Destroy That Mental Barrier

Have you heard of Roger Banister? He was the first athlete to run the mile in less than four minutes. In doing so, he not only broke the four minutes barrier, but also taught us all a valuable lesson. Back in the1950's, the world record was 4:mins 1.4 seconds held by one Swedish guy Ginder Haegg. The record stood for several years since it was set in 1945. Athletes, experts and even doctors argued that the human body was biologically incapable of running the mile in less than four minutes. Then came Roger Bannister on May 6 1954 doing the impossible, he broke the 4 minute barrier when he completed a race in 3 minutes 59.4 seonds. His rival, Charles Landy had thrice run the mile in less than 4 mins 2 sec without breaking the 4 minutes mark. The four minutes barrier was like a wall, Landy had once said, but guess what? just 56 days after Bannister broke that "wall", Landy ran the mile in 3 mins 57.9 seconds. In 1957, 16 athletes around the world ran the mile in under 4 minutes. THE 4 MINUTE MENTAL BARRIER WAS TRULY SHATTERED.

What really happened? Did coaches get smarter and teach the athlete new technique? Did running shoes get more sophisticated? Did the body suddenly get stronger? NO. The 4 minute barrier it turned out was not a physiological one - just a mental one! As Rogger Bannister explained later, it seemed illogical that you could run a mile in 4 minutes and a bit, but not break the 4 minutes. His mind refused to accept that barrier, that made the difference. 

Bannister breaking a mental barrier

Once that mental barrier was broken by Bannister, every one believed it could be done! and once the belief changed, the rest was easy. It is important to understand that our achievement in life are limited not by what we can do, but by what we think we can do. More than ability, it is our attitude that makes the difference. As Henry Ford said " if you think you can, or you think you can't, you are a right". You will probably find your mind constantly grappling with two competing thoughts, I can't! and I can! How do you ensure the "I can" wins. Simple, feed it and consciously make it grow stronger. While you are at it, starve the "I can't" and ensure it grows smaller and weaker. You won't always find a Bannister to break the mental barrier in your life. You need to do it yourself. Once you start feeding the "I can"thought, you will achieve more than you ever thought was possible.

Wish you a great week!