Today, I want to talk to you about building “capacity”.
There is a common expression amongst athletes called the paincave.
From an athletic perspective, the paincave is the point of physical and mental fatigue. It’s where the exercise feels impossible to finish. Many endurance athletes often seek out the paincave in order to meet a new PR.
I love this expression – but not just for the ability to apply it to exercise but to be able to apply to all aspects of life.
Think of the paincave as that threshold where you “build” from.
You build mental resilience.
You build your engine to keep going for the long haul.
You build momentum for longevity and sustainability in all that matters to you.
If you want success in your long term (whatever those goals may be), you have to push your threshold.
The paincave is uncomfortable.
It’s difficult.
It’s challenging.
But just outside the realm of that paincave – is your flow.
In life, you’re going to find yourself at the foot of many paincaves – in all aspects of life.
So, the key thing when trudging through the paincave is to “remember your why”.
And if your “why” is strong and deep enough and you’re in alignment with your values – the paincave is just there to get you to your next best level.
You will build a bigger engine for bigger capacity.
Eventually, that paincave gets easier to get through. What was once difficult becomes a habit. And habits through repetition and practice just become easier – until you get to the next paincave.
There’s a famous Bob Marley saying about his idea of an incredible woman that can be applied to the idea of the “paincave”.
“If it’s amazing, it won’t be easy.
If it’s easy, it won’t be amazing.
If it’s worth it, you won’t give up.” - Bob Marley