Can you really “Just Do It?”?

Developing mental fortitude and a growth mindset

It’s a well-known fact that until Roger Bannister broke the four-minute barrier in the mile run in 1954, it was widely considered to be an impossible feat. Many experts thought it was impossible for a person to run a mile in less than four minutes. However, Bannister proved them all wrong when he ran the distance in 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds.

This incredible accomplishment not only made Bannister a sports legend, but it also changed the way people thought about what was possible. Suddenly, runners all over the world began to believe that they too could break the four-minute barrier. And sure enough, within a year of Bannister’s achievement, 37 other runners had run a mile in under four minutes.

This story is a powerful reminder of how our beliefs and mindset can shape our reality. Just like how running a four-minute mile was considered impossible before Roger Bannister, there may be things in your life that you believe to be impossible. But just like Bannister’s achievement, it’s important to remember that what we believe to be impossible today might just be possible tomorrow.

Our thoughts and beliefs shape the way we see the world, and they can either hold us back or propel us forward. If we think we can reach our goals, we will go after them with confidence and determination. On the other hand, if we believe that we are limited by our abilities or circumstances, we will likely give up before we even begin.

Research in the field of psychology, especially in “positive psychology,” backs up this idea. Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology, says that “positive emotions broaden the scope of attention and thought-action repertoires, which in turn build psychological, intellectual, and social resources.” In other words, when we have a positive attitude, we can see more opportunities and are better equipped to act and achieve our goals.

This also means that what you think is reflected in your actions and outcomes. So, your mindset and attitude are not just a mere internal feeling; they are a reflection of what you are doing and what you will get.

Carol Dweck’s book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, explains how a growth mindset, which is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work and perseverance, can lead to greater success than a fixed mindset, which is the belief that abilities and intelligence are fixed and cannot be changed.

In order to achieve our goals, it is important to adopt a positive attitude and a growth mindset. Here are a few key actions you can take to develop these attitudes:

1. Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the things that you are grateful for. This will help shift your focus from what is lacking in your life to what is abundant.
2. Challenge negative thoughts: When negative thoughts arise, take a moment to question them. Are they really true? Is there any evidence to support them?
3. Surround yourself with positive people: Spend time with people who have a positive attitude and who will support and encourage you in your goals.
4. Take action towards your goals. Even small steps can help you build momentum and achieve your goals.

So whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. Your attitude and mindset play a crucial role in determining your success. By adopting a positive attitude and a growth mindset and acting towards your goals, you can achieve the success that you desire.

Remember, if you don’t believe in yourself, who will? Just don’t let your confidence turn into arrogance because, as they say, “to think you can do it is one thing, but to know you can do it is another.”