You’ve heard these crazy stories before. The real, documented cases of ordinary individuals displaying incredible feats of strength in times of emergency, including instances of people lifting cars to save lives. These incidents are often referred to as “super-human” or “hysterical strength.” When faced with extreme stress or life-threatening situations, the body can release a surge of adrenaline, which temporarily enhances physical performance beyond normal limits.

One of the most well-known cases of this phenomenon occurred in 1982 when a 20-year-old college student named Angela Cavallo lifted a 1964 Chevrolet Impala off her father, who was trapped underneath the car after it fell on him while he was working on it. Angela’s extraordinary display of strength and determination saved her father’s life.

Another remarkable case happened in 2006 in Tucson, Arizona, when Tim Boyle lifted a Chrysler minivan to rescue a six-year-old girl trapped underneath the vehicle after it accidentally rolled over her. Boyle’s quick action and immense strength played a crucial role in saving the child’s life.

So…this begs the question: does our body really carry the ability to perform such extraordinary strength? Is it in all of us? If so, how do we tap into it? The answer is yes, somewhere deep within, our body is able. But on an ordinary day, during ordinary circumstances, the body shuts down well in advance of its limits. Fear, fatigue and pain act as protective mechanisms for our bodies. These sensations signal to us that if we continue with an enormous challenge, there’s a good chance we’ll fail or injure ourselves…so it forces us to stop.

Until…

We transcend beyond ourselves, like when a circumstance forces us to find a PURPOSE beyond our “self” into something that’s bigger than ourselves. A determination to do everything possible for others in these situations can make a way for you to perform at your highest level.

So, what do we learn about the secret source of reaching our Peak Performance?

• Our own “ego” or “self” serves as a protective mechanism that holds us back from reaching our true limits.
• When faced with great challenges, our ego is biologically programmed to shut us down, telling us to stop and protect ourselves.
• By focusing on a self-transcending purpose, or a reason for doing something beyond our “self,” we can override our ego and break through our self-imposed limits.
• To the extent you can, link your activities to a greater purpose when you are faced with challenges and your mind is telling you to quit. Ask yourself why, and if the answer is for someone or something greater than myself, you’ll be more likely to push onward.
• Thinking less about yourself is one of the best ways to improve yourself.
   

There’s something so poetic about all this – you really can be a superheroic version of your best self…as long as it’s for someone else. 

Once again, it takes me back to one of BOS Media’s favorite quotes, from Coach Jimmy Valvano: “Every single day, in every walk of life, ordinary people do extraordinary things.” But your ultimate extraordinary power will only be truly unleashed when it’s for others.

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