Right, I think you've said it quite well with the analogy of cold water, it puts you in a state where you're disconnected from what really matters and you try to come up with all sort of tricks to stay in that stage instead of knocking yourself out of it through admitting that this is all there is and you need to get it done and experience it right here, right now.
I think the modern world brings so much excuses for us to justify our lack of willpower with regards to our thoughts and emotions dictating the way we live our lives.