How to Expand Your Limits: Learning from Those Who Go Farther

Recognizing Your Limits

Back in 2012, I signed up for my first 5K race. Now, having played college football, the farthest distance in my head was always a 100-yard dash. So the idea of running 3.1 miles seemed like an insurmountable task. I remember being so nervous the night before the race. I stayed up reading strategies, trying to mentally prepare for something that seemed so far beyond what I was used to.

But once I finished that 5K, something shifted inside me. I started connecting with the endurance community and realized just how short-sighted I had been in so many areas of my life. In this community, I was surrounded by people whose idea of a “long distance” dwarfed mine. These folks were casually running marathon after marathon, doing triathlons, and conquering ultra-endurance races.

The Impact of Your Circle

Being around those people changed my perception of what was possible. What once seemed like a monumental challenge to me became their normal day. It opened my eyes to a concept that applies not only to running but to every aspect of life: If you want to grow, you have to surround yourself with people whose norms surpass your limits.

My brother and I later trained for a 50-mile race, and in that process, we connected with individuals for whom 50 miles was just another regular run. That exposure reshaped how we viewed our capabilities and transformed our limitations into new goals.

Action Step: Take a look at your goals, and then find those who are already operating at the level you want to reach. Exposure to their standards will redefine your own.

The Power of Uplifting Environments

When you’re surrounded by those who think bigger, your mindset begins to change. I used to see a 10-mile run as a daunting task, while they saw it as just a “quick 10.” Over time, their perspective rubbed off on me, making what was once intimidating seem achievable.

This isn’t just about running—it applies to all areas of life. Want to increase your income? Spend time with people who regularly manage significant finances. Want to be more disciplined? Spend time with disciplined people. Over time, you’ll absorb their mentality.

Action Step: Evaluate your circle. Are the people around you challenging you to expand your horizons, or are they reinforcing your limitations?

Embrace Self-Worth

I remember being really proud of my speaking fee until I had a conversation with a speaker who had been in the industry for over 50 years. When I told her my rate, she looked at me in disbelief and asked if I respected myself. She advised me to triple my rate for the next company that reached out.

Initially, I was hesitant, but the next opportunity came from a Fortune 500 company. I took her advice, tripled my rate, and they accepted it without hesitation. That experience taught me that I had been underestimating my worth simply because I didn’t know any better.

Action Step: Re-evaluate your own worth. If you’re unsure, seek advice from those who have been where you want to go. Sometimes it’s not about what you’re doing wrong but about what you don’t yet know.

Character Matters

While it’s essential to surround yourself with high achievers, it’s equally crucial to ensure those people are of good character. In every profession or goal, there are those who get ahead by taking shortcuts or using deceitful tactics. Those aren’t the people to learn from.

The individuals who have truly earned their place will be willing to help you. They understand the struggle and value the grind. Those who got where they are through dishonest means won’t share their knowledge because they don’t actually know the formula for success.

Action Step: Align yourself with people who have earned their success the right way. They’ll be the ones willing to offer genuine guidance and help you avoid pitfalls.

Celebrate Your Journey

Regardless of where you’re at in your journey, be proud of the progress you’ve made. You’ve faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and defied the odds time and time again. People may not always know what you’re going through, but you’ve kept pushing forward. You’ve kept going, and that resilience deserves recognition.

Action Step: Look in the mirror and celebrate how far you’ve come. Acknowledge the person you’re becoming, and be proud of them.

Expanding your limits starts by recognizing what you consider far and then intentionally surrounding yourself with those who have already reached that point. Learn from their mindset, absorb their practices, and elevate your standards. But remember, character counts, and self-respect matters. Know your worth and never settle for less.