The Olympics, which ended on Sunday, were a good reminder that elite athletes routinely perform extreme feats that most of us consider impossible.
Sure, their training schedules are intense. But researchers have found that mental state is just as important as physical ability and discipline to extreme athletes.
Think about it: today’s runners can beat a four-minute mile, a goal that seemed outrageous to athletes in the 1950s. The human body hasn’t changed in meaningful ways since that time. The difference is modern runners’ ability to believe.
The bottom line is that if you can envision yourself performing the impossible, the odds that you will succeed grow exponentially.
Ready to go after a goal that’s truly spectacular? Look for the encouragement you need in our Instaread on The Rise of Superman.
