A Can of Progress

We’ve all done it, we’re all guilty. We don’t even try this, that, or the next, because we are convinced we cannot possibly do whatever it is, we don’t have the speed, strength, endurance, agility, flexibility, balance, or whatever it is that is required. We experience fear: of injury, of ridicule, or of failure.

Somehow, someone convinces or goads us into trying and, lo and behold, we discover, completely to our surprise and amazement, that we actually can do the thing in question. “I did it,” is the typical exhilarated comment.

The thing of beauty is that, once performed, the skill in question is no longer an impossibility in our mind. Rather, the ability very rapidly becomes a given, an automatic yes. We grow, from not being able to visualize ourselves doing something to being adept at seeing ourselves performing the same thing. We become more aware of the details involved, gain peripheral vision, refine the movement, and even become able to demonstrate a bit of embellishment and flourish. We start to dream of doing even more. What held us back the most was the single thought, “I can’t.” Progress, apparently, comes in cans.

Apparently, we set limitations upon ourselves that simply do not exist. We surprise ourselves that we can. Granted, some of the hesitation to push limits may be considered as intelligent, self-preservation, and good common safety sense. But I’m not talking about jumping the Grand Canyon. I’m simply talking about a willingness, an eagerness, to take the next step, and the next, and the next. Achievements are exhilarating, and every form of growth and improvement is an achievement.

I encourage you to push the limits, safely, but nevertheless push against the edges of your performance abilities.

You may just find that you have more in you than you thought you did, that your capabilities can expand. Expect the best. Be like The Little Engine That Could.

Soon enough, that mantra will change to:
“I know I can, I know I can, I know I can.”

Quick Pose at Health & Fitness Week