To this day, I believe the most incredible speech ever given by a human being is McRaven's inspiring commencement speech at the University of Texas: "If You Want to Change the World, Start by Making Your Bed." That has become my favorite pep talk to rewatch - even though I still struggle with making my bed on a daily basis. Recently, I had the opportunity to read an interview with McRaven and others, and once again, I was stunned. When training the future SEALS, McRaven said something to the effect that his job was not to teach them things they didn't know how to do. These guys are the best of the best when it came to physical conditioning and athleticism. His job was to push them beyond that forty percent.
What does that mean? Well, earlier in the interview, McRaven said that when we, as humans reach the point of exhaustion, we still have only used about sixty percent of our capacity. That means, we have forty percent left. Forty percent! That's a lot, when you really think about it! So, what is it that holds us back from pushing harder? What is it that keeps us from accessing that power that we have in our own reserve tank? How do we learn to push beyond to achieve that result we so desire?
I have thought a lot about this over the years. I have watched individuals and teams achieve what many had said was impossible. I have seen people shut down incredible odds to realize their dreams. What is it, exactly, that enables them to do that? I believe it is that same thing that sets the SEALS apart in their training as elites: They manage to push beyond into that extra forty percent.
In my own experience and observation, and in listening to those who have coached and achieved the impossible, here is what I have learned:
1. "Any team can win on any given day" (Terry Bradshaw). It all comes down to gumption. How badly do you want this? How far are you willing to push yourself to get it? My mother used to say all the time, "Is this a mountain you want to die on?" Same thing. How important is it? Your mind is king when it comes to pushing your physical limits. Many think it is the condition of the body. It is, to a degree. But even more powerful is the will of your mind. It is profound. In short, passion is just about everything.
2. "Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment" (Jim Rohn). My dad called this work ethic. Achieving the impossible requires discipline. Discipline requires denying yourself things that you want now for the ultimate goal you dream to achieve then. I have been very hard on my kids when it comes to this one. Maybe your parents have, too. You can play later. Work and chores first. It's a lesson I started learning very young. My own father lived in poverty in South Dakota. His home didn't even have actual flooring - it was dirt. They lost their farm once, and had to work hard to get it back. He had to set out on his own at thirteen because he didn't want to be a farmer like his father. He lived at a boarding house, trading a place to live for cooking breakfast, cleaning, and other chores. He worked three jobs in high school, and went ROTC to pay for university. After serving his country in the Korean War and landing a job with a huge retailing company, he promised loyalty as an executive with that company in exchange for them financing his Masters at NYU. He was a self-made millionaire. When dad told us to finish our work, we didn't challenge him!
3. "I like criticism. It makes you strong" (LeBron James). Another thing that separates the wildly
successful from the moderately successful is their ability to take and apply criticism. If I may be perfectly candid, our society has, in SO many ways, gone soft. We have spent so much time focused on making everyone feel good about themselves, we have lost that art of offering and seeking constructive criticism. If you cannot take criticism, you cannot grow. You cannot develop. You cannot challenge yourself to push harder.
4. "Have patience. Everything is difficult before it is easy" (Saadi). Sometimes, the fastest way to something is far from the best way. I have found in my life that anything that is worth having requires both hard work AND patience. You may hear a thousand no's, but all you need is that one yes! Instead of hearing no, hear "Not Now." Waiting is SO hard....but anyone who has had to endure waiting knows it takes a lot of energy. Patience is the art of enduring the wait and keeping the upbeat, will do (not can do) attitude.
5. "Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail" (Ralph Waldo
Emerson). Closely related to patience (I call it patience's twin) is persistence. You must have the endurance to persevere. At the risk of using a corny runner's metaphor, Life is a marathon, not a sprint. To those with big dreams, it is a race. You need to tackle it as such. Looking forward to what lies ahead is much more productive than looking back. Use the hard lessons, pain and hurt to propel you forward. You'll be a better person with a stronger character and lots of wisdom that way when you do reach your summit!
In all of this, be kind. Accept the help and support of others, and when you have achieved, offer what you have learned to those who are in the midst of the storms of struggle. Inspire others! And always, above all things, be grateful. Nobody reaches beyond that forty percent without someone shouting encouragement and urging them on along the sidelines.
I hope this is helpful in some small way. At the very least, maybe it will give you something to think about as you assess your goals and dreams, your gifts and talents, and your willingness to push beyond that forty percent.
Attached, are two articles about pushing beyond limits, and, of course, the infamous McRaven speech. What stands out to you? What is your secret formula for success and pushing beyond your limits? Teachers who read this blog: here is your chance to also share your wisdom with scholars!
Article #1:
https://hbr.org/2012/07/how-hard-are-you-willing-to-pu.html
Article #2:
http://dereklauber.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-summiting-everest-running-inventing-light-bulbs/
McRaven's Speech -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70
