Ep 455: Throwback To Ep160: Go Beyond Your Limits

Dec 25, 2025

Explore the idea that most limitations are socially learned perceptions, not inherent truths. Hear the incredible story of a man who ran 75 marathons just weeks after a heart attack, challenging preconceived limits. Discover how mindset shapes our capabilities and the Navy SEAL principle that we often have 40% more potential than we realize. Delve into the limitations of quantifying success and how self-perception guides our actions. It's a deep dive into unleashing unlimited potential by shifting your mindset beyond societal constraints.

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INSIGHT

Limits Are Perceptions, Not Facts

Your limits are self-imposed and are primarily a matter of perception.
Jim Fortin emphasizes that perception, not physical capacity, usually determines quitting.

ANECDOTE

The 75-Marathon Run After A Heart Attack

Terry Hitchcock ran 75 consecutive marathons at age 57, two weeks after a heart attack.
He ignored medical doubt and completed 26+ miles per day for 75 days to raise awareness for single families.

ANECDOTE

No Arms, No Legs, No Self-Pity

Nick Vujicic (Nick Voychuk) was born without arms and legs yet motivated millions without self-pity.
His identity shaped his extraordinary public impact despite physical limitations.

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Start Your Transformation Now

I take a couple of different angles in this episode. Specifically, I talk about the socially learned human limitations we are taught, the handicap of qualifying life and that “living up to your potential” is not about potential, it’s about your subconscious identity.

It’s hard for most of us to grasp but 99% of our limitations are learned. This takes me back to a story I want to share. If I asked you if you think a 56-year-old man, two weeks out of the hospital with a heart attack and zero training and preparation could run 75 consecutive marathons, what would you say? Would you say, “No way” he could do that? Or, do you think that he could? I answer that question in this episode.

It dawned on me a few years back that I lived my life through “quantification.” I “counted” things to determine what was good and bad in life. What was acceptable and not. What was a good measure of success and achievement, etc. A while back I learned this is a failed strategy as it keeps us on the merry-go-round of life quantification. Meaning, we’re good enough when we achieve certain things and to certain degrees and we’re falling short when we’re not achieving those numbered quantifications.

It’s my attempt in this episode to get you to start letting go of that universally ingrained thinking that keeps us trapped.

Has there ever been a time you did something and you initially thought that there was no way you could do it? Most people can say yes to this. Well, it’s not that you can’t do something, it’s that you have “perceived” that you can’t do that and we explore that in this episode.

As well, we look at a few real-life scenarios from my own life where either I or someone I knew thought we could not do things, and we actually did them when we stopped “quantifying them.”

To add a different perspective on quantification, the Navy Seals have what they call the Rule of 40% and what that means is when you think you’re tired, worn out, exhausted and you have nothing left in you, you still have 40% more energy in you to use and to keep going. We explore that a bit in this episode.

And, we wrap up with the fact that you achieving in life has nothing to do with your potential but with the perceptions of your potential. You’re unlimited with unlimited ability, it’s your perceptions about what you cannot and can do that determines that ability.

Listen, apply, and enjoy!

Transformational Takeaway

You’ll never know what you can do until you go beyond your limits because they are not your limits they are your perceived limits!

Mentioned Resources:

Episode 1: Transforming Your Life From The Inside Out

Episode 2: Who Are You And What Is Your Identity?

Episode 3: What Is The Story Of Your Life?

Episode 4: The Biology of Fear

Episode 5: Why Your Bad Habits Are So Hard To Break

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With gratitude,
Jim