It's human nature to define limits. We are setting the bar constantly by setting records, graduating, and achieving goals set out by both us and society. We are constantly looking up to people at the level we want to be. Our favorite athletes, entrepreneurs, actors, mentors, and professors show us lives that are admirable. We strive to be them. We work hard, we follow their advice, we wear the clothes they wear, go to the restaurants they eat at, live where they want to live, and drive what they drive. We try to mimic them because we think that's how they got where they are because of what they do.
Don't be a mime. The people you look up to in your life, those who are successful, do not bind themselves by limits. They do not hope to be someone else, or to do something someone else does. Their goal is not to define limits or accept world records as "the best." They do not see themselves as perfection. Michael Jordan did not win six championships thinking that winning one made him the best player in the world. Michael Phelps did not stop at 1 gold medal. They make trophy cases for those out there willing to do 11 instead of 10. These people strive for innovation, they are the reason The Guinness Book of World Records can honor you with new bathroom material every year. These are the people who are looking to the stars while you're staring at the sky.
Uncomfortable vs. Exhausted
You didn't want to go to the gym today. You didn't want to study 3 hours for that exam. You didn't want to go to that second practice in your two-a-day regimen. You didn't want to write that extra paragraph of your novel. You didn't want stay late at work today to finish your work, but you did and it sucked.
It was uncomfortable. There are so many easier things you could do in life like sleep in, play video games, or go out with friends. You want to be successful however, so you did go to the gym, and maybe you even studied for 3 hours. Maybe it was boring and wasn't exactly what you wanted to be doing at that exact moment. So you lay in bed tired and realize you have to do it again tomorrow, you have to be uncomfortable.
Being uncomfortable is ineffective. Your potential calls for exhaustion. Somewhere out there someone goes to the gym 7 days a week, while you're only going 3. Someone out there is studying 4 hours for that exam. Someone is doing three-a-days. These people are hungry. They want what you want, they know exactly what you know. The difference between you and them is that they're not afraid to be exhausted. They're not afraid to push themselves past their maximum effort. These are the people who can dunk while you're touching the rim, they're the people who can run a 10k while you're dying at 5.
Being uncomfortable isn't enough. It is those people willing to work themselves to exhaustion that will achieve their dreams. While you're sitting there in bed, trying to fall asleep, wondering why you're putting yourself through all this discomfort to reach your goals, the best of the best aren't having any trouble falling asleep. They can't even keep their eyes open because they chose to crush their limits.
Talent vs. Skill
If you never push yourself beyond your limits, you'll never develop skill. Talent can only carry you so far. You might be the best in your field and not have to work very hard. They can even give you a plaque, a trophy, or some other arbitrary award for being the best. It doesn't matter. You may be able to do what no one can right now, but I assure you, those who are willing to develop skill to compliment their talent are viciously clawing their way up the ladder to put you in second place.
Relying on talent is lazy, ignorant, and an all around bad strategy. Your talent is the base, it's the foundation of everything you'll become. Skill manifests luck, and luck is the very moment when opportunity meets preparation. You were born with talent, skill is earned. Talent is the brick, but you must provide the mortar. What good is a wall of bricks if nothing can hold them together?
Ego vs. Mind
Your ego is your only true enemy. Your ego is that voice in your head that tells you to sleep an extra hour instead of starting your morning workout. It's the asshole who says it's fine to eat some ice cream because you've been eating healthy all week. Your ego tells you what you deserve and what you don't. It tells you what you can and cannot do. It's constricting and enslaving. Don't let it control your decisions.
Your mind is limitless. Use it. The next time you want to stop running after a mile, tell yourself you won't stop until you hit 2. Next time you want to quit studying after 3 hours, tell yourself you won't stop until 4. When you feel like you're getting to your rep limit, tell yourself to do one more. This is using your mind to control your ego. Unfortunately, that voice telling you to stop after you do one more, that voice that wants you to do 11 instead of 10, that voice telling you to practice an hour longer before you quit is still your ego.
Here's the key. By forcing your ego to tell you when to stop, you can set unlimited boundaries. After you do that second mile, repeat the process. Tell yourself again you're not going to stop until you get 3, and then say it again to get 4.
When you master this, you will truly bring yourself to the breaking point. You'll always be able to shatter your limits. Your goals will only become stepping stones to a greater enlightenment of success. It's not about doing 11. It's about doing 11 then 12 then 13. Soon you find yourself doing over 20 reps, and it all began with refusing to quit at 10. When you use your mind to master your ego, you will surpass your expectations. This attitude is what forges potential into success. This is the method that creates pain necessary for progression, pain that will fuel your journey to greatness.
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