Break Your Limit: Real Strategies for Parkour Athletes, Coaches, and Business Owners

Christopher Hollingsworth
Nov 4, 2024
12 min read

I've been on a journey lately, trying to understand what really helps us push beyond our limits, not just in parkour, but in coaching, running a business, and life itself. I've faced walls that seemed insurmountable, moments where quitting felt like the easiest option. But through these challenges, I've discovered strategies that have helped me break through, and I wanted to share them with you. Maybe they'll help you too.

Also you'll see that this article delves deep into sharing what's going on beneath the surface, the doubts, the fears, the little victories. I hope to paint a more authentic picture of the journey we all face. It's one thing to talk about strategies and techniques, but it's another to understand the emotional and mental landscapes we navigate to apply them. My aim is to let you see that you're not alone in these experiences. We all wrestle with our own challenges, and by acknowledging them, we can find better ways to push past our limits together.

Why Do Some People Keep Going When Others Stop?

I've often wondered why some people seem to have that extra gear. You know, those moments during a grueling training session when you're utterly spent, but someone next to you finds the strength to keep going. What's happening inside their minds?

There's a part of our brain called the anterior midcingulate cortex (AMCC). Think of it as the grit center. When activated, it helps us push through discomfort and keeps us moving forward, especially when we don't feel like it.

Understanding that there's a biological basis for perseverance has been a game-changer for me. The strategies I've been using don't just help me psychologically; they actively engage the AMCC, potentially strengthening its function over time. In this article i'll delve into these 4 strategies to help you develop this section of your brain and become the ultimate badass you're meant to be!

A Personal Moment of Struggle and Victory

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One morning, I woke up feeling completely drained. The responsibilities of running my business, coaching my students, and managing personal commitments had all piled up, leaving me both physically and mentally exhausted. As I sat on the edge of my bed, the thought of going through my usual training routine felt overwhelming. Part of me wanted to crawl back under the covers and forget about the day ahead.

"Maybe I should just skip training today," I thought. "Wouldn't one day off be okay?"

But deep down, I knew that avoiding it wouldn't make tomorrow any easier. Something inside nudged me to at least show up, even if I didn't feel like it. "Just get dressed," I told myself. "You don't have to be perfect today."

I forced myself to put on my training clothes, one piece at a time. Each action felt heavier than usual, but with every step, I felt a tiny spark of accomplishment. By the time I laced up my shoes, a small part of me was glad I hadn't given up entirely. "I'll just head to the training spot and see how I feel," I decided.

Walking outside, the cool morning air hit my face, waking me up slightly. The streets were quiet, and as I made my way to the park, I focused on the sound of my footsteps and the rhythm of my breathing. The simple act of moving forward started to clear some of the fog in my mind.

When I arrived at the training area, everything still felt heavy, the equipment, the familiar obstacles, even the air seemed thicker. I began my warm-up, moving slowly through stretches and basic movements. Negative thoughts crept in: "You're too tired for this," "What's the point today?" I noticed these thoughts but tried not to latch onto them. Instead, I acknowledged them and let them pass, reminding myself that they were just thoughts, not facts.

As I continued warming up, I started to focus on my breathing, inhale for four counts, exhale for four. This simple rhythm helped drown out the chatter in my mind. I became more aware of my body, the way my muscles felt as they loosened up, the sensation of the ground beneath my feet. The discomfort was still there, but it began to fade into the background.

Feeling slightly more centered, I looked at a particularly challenging move I'd been working on, a complex sequence requiring precision and strength. Normally, I'd be eager to tackle it, but today, doubt lingered. "Maybe today isn't the day," I thought. But then I reminded myself that I didn't have to get it perfect; I just had to try. "What can I learn from attempting this today?" I asked myself. By reframing the challenge as an opportunity to explore rather than a test to pass or fail, the pressure eased.

I approached the obstacle, taking a moment to notice any tension in my body, a tightness in my shoulders, a clenching in my jaw. The shadow of chronic injury lingering in my joints. I took a deep breath, rolled my shoulders back, and shook out my arms. "This is just another experience," I told myself. "Let's see what happens."

I attempted the move (a technical stride), and while it wasn't flawless, I surprised myself with how smoothly part of it went. Instead of criticizing myself for the imperfections, I focused on the aspects that had improved since my last attempt. A small sense of accomplishment began to build.

Emboldened by this, I decided to tackle an even more daunting part of my training, heavier impact I'd been avoiding because it intimidated me. "If I can face this now, everything else will feel easier," I thought. There was a surge of resistance, a voice inside saying, "Are you sure you're up for this?" I acknowledged the hesitation but chose not to let it stop me.

As I began looking at the larger jumps, I felt my heart rate pick up, not from anxiety but from engagement. The complexity demanded my full attention, leaving no room for lingering doubts. Each movement flowed into the next, and before I knew it, I'd completed the larger drops without major hiccups.

Standing there, catching my breath, I felt a wave of satisfaction wash over me. The tasks that had seemed so daunting earlier now felt manageable, even inviting. The initial heaviness of the day had lifted.

Reflecting on the morning, I realized I had just applied several strategies without even consciously planning to. By setting small milestones, just getting dressed, then just warming up, I had overcome the inertia that threatened to keep me stagnant. Shifting my focus to my breathing and physical sensations helped me move past discomfort and quiet the negative thoughts. Reframing the challenges turned obstacles into opportunities for growth, reducing the power of my doubts. And by tackling something even more challenging first, I broke through the procrastination barrier and built momentum.

This experience reminded me that sometimes, the hardest part is simply starting. By taking that first step and being mindful of how I approach challenges, I can transform a difficult day into a productive and fulfilling one. It's not about never feeling doubt or fatigue; it's about how I choose to respond to those feelings.

As I packed up my gear to head back, I felt grateful that I hadn't given in to the urge to stay in bed. The victory wasn't just in completing the training but in navigating through my own mental barriers. I knew that the strategies I'd employed today weren't just useful for training, they were tools I could apply in coaching my students and managing my business. It was a reminder that resilience isn't about never struggling; it's about finding ways to move forward despite the struggle.

Strategy 1: Setting Mini Milestones

Breaking down overwhelming tasks into smaller, achievable goals can make a huge difference.

How I Apply It:

In Training: That day, I focused on just completing my warm-up. Once I did that, I felt a tiny spark of accomplishment. "Maybe I'll try a few vaults," I thought. One thing led to another, and I ended up having a productive session.
In Coaching: When my students feel discouraged, I encourage them to focus on the next small step. Mastering a simple move can boost their confidence for more complex ones.
In Business: When overwhelmed by a massive project, I break it down. Instead of thinking about the entire marketing plan, I start with drafting an email or making a single phone call.

Camera on the Wall Perspective:

You'd see me taking deliberate, slow steps at first. Pausing often, but gradually moving with more purpose. Each small win visibly lifts my posture, a little less slumped, a bit more energetic.

Internal Experience:

With each mini milestone achieved, I felt a slight release of tension. It's like my brain whispered, "See? You can do this." That tiny dopamine hit from accomplishing a small goal fueled me to tackle the next one.

Strategy 2: Shifting Focus Away from Discomfort

Sometimes, the discomfort, whether physical pain or mental stress, becomes all-consuming.

How I Apply It:

During Intense Workouts: I focus on my breathing. Inhale for four counts, exhale for four. It becomes a rhythm that drowns out the discomfort.
When Coaching: I incorporate games or challenges that make training fun, shifting the focus from effort to enjoyment.
In Business: If I'm stuck on a tedious task, I put on some music or change my environment, maybe work from a café for a change of scenery.

Camera on the Wall Perspective:

You might see me closing my eyes briefly between sets, taking deep breaths, or smiling unexpectedly during a tough drill. It's me mentally stepping away from the strain and finding a pocket of calm.

Internal Thoughts and Feelings:

I remind myself, "This is temporary. Focus on what you can control." The pain doesn't necessarily lessen, but my relationship with it changes. It becomes a background noise rather than the main event.

Strategy 3: Reframing Challenges as Opportunities

Perception shapes our reality. How we interact with our thoughts and feelings during a challenge can significantly impact our experience.

How I Apply It:

Facing a Difficult Move: When self-doubt arises with thoughts like "I can't do this," I acknowledge the thought without letting it dictate my actions. I tell myself, "This is just a thought, not a fact." By recognizing it as a passing mental event, I can choose how to respond. Instead of resisting the fear, I observe it and then shift my focus to curiosity: "What can I learn from attempting this?" This turns the challenge into an experiment rather than a test.
In Coaching: When a student expresses frustration or fear, I encourage them to notice those emotions without immediately reacting. We might pause and take a few deep breaths together. I ask them to describe what they're feeling. By creating space between the emotion and their response, they often find the courage to try again with a clearer mind.
In Business: When setbacks trigger feelings of stress or disappointment, I recognize these emotions as valid but not all-consuming. I step back and think, "These feelings are natural, but they don't have to control my next move." This allows me to approach problems with a more balanced perspective, considering how challenges might lead to innovation or growth.

Internal Process:

By being present with my thoughts and emotions, I create a mental buffer between feeling and action. This separation reduces their power over me. I might still feel anxious or frustrated, but by identifying these as transient thoughts and emotions, I can choose not to be swept away by them.

Physical Sensations and Mindfulness:

I pay attention to physical sensations, like a tight chest or clenched jaw, not as obstacles, but as signals to check in with myself. By tuning into these sensations without judgment, I can address them directly. Sometimes, a few deep breaths or a quick stretch can alleviate the tension.

Outcome:

This practice helps me remain grounded and focused. Instead of reacting impulsively, I respond thoughtfully. It doesn't mean the emotions disappear, but they become part of the experience rather than barriers.

Strategy 4: Overcoming Procrastination in Real-Time

Overcoming Procrastination in Real-Time

Procrastination is a beast we've all wrestled with. There are moments when the mere thought of starting a task feels overwhelming, and every fiber of your being urges you to delay. I've found that one effective way to break through this barrier is by doing something even more challenging first. It might sound counterintuitive, but let me explain how this works for me.

Doing Something More Challenging First

How I Apply It:

Training:
On days when the idea of training feels daunting, I deliberately choose to begin with an even tougher activity. For instance, I might start with a cold shower or a quick, intense sprint. The shock of cold water or the burst of exertion jolts me awake, both physically and mentally.
There was a time when I was avoiding a strength-heavy workout because I just didn't feel up to it. Instead of forcing myself into it, I opted to tackle a complex technical movement that required intense focus and precision. Surprisingly, engaging with this challenging skill first not only warmed up my body but also sharpened my mind. Afterward, the strength workout I had been dreading felt more approachable.
Coaching:
When I notice my students are sluggish or unmotivated, I kick off the session with a demanding technical challenge. It might be a new sequence that requires problem-solving or a game that pushes their limits in a fun way. This approach warms up their brains and sets an energetic, playful tone for the rest of the session.
I've observed that starting with a tough but engaging activity helps them forget their initial reluctance. It creates momentum that carries through the entire session.
Business:
In my business endeavors, I tackle the hardest task on my list first thing in the morning. Whether it's a difficult conversation I've been avoiding, a complex financial analysis, or crafting a critical proposal, leaning into that resistance sets a productive tone for the day.
There was a week when I kept postponing a challenging meeting with a potential partner because I feared rejection. One morning, I decided enough was enough. I scheduled the meeting for first thing that day. Confronting that fear head-on not only provided relief but also energized me to be more proactive in other areas.

Internal Experience:

Engaging in a more challenging task upfront has a profound effect on my mindset.

Thoughts and Emotions:
Initially, there's a surge of resistance. My mind throws out all sorts of excuses:
- "Maybe I should ease into the day instead."
- "What if I fail at this harder task?"
- "I don't feel ready for this right now."
But by acknowledging these thoughts as just that—thoughts—I create a space where I can choose how to respond. I remind myself that these are temporary feelings, not directives.

I tell myself:
- "This feeling of discomfort is a sign I'm stepping out of my comfort zone—where growth happens."
- "If I can face this, other tasks will feel easier by comparison."
Physical Sensations:
There's often a tightness in my chest or a knot in my stomach at the outset. My heart rate might increase slightly. Instead of trying to suppress these sensations, I focus on them for a moment. I take deep breaths, inhaling slowly through my nose and exhaling through my mouth.

This mindfulness practice helps me stay grounded. By being present with the physical discomfort, I find it loses some of its edge.

The Shift in Mindset:

Once I begin the challenging task, something interesting happens. The initial discomfort starts to fade, replaced by a sense of engagement and even excitement. My internal dialogue shifts:

"This isn't as bad as I imagined."
"I'm making progress."
"If I can handle this, I can tackle what's next."

It's like jump-starting an engine. The hardest part is turning the key, but once the motor is running, everything flows more smoothly.

Outcome:

By the time I finish the more challenging task, I feel a surge of accomplishment and confidence. The tasks I was procrastinating on initially seem less intimidating, almost trivial in comparison.

This approach doesn't just help me get things done; it also builds mental resilience. Each time I confront a difficult task head-on, I reinforce the belief that I'm capable of handling discomfort and overcoming obstacles.

Applying This Mindset Beyond Immediate Tasks:

Long-Term Projects:
When facing a significant project that spans weeks or months, I break it down and intentionally start with the most challenging component. This might be the part with the steepest learning curve or the aspect that requires the most creativity.
Tackling it first prevents me from using other tasks as procrastination tools. It also provides valuable insights early on, which can inform and streamline the rest of the project.

Reflecting on the Process:

After employing this strategy multiple times, I've noticed a pattern:

Anticipation of Discomfort: Recognizing that the hesitation is a natural response to stepping outside my comfort zone.
Mindful Acknowledgment: Being present with my thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Taking Action Anyway: Choosing to act in alignment with my goals, not my momentary feelings.
Experiencing a Shift: Noticing that once I begin, the task is rarely as daunting as I imagined.
Building Confidence: Each successful navigation through discomfort reinforces my ability to handle future challenges.

Encouragement for Others:

I share this strategy with my students and colleagues because I've seen its transformative power. It's not about being reckless or ignoring your limits; it's about challenging the narratives we tell ourselves about what's "too hard" or "unmanageable."

By intentionally choosing to face something more challenging, we expand our capacity for resilience and reduce the power that procrastination holds over us.

Final Thoughts

This journey hasn't been easy. There have been setbacks, frustrations, and moments of doubt. But each challenge has taught me something valuable. Success often comes down to hanging out with discomfort just a little longer than we're used to. In those extra moments, we discover resilience and capacity we didn't know we had.

This has been my as lived experience when tackling a new move, coaching others through their hurdles, or navigating the complexities of running a business, I hope some of these insights resonate with you.

Stay strong, stay curious, and keep moving forward.

Christopher Hollingsworth