It is super easy
When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
In my experience, the tough goes nowhere, but the journey strengthens us to get through it.
The most difficult part of this process is continuing to push our limits even on the days, we run out of our energy reserves (which is most days).
Here is a simple hack to tap your limits: A simple Q&A with yourself will work like a charm.
Let me illustrate it with an example from my workout session today.
Today is leg day. As we start the workout, I have fears of all possible post-workout aches and pains.
I remembered this quote: “A man who fears suffering is already suffering from what he fears.” I stepped forward, determined to face any distress.
My trainer says we will do three sets in each circuit of four workouts.
The first circuit is often the hardest. It is when the body takes on a lot. Muscles tear and contract during this stage. The next ones feel better as the body has acclimatized to the pain.
The last set of the first circuit is always the worst. Unsurprisingly, my legs begin to shake, and my ears start to feel deafening. Looking at the barbell gives me all the rush but in a scary way.
My task at hand is now to lift that 155 lbs. bar. First, I have to contract my upper back. Then, I press my heels firmly to the ground. Lifting the weight, take a step back, focus on my quads and squat fifteen times. How hard can that be?
When I lift that kind of weight, all I resist thinking about is losing my balance and crashing into the mirror in front of me.
Today was no different. I did what I usually do to get through this hell of a session.
I glance at my personal trainer, the national champion, standing across from me. I then look at my husband beside me, who can effortlessly lift more than double that weight. Now, I stare at my reflection, questioning my eyes. “Who is the strongest one here?” The inner voice whispers, “It is You.”
End of the circuit.
What happened now was not some random pep talk but the truth.
After all the extreme challenges my body went through during the two childbirths, I worked my way up to belong here with the best people, showing my worth. No wonder I am the toughest one!
My feat is not to undermine the men but to not use being a woman as an excuse to build the body I deserve.
My Q&A with myself reminded me who I am, and that is all I needed to know to do more than what I deemed impossible.
Try this out for yourself today and let me know how it felt in the “comments” section.
My wish for you today is to go the extra mile to test your limits. Once you do, push it one step further. Trust me, the aftereffect is super amazing.
© Tamil, 2025.
This story was originally published in my weekly newsletter: Magicbytes.
Here is a couple of articles I enjoyed with my morning coffee today:
A beautiful poem by Libby Shively McAvoy inviting us to join her in the dance:
An article from George Kathele about stressing us to find joy in simple things:
A special shout out to all the DEP editors for being so passionate about uplifting the writers. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Gabriella Korosi, DR Rawson – The Possibilist, B.R. Shenoy, Dr. Preeti Singh, Annelise Lords, LC Lynch, Buddhi Ruparathna, Warren Brown, and Gabriela Trofin-Tatár.
✍ — Edited and Published by Dr. Gabriella Korosi, at Dancing Elephants Press. Click here for submission guidelines.
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