Most Commented

Resources

  • Forever Change is a quirky DIY guide to change and personal growth. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone, and create a better you - FOREVER.
  • I post here about once a week. I also have a sister site Forever Change Weight Loss.

Subscribe

The Extraordinary Power of Belief

Posted by Leanne | July 20, 2008 .

Prior to May 6th 1954, no one had ever run a sub four minute mile.  Some  experts claimed it couldn’t be done, that it was physiologically impossible.   Apparently the heart would burst and the muscles and bones would tear and break under the stress of such an effort. 

Other experts had mapped out a specific set of circumstances that would be needed in order for the record to be broken.  It had to be in perfect weather 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) and no wind.  A huge crowd and a hard dry clay track were also considered essential.

 

Breaking the Record

So when Sir Roger Bannister finally broke the four minute mile record in a time of 3 minutes 59.4 seconds on May 6th 1954 was it due to perfect conditions combined with his extraordinary physiology?  

The conditions on the day  did not help as they were far from perfect.  Roger Bannister did it on a cold day on wet track in Oxford England in front a crowd of just 3,000 people.   His physiology no doubt played a part in the achievement.  It has been reported that he had a heart that was 25 per cent larger than normal in relation to his body size.  But there were probably hundreds if not thousands of athletes around the world at that time who had a similar physiology.

 

   

short video - 1min 37secs with highlights of the record breaking run

The Extraordinary Power of Belief

Breaking the four minute mile was more about psychology than physiology.  Firstly Roger Bannister believed the four minute mile WAS possible and secondly, he had an unshakable belief in his own ability to be able to achieve this goal.

Once the record was broken, athletes previously believing the record was impossible could now see it could be done.  It took just 46 days for Australian John Landy to break the record again.   Within a year 37 other athletes had achieved the record and within three years 300 others had run a sub four minute mile.

There have been many times in my life where I have felt something I wanted to achieve was not possible for me.  I found that when I reflected on stories about other people who have achieved amazing things I felt inspired and this helped to change my thinking.  Hey  - maybe I can do this after all. 

Time to share your thoughts.  Perhaps you might also want to share what has inspired you to achieve things in your life. 

  

Posted under Belief, Inspirational, Personal Development | Like this article? Subscribe to our RSS feed

Leave a Comment

If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Comments

6 Comments so far
  1. Ricardo Bueno July 22, 2008 7:31 pm

    I have to say, I believe that it’s easier to achieve things when you truly believe that the sky is the limit. Only then do you condition both your body and mind to endure all that is necessary in accomplishing your goals.

    Ricardo Buenos last blog post.."The Sky’s the Limit!"

  2. Leanne July 22, 2008 10:18 pm

    Hi Richard, thanks for stopping by.
    I believe we are capable of achieving amazing things. We are not all capable of running a 4 minute mile, however we can still achieve things that our logical mind says are impossible. Our mind is so incredibly powerful.

  3. Ricardo Bueno July 23, 2008 1:51 am

    “I believe each person has their own “4 minute mile”. There is a perceived barrier to being able to achieve something physical or mental or both. To that individual and indeed to others it may appear to be impossible to achieve. With the right attitude and self belief I believe it is possible to break through your own 4 minute mile barrier.” — Leanne Magraith

    That was well said! (A little corny, maybe…). But really, well said. I think if we’re motivated enough, we can condition ourselves to achieve what we want. We might have certain physical limitations, but those who pursue their dreams at an early age begin to condition themselves to achieve what they want.

    Ricardo Buenos last blog post.."The Sky’s the Limit!"

  4. Leanne July 24, 2008 12:43 pm

    Thanks for the feedback Ricardo.

  5. Tom Volkar / Delightful Work July 25, 2008 8:47 am

    I love stories about shifting beliefs. For awhile now I’ve believed that anything works if you v believe it does. Our beliefs are fascinating because at the same time they are the most limiting and empowering mental concepts that we possess. Bannister is a wonderful example for this principle.

    Tom Volkar / Delightful Works last blog post..What brings you alive?

  6. Leanne July 25, 2008 9:16 pm

    Hi Tom
    Thanks for your feedback. As you indicate, beliefs are very powerful no matter which way you look at them. They underpin thoughts, attitudes, choices and behaviour.