+1 #5: 3:59.4

If you like the audio version of the Optimize podcast, we think you'll really like the new video podcast. Search for Optimize with Brian Johnson in the video podcast section of iTunes and get Video Ones, PNTVs and more. You're listening to the Optymyze with Brian Johnson podcast. Unlock the full Optymyze experience and join over 10,000 premium members at opymyze.me foreign.

Hi, this is Brian. Welcome back to another Optimize plus one. At this point, most of us know that Roger Bannister was the first person to break the four minute mile. Very smart people of his era said that it was impossible. Period. End of story. He of course wasn't so sure. But here's what's awesome. Do you know how Roger trained to do the impossible? He broke down his goal into bite sized pieces. Here's how.

First he trained until he could run.

A quarter mile in a minute. Nice job. Then he trained until he could run a half mile in two minutes. Well done. Then he trained until he could run three quarters of a mile in three minutes.

Sweet.

Then he trained until he thought he could run the full mile in less than four minutes. And voila. On May 6, 1954 at Iffley Road track in Oxford, England, the timekeeper looked down and saw these magic numbers. 359.4. Roger achieved the impossible by breaking his impossible goal into bite size d doable pieces. Which is always a very good idea. As Henry Ford once said, nothing is particularly hard if you break it into small enough pieces. So how about you? What's your jumbo big exciting goal? You know the thing you would do if you weren't afraid? Yeah, that one. Write it down in a few words. Now let's chunk it down and give you your next bite size doable target. What's the very next micro goal you need to hit en route to that big goal? The thing that once you achieve it, will make it possible to hit the next target. You got it? Awesome. Now what's your next baby step? And most importantly, is now a good time to take it?

Isn't it a bit odd that we went from math to science to history, but somehow missed the class on how to live? For some wacky reason, optimal living 101 never made the schedule. Of course, it's too late to go back and change that and you're too busy to read full time to catch up. But if you're like us, you're all about optimizing your life and actualizing your potential. So imagine this. Imagine having someone read the best books on how to optimize your life and and pull out the big ideas that can really change your life. You know those sections you underline and asterisks and mark all up? Then imagine that guy me connecting those awesome ideas to other great books and helping you actually apply the wisdom to your life today. Well, that's what I do with something we call Philosopher's Notes where I've distilled hundreds of great books into 20 minute super practical summaries. Then imagine me taking the absolute best big ideas from those great books and sharing them with you in hour long Optimal Living 101 classes on everything from productivity, purpose and confidence to nutrition, goal setting and conquering procrastination. Helping you optimize every facet of your life so you can actualize your potential. You've got a personal trainer. I'm kind of like your personal philosopher. Ancient wisdom plus Modern science plus Practical tools. That's what our optimized membership program is all about. If you're feeling it, we'd love to have you join us.