The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Growing A High-Performance Mindset

In 1954, 25 year-old British medical student, Roger Bannister, broke the four-minute mile. Up until that point, it was thought not possible that a human being could achieve such a feat. Within the year following this historic accomplishment, the four-minute mile threshold was broken sixteen more times.

What was the difference?

Human beings are a bi-product of their belief system. When we think something is impossible, our expectations drop, as does our performance. We are capable of dramatically improving our results by upgrading our belief system.

It’s been shown over and over again that just thinking continuously can cause your brain to release neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that allow it to communicate with parts of itself and your nervous system. Neurotransmitters control pretty much all of your body’s functions, from digestion to feeling happy, sad, or stressed etc..

Studies have shown that thoughts alone can improve vision, fitness, and strength. Expectancies and learned associations have been shown to change brain chemistry and circuitry which results in real physiological and cognitive outcomes, such as less fatigue, lower immune system reaction, elevated hormone levels, and reduced anxiety.

What does all that really mean to you right now?

What got “YOU” here more than likely will not get “YOU” there if you continue down Interstate Impossible. It is incumbent upon “YOU” to listen to the little voice in the back of your head imploring you to push forward when others say “you’re nuts”. Guess what? The great ones are often considered crazy. But here is the skinny….

In order for things to get better, you must be better. You will get “better” when you begin to believe that you are better. From basketball coaches to biologists, from philosophers to philanthropists and from mystics to medical professionals, they all acknowledge the raw power of thought in changing our performance.

Success has a price. Without some discomfort, sacrifice, stress, uncertainty and tension there is a sandwich (life) waiting for you filled with status quo, mediocrity and stagnation. “YOU” must risk the short-term, uncomfortable feeling connected with exploring new avenues (new set of beliefs) that will offer long-term gain and ultimate success. While getting dressed each day, be sure to grab your (emotional) bulletproof vest because “YOU” are going to take a few shots from people telling you that you are not “good enough” or “now is not the right time” or “try it again when everything is perfect.”

Roger Bannister did not know any better and he shocked the world because no one told him that he could not. In the interim, do yourself a favor and purchase a small hand-mirror that you can carry around with you.

When you begin to doubt your ability to be successful, take a hard look and remind yourself that you are capable. The magic happens on the other side when you continue to push forward. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it so stay focused, keep grinding and do not quit.

You can do it.