Don’t Let Your Brain Quit Early

In Endure, Alex Hutchinson explores how our limits aren’t just physical. They’re mental too. The brain often decides to slow us down long before the body actually needs to.

That idea changed how I think about performance, both in running and in leadership. When things feel overwhelming, it’s usually not our ability that’s holding us back. It’s our perception of how hard the task will be.

Next time you hit that wall, whether it’s a tough project, a long day, or a conversation you’ve been avoiding, pause for a moment and ask yourself two questions:
 
Is this really my limit or just my brain trying to protect me?
  What story am I telling myself about how hard this is?

Then pause, picture yourself finishing that next step, and focus on how your effort creates momentum for yourself and others.

You’ll be surprised how often you have more in you — physically, mentally, emotionally — than your brain initially allows.

A small shift in mindset doesn’t erase the challenge. It simply helps you stay in the race long enough to finish it.