What a day! As we get a little older each day, and if we're lucky a little wiser, it is really hard to beat creating an opportunity to find out just where we are at! Today, after my early summer and late spring cardio training that I mix in with my very intense weight training, I had a chance to put the training to the test! WOW!!

Goal setting and proper monitoring of these goals is an art. First, we have to make sure that the actual goal is just that, a goal, and not some far fetched dream! After all, who are we trying to fool, ourselves? I hope not! Common sense would at least dictate what we have done in the past and what we are capable of accomplishing in the future! Hopefully! If the goal isn't attainable, what is the point of even setting it?

If you are remotely similar to me, there really are not any boundaries imposed by your mind that would either restrict or limit your capabilities! Understand your intentions, have a clear plan, and simply execute. If you are pushing that envelope just a bit, understand your new workload and train accordingly. Give yourself every chance to succeed, make every effort you possibly can to allow your mind and body to perform at the optimal level, and do not allow even the slightest chance of failure to enter the equation. Stay on the offense, make some dust, and do not take any prisoners!

Now, back to my little test today. I thought it would be a great time to put the body/mind continuum to task. After being outside for 4 hours already, with the temperature hovering around 85 degrees, it was time for a little hike. This hike I have done numerous times, but 95% of the time I choose to take the more gradual route. The actual distance is roughly 4 times longer than the sheer vertical route that I choose to take today! Equipped with my liter of water, I took off, straight up!

About half way, head down, breathing like I had emphysema and drinking water like it was going out of style, I thought it was time to call 911! Whew, besides being very warm and without even a breath of wind, I thought it might be a great time to take a break. No one would see me stop, much less care. Then the thought crossed my mind. I do not quit, under any circumstances, for fun or for real! Let's see what you have in the tank! It is show time, and the going was getting pretty rough!

Needless to say, I kept going to the top and fought off the desire to stop and rest. It was great to find out that I still have that will to push it to the limit. To take that opportunity to test myself, which I do just about every morning in the gym, at something relatively new and early on in the season. The power of the mind is incredible. The will of the mind and body is as limitless as we allow it to be. The endorphine rush made it all worthwhile, and simply knowing that I still had it made me smile!

Challenge yourself to do something that you think you might not be able to do. Take it head on, prepare mentally for the challenge and then embrace it! Life really is as limitless as we allow, only taking a few brief moments to reinforce this thought will make you a better person and renew the belief in your abilities! The next time you have the opportunity, look in the mirror and say; thanks for playing!

About the Author

Michael Weinstein has worked in a retail environment for over 30 years, including 8 years in investment banking and over 20 years in management. He is also a successful soccer coach and bodybuilder, possessing a knowledge of nutrition and supplementation as well as exercise physiology. http://mtoofit.discovermangosteen.com http://gotjuiced.blogspot.com