Most People Don't Realize What They Are Capable Of

Over the years I have seen some people do some pretty amazing things that were at one time considered impossible. Examples are weight loss over 150 pounds resulting in running over 150 marathons in less than 3:30. Lance Armstrong (even if he was doping). Soldiers with one leg blown off qualifying and running the Boston Marathon with a prosthetic. After witnessing feats like that, I look at myself and shake my head in self pity...Then realize if others can do it, you can if you decide to do so.

A few years ago I was asked by an elderly gentleman if he thought it was possible to ride STP in one day. My reply was my opinion had little to do with it. His did.

Adaptability: Our bodies have a built in adaptability. Our bodies can tolerate changes in pressure, temperature, humidity without having to change a dial. Our bodies adapt to the pressures applied to it. For that reason, someone can change and adapt from sitting on the couch eating Cheetos to racing an event. Or, in 20 weeks, go from average fitness to complete an Ironman event. What??? Even better yet, it can convert those Cheetos into energy to propel us forward. That is amazing.

Healing: Our bodies also have an amazing ability to heal from stress, trauma, poor posture, and gravity. Broken bones heal stronger than they were before they were broken. Achilles tears can mend and heal resulting in the restoration of the ability to run. I know a few old guys near 80 that can hang with those 40 years younger. Close examination of them reveals surgical scars from past open heart surgeries. Who would think that would ever happen? It may hurt, and it may take a while, but it is possible.

Will Power: To our advantage and disadvantage, one of our most powerful assets in a made up mind. Some minds are made up to lay low..stay on that couch..never take a risk...play it safe. Some minds dream up what seems to be impossible, persist with diligence following their dreams, and make reality come true. When the chips are down and the event is stacked up against their favor, they make up their minds and just do it.

I got schooled by a 3 year old learning how to ride a bike without training wheels. After a few crashes, I decided to wait a few years. Looking at skinned up knees and hearing piercing screams, it was not yet time. What I heard was “I am going to ride this thing today”. That resulted in me taking a Youtube lesson on teaching a child how to ride a bike. The result was success and great fun for all!

So, you can do it too. What may have happened in your past or present has little to do with your future. You may be dealt a hand that is difficult to play, but there will be one opportunity after another to press forward to accomplish your dreams and vision.

All it takes is discipline, diligence, persistence, endurance, a great attitude, the ability to suck up pain and uncomfortableness like it were nothing.