'Brady.
- The necessity of an app to facilitate the 12-hour walk could be seen as contradictory to the practice's emphasis on disconnection from technology, even if the app is designed to minimize distractions.
- The idea that the 12-hour walk is inclusive may not account for individuals who live in unsafe or inaccessible areas where walking for extended periods is not practical or possible.
- The focus on mental and spiritual growth through prolonged walking may not resonate with or be achievable by all individuals, as personal growth and reflection can be highly subjective and vary greatly from person to person.
- While the 12-hour walk is presented as a practice for mindset a ...
Actionables
- You can create a mini-challenge by walking for an extra hour each day to gradually build up to longer periods of walking, fostering endurance and mental resilience.
- Start by adding one hour to your usual walking or exercise routine, aiming to maintain this for a week before increasing the duration. This incremental approach can help you adapt physically and mentally to longer periods of solitude and reflection, similar to the benefits of the 12-hour walk but tailored to your current fitness level and schedule.
- Design a "tech-free trek" in your local area to experience the benefits of unplugged walking.
- Choose a safe route you can walk without the need for GPS or other technology. Leave your devices at home or switch them to airplane mode, and commit to completing the walk without any digital distractions. This can help you engage more deeply with your surroundings and thoughts, mirroring the peaceful state of mind that comes from technology-free walking.
- Engage in a "mindful mile" where you ...
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12-hour Walk to Overcome Limiting Beliefs
Colin O'Brady discusses the concept of a 12-hour walk as a method to confront and overcome the common limiting beliefs that prevent people from achieving their ambitious life goals.
12-hour Walk Mirrors Limiting Beliefs In Life
The challenge of undertaking a 12-hour walk brings to the surface several limiting beliefs that often mirror the obstacles people face in their everyday lives.
Limiting Beliefs Include Lack of Time, Money, Fear of Failure, and Discomfort As a Beginner
Colin O'Brady and host Heather Monahan discuss the various types of limiting beliefs such as "I'm not a fill in the blank," leading many to believe they aren't skilled or capable enough to pursue new ventures or challenges. Moreover, O'Brady notes ten common limiting beliefs that his book addresses through adventure stories, illustrating how he overcame challenges, including not having enough money, time, strength, or dealing with the fear of failure and the discomfort of starting as a beginner.
Walking Helps Overcome Self-Imposed Limits
Completing a 12-hour walk serves as a potent metaphor for overcoming limiting beliefs in other life aspects.
Building Confidence and a New Identity: The 12-hour Walk's Impact on Ambitious Life Goals
O'Brady points out that the actual act of walking for 12 hours can challenge and dispel these beliefs, building confidence and fostering a 'possible mindset.' Through this process, individuals begin to question their self-imposed limitations, leading to a powerful transformation in their confidence and goals.
Colin O'Brady reveals his own past experiences with limiting beliefs, like thinking he might never walk again after a devastating accident and his fear of criticism when leaving a secure job to pursue triathlons professionally. Despite never having rowed a boat before, he committed to rowing across the Drake Passage by telling himself, "I am not a rower yet," thus emb ...
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12-hour Walk to Overcome Limiting Beliefs
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Counterarguments
- While a 12-hour walk may help some individuals confront and overcome limiting beliefs, it may not be a universally effective method for everyone, as people have different physical abilities and psychological responses to such activities.
- The assumption that a 12-hour walk can mirror life's obstacles might oversimplify the complexity of the challenges people face in their lives, which can be influenced by a multitude of factors beyond personal beliefs.
- The idea that common limiting beliefs can be overcome through a single event or activity may not acknowledge the need for ongoing effort and support in personal development.
- The notion that walking for 12 hours can build confidence and foster a "possible mindset" might not take into account that some individuals could experience negative outcomes, such as physical exhaustion or injury, which could potentially reinforce limiting beliefs.
- The concept of self-care through dedicating time for a 12-hour walk may not be feasible for individuals with certain responsibilities or health conditions that prevent them from participating in such an activity.
- The idea of adopting a new identity (e.g., runner, writer) without being an expert first could be seen as romanticizing the beginner's experience and may not address the real challenges and dedication required ...
Actionables
- Create a "Limiting Belief Journal" to document and confront personal barriers daily. Start by writing down one limiting belief each morning, then actively seek out small daily actions that challenge this belief. For example, if you believe you're not a good public speaker, commit to speaking up at least once in every meeting or social gathering.
- Develop a "12-Hour Challenge" unrelated to walking that fits your interests or lifestyle. If walking isn't your thing, choose an activity that you feel reflects your personal challenges, like a 12-hour readathon, coding marathon, or day of silence. The key is to immerse yourself in an activity that pushes your boundaries and forces you to deal with your limiting beliefs in a new context.
- Implement a "Role-Play Experiment" where you act as if you've a ...
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Impact and Results of the 12 Hour Walk
Thousands Completed 12-hour Walk, Reporting Profound Mindset Shifts and Dream Pursuit
Colin O'Brady and Heather Monahan discuss the transformative effect of the 12-hour walk, where numerous participants have reported significant shifts in their mindset after completing it. The walk has enabled people to launch businesses, navigate personal transitions, and drive other substantial changes in their lives. O'Brady touches upon the impact of the walk by connecting it to his own personal journey, wherein he followed his passions and intuition, which led to professional successes, including setting world records and authorship. Participants from various stages in their lives, facing crucial decisions about family or career, have found that after completing the walk, they returned with an improved life, feeling more connected to themselves, and empowered to effect significant transformations such as starting a new business.
Colin's Goal: Inspire 10 Million People to Take the 12-hour Walk, Unlocking Human Potential On a Massive Scale
O'Brady shares his ambitious goal to inspire 10 million people to partake in the 12-hour walk, with the intent of unlocking vast human potential. Coupled with the book, O’Brady has crafted short videos for each chapter to support the reader's journey. He envisions the walk not simply as an individual endeavor but as a global movement capable of inducing major life transformations. The 12-hour walk is designed to encourage individuals to invest a single day towards catalyzing a profound shift in their life trajectory.
12 ...
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Impact and Results of the 12 Hour Walk
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Counterarguments
- The reported mindset shifts may be subject to confirmation bias, as individuals who choose to participate in the 12-hour walk may already be predisposed to seeking and perceiving positive changes.
- The causality between the 12-hour walk and the successful life changes reported by participants could be questioned; correlation does not necessarily imply causation.
- The scalability of inspiring 10 million people to participate in the 12-hour walk may be overly ambitious and not account for logistical, cultural, or personal barriers that could limit participation.
- The effectiveness of the 12-hour walk may vary widely among individuals, and it may not be a suitable or effective method for everyone to achieve personal or professional growth.
- The focus on a single day's activity as a catalyst for profound life change may oversimplify the complex process of personal transformation, which often requires sustained effort over time.
- The commercial aspects of the movement, such as the sale of a book and associated materials, may raise questions about the primary motivations behind promoting the 12-hour walk.
- The concept of a Global Participation Day, while aiming for incl ...
Actionables
- You can start a personal reflection journal to document your thoughts and feelings before, during, and after a transformative experience like a long walk. Write down your expectations, the challenges you face, and the insights you gain. This can help you process the experience and apply the lessons learned to your life decisions.
- Create a "mindset shift" playlist with music and podcasts that inspire and motivate you. Listen to this during long walks or other moments of introspection to facilitate a mental shift towards positive change. The content should be chosen to reflect themes of personal growth, overcoming challenges, and stories of transformation.
- Develop a mi ...
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