Our minds have a default setting when it comes to pain and discomfort. When push comes to shove, it doesn’t take much to turn us into babies. Very often, at the first signs of difficulty, our brains begin sending “Turn back” signals.

For example, when trying a new work-out or some activity that we’re unfamiliar with, quite often, we give up before we’re really at our physical “Go no further” point. Think of something simple like bench-pressing for example. It’s not uncommon for a first-time lifter to feel pumped out on very low weight, only to find a very rapid progression through heavier weights in successive work-outs.

What’s the logic behind this progression?

It takes a while to get to real gains through muscle-building. The difference is determination, and learning exactly what the signs of discomfort really mean. If you’re not used to jogging, you might feel a bit tired after the first 10 minutes of a run. That’s a long way off your real “tired” level though.

The process behind this is actually more psychological than physical. As human beings, we have a low cut-off switch when it comes to discomfort. This goes for emotional stress as well as physical. And the best way to learn to push through pain (in the context of a work-out or otherwise) is to uncouple the links we draw between “I feel uncomfortable” and “I can’t go on”.

It’s normal to feel a bit winded after the first 10 minutes of a run. It’s also normal to begin feeling a little pumped out when lifting weights, kicking the bag or doing pad-work. The key is to disrupt the idea that discomfort = your can’t go on point.

If you just continue through the discomfort, you’ll find you can train your brain to listen more accurately to the body, and to “give up” only when you’re really tired.

For example, if you’re used to only being able to run 20 minutes, force yourself to do 30 minutes. It doesn’t matter how slow you run. Just do it. If you can do 30 push-ups, make yourself do 35. The essence is simply to push the barriers of what your brain “thinks” is possible. You’ll find that often, once the initial barrier is broken, successive personal best performances get easier.

Eventually, you’ll find your body – not your mind – is holding you back. And that’s exactly what you want!