“Three Feet From Gold” Insight From Coach Steven

One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat. All of us are guilty of this mistake at one time or another.

Napoleon Hill, in Think and Grow Rich, referred to “3 feet from gold.” This analogy comes from a story during the gold rush of a young man who was mining for gold for months. Then he decided to quit. He sold all of his equipment to a “junk man” who sought counsel prior to start digging only to find out that gold would be found just 3 feet from where the previous miner had stopped.

He was right. The first miner was literally three feet away from striking gold before he quit.

Of course there are many lessons to be learned from this story, but what we’re getting at is this: too many people decide to give up right before they get a chance to experience a breakthrough…because it gets TOO hard.

Most of the time, those last 3 feet will be the hardest, but remember – you may be closer to your goals than you can see right now.

Perseverance is driven by our brain’s reward system and the release of dopamine, which motivates us to seek rewards and progress towards our goals. Quitting when facing temporary setbacks deprives us of this motivational boost.

Psychologists emphasize the importance of “grit,” a combination of resilience and determination, as a predictor of long-term success. Grit enables individuals to persist through challenges and learn from setbacks.

Our brains possess neural plasticity, allowing us to adapt and become more efficient when we persevere through difficulties. Every setback is an opportunity for growth.

Additionally, seeking support or guidance when nearing a breakthrough, as seen in the miner’s story, can be crucial. It aligns with the concept of the “zone of proximal development,” where assistance helps bridge the final gap to success.

In essence, understanding the science of perseverance underscores the value of pushing through adversity, harnessing the brain’s reward system, and embracing grit and growth opportunities to achieve our goals.

Incorporating these insights into your daily life can make a significant difference in your journey towards success. So, why not put these principles into action? If you’re ready to challenge yourself physically and mentally, take a step towards building your perseverance by trying a CrossFit class.

Take action today and drop in for a CrossFit class at SalusNJ.com/drop-ins. Your journey to success begins with the decision to keep going, no matter the obstacles.

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