How can we cross an imaginary borderline and be in shape anytime? It's essential to continuously challenge oneself beyond what seems workable. Yet, this doesn't mean suppressing the inner voice that claims it's impossible to advance. Instead, one must be aware enough to recognize when exhaustion sets in. That's precisely what enables building mental and physical strength. They're needed to exceed one's limits and embrace fatigue. For instance, Bosh, a famous basketball player, realized that he had to exercise beyond the brink of exhaustion to succeed.

What are the results of such determination and training? Imagine the NBA Finals, Heat versus Spurs, the last seconds. LeBron James scored a three-point shot. The ball bounced off the rim, surrounded by Spurs players. But Bosh leapt up, snatched the ball, and instantly passed it to Ray Allen. Allen, in turn, stepped behind the three-point line and made the shot. And even five Spurs players didn't stop him.

Despite the pressure of over 80 games in that season, millions of viewers, and 20,000 screaming fans, the play appeared smooth. Bosh executed the pass right away and without a doubt. All that is thanks to years of training. He learned to surpass his perceived limits of physical and mental exhaustion.

Years of running self-immolated drills across the court had taught his lungs and muscles to locate a boost and oxygen. Even when they burned and screamed. Ultramarathon runner and ex-Navy SEAL David Goggins states that if one thinks they're running on empty, they still have 40% left in the tank. Yet, it's true that training in this manner is arduous. Nonetheless, pushing yourself to the limit can reveal your blessing in life. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld thinks it's something like torture with which you almost feel comfortable.

Besides, cultivating endurance when faced with fatigue is just one element. Sustaining this power throughout the profession requires a profound drive. That's the subject of the following page.