Forging a Possible Mindset

"The possible mindset is the key that unlocks the door to human potential." - Colin O'Brady

Recently, a close friend of mine completed a 12-Hour. It was interesting to hear her feedback on the walk and what she learned on the journey. I thought of her walk while watching the replay of Eliud Kipchoge winning the Berlin Marathon yesterday. Both of these images reminded me of the possible mindset and how our limiting beliefs frequently stop us from achieving our goals. Kipchoge’s mantra and belief that “No Human Is Limited” is incredible. I fell asleep thinking about this and that was the seed that grew into today’s Mindset Monday.

In our lives, we all face challenges that seem insurmountable. While not all of us will climb Mount Everest (I did not make it to base camp, a story for another blog post), we each have our own "Everest" to conquer. In his book "The 12-Hour Walk," Colin O'Brady introduces us to a journey of self-discovery, using the 12-hour walk as a metaphor for our personal challenges and as a tool for forging what he terms the "Possible Mindset".

The 12-hour walk isn't just a test of physical stamina, but a testament to mental resilience. It requires you to walk continuously for 12 hours, pushing past the boundaries of exhaustion, doubt, and discomfort. As you traverse this journey, every step is a commitment, a refusal to give in to the urge to quit.

More than the physical journey, the 12-hour walk is an exploration of your mental and emotional landscapes. It reveals the obstacles you've placed in your own path and teaches you how to overcome them.

The 12-hour walk represents your personal Everest—the challenges and aspirations unique to you. For some, it might be a health goal, a financial goal, a career aspiration, and for others, overcoming personal traumas or challenges. The essence lies not in the nature of your Everest, but in the journey and mindset required to conquer it.

Awareness of Limiting Beliefs: Often, the most significant barriers are not physical but mental. Recognizing and acknowledging these barriers is the first step towards conquering them. The 12-hour walk forces us to confront these barriers head-on, making us acutely aware of their presence.

Embrace Discomfort: Growth never happens in comfort zones. The discomfort you experience during the walk—whether it's physical pain, mental exhaustion, or emotional upheaval—reflects the discomfort you'll face when climbing your Everest. Embracing it, rather than resisting, can transform discomfort into a powerful ally.

Visualize Success: Our brain often struggles to differentiate between reality and visualization. By vividly imagining yourself conquering your Everest you create a neural blueprint for success.

Seek Support: Just as O'Brady emphasizes the importance of community in his expeditions, remember that your journey need not be solitary. Sharing your goals, struggles, and victories with a support system can make the trek less daunting. That is what community is all about. Lean in and ask for help when needed. It is not a sign of weakness to seek support, but a sign of strength.

Commit to the Journey: It's easy to focus on the destination—the top of your Everest. However, the Possible Mindset is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Commit to every step, every challenge, and every lesson along the way.

As you navigate the ups and downs of life, remember that every challenge, every setback, and every victory is shaping your Possible Mindset. Your Everest, no matter how insurmountable it may seem, is conquerable.

"It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." - Sir Edmund Hillary

Today, I challenge you to confront your limiting beliefs. Write them down. Face them. Ask yourself: Are these beliefs based on fact or fear? Begin dismantling them, piece by piece. As you do, you'll not only get closer to your personal Everest but also unlock the potential within you. Remember, it's not about proving anything to others but to yourself. The Possible Mindset is about the consistent daily commitment to growth, challenge, and self-belief.

You can do it. I believe in you.