Do you know your limits? Chances are you think you have a pretty good idea of your capabilities.

For example, if you’re into running, you probably have a fair idea of how fast you can run a mile. 

You might define that number as being your limit, and if asked, you’re probably going to answer with that number. 

But is that your limit?

The truth is, you don’t know your limits until you’ve pushed them. 

That time for running a mile might not be a limit so much as what you can run reasonably comfortably with only a little bit of pushing.

But in an emergency, you’d probably discover that you can run much faster than that.

When it comes to goal setting, you likewise define limits for yourself.

But are they your limits?

And how do you know if they are? 

The time has come to test them. 

Passion knows no bounds.

When you’re excited about something, you should automatically be trying to see how far you can take it.

Testing your limits then starts first with measuring your excitement level. 

The desire to throw yourself into a project means you’re already testing your limits in it.

Break it down. 

When you want to explore your passion but feel limited, then break down the steps needed to go further, concentrating only on the next step.

Why does this work? 

In the example involving running, say you run an 11-minute mile, but want to run an 8-minute mile.

If you try to push yourself that hard, that fast, you’re only going to hurt yourself. 

Instead, look only at the next goal, which might be 10 minutes and 45 seconds.

When you’ve attained that goal, you go for the next one, and so on, pushing your limits in small increments. 

Push daily. 

Take these small changes where you’re pushing yourself and make a point to do them daily.

This regularity gives incremental growth over time until it becomes a habit to push yourself that little bit each day. 

Always seek the next challenge. 

Once you’ve reached a goal, don’t assume that you’re at the end of the process.

Any mountain climber will tell you that reaching the summit is fantastic, but there’s always another peak to conquer. 

What is the next summit that you can tackle?

Keep looking ahead. Imagine a life of constant growth and no actual limits at all.

Testing your limits is an integral part of reaching your full potential. 

By continually pushing, you will continue to prove to yourself, and the world around you, your capabilities.

You’ll be amazed at what you learn in the process!

Many times, to achieve your goals, you will need to push beyond your limits.

You might know what I am referring to, but let me present a scenario for you.

Have you ever looked at a dream and thought to yourself that it was too far out of reach?

You probably thought it was too hard to get there. 

Maybe you felt like you didn’t have the resources, either physical or mental, to be up to the challenge.

Or it could be the task was just too big and too daunting even to consider.

What if those impossible dreams were not so impossible, after all?

There is nothing so challenging or so satisfying as pushing past your limitations to achieve your goals.

Believe it or not, it’s not as hard as you think.

Change your way of thinking. 

You’re never going to succeed if you’ve already decided that you’re going to fail.

Tell yourself that you can accomplish this dream.

Find proof of that.

Are there others who have achieved this goal?

Make those people your role models.

Find a mentor. 

Trying to go it alone always makes things harder.

By finding someone who can act as an encourager, you’ll double your chances of success.

But a mentor is more than just a cheerleader.

They’re there to give advice, and at times, kick your butt when you want to quit. 

Use creative visualisation. 

See the success in your mind.

Quite often, just taking the time to hold that thought will help you to see that your goal is not only possible but also how to get there.

Visualisation is a lot more powerful than you think.

Create a game plan. 

It’s impossible to get anywhere without a solid plan in mind.

Look critically at your goal. What are the steps that you need to take to get there?

How can you break those steps down into even smaller daily tasks? 

Schedule milestones and then set yourself in motion. 

Keep in mind that you might not have everything you need to achieve your goal yet.

If you lack in any way, what do you need to add to that game plan?

Make room for continuing education if you need to, and then add that onto your schedule as well.

Take a leap of faith. 

Push yourself to do the things that are bigger than you think you’re capable of achieving.

You’re guaranteed to fail if you never try. 

When you have the rest of your tools in place, then it’s time to throw yourself out there and see what happens. 

You’ll never know what you’re capable of if you stay in the same old rut doing the same old things.

You’re meant to realise dreams. 

Pushing yourself to the limits to see your capabilities is one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.

Sure it’s hard work, but by getting out there and trying, you might surprise yourself.

Related Articles:

How To Build Resilience, Your Competitive Advantage

Make Creativity Your Superpower

Build the Courage to Achieve Anything