If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it. Muhammad Ali

“Always tell the truth”. Something most of us have been told from an early age. With that said, I have a slight aversion when it comes to “grandiose” personalities. You know the type. Those people who have a way of making a story seem a little more exciting than could have been possible. Or earn a little bit less than they proclaim to earn. Or claim to have done things that you know they couldn’t possibly have done.

However, in recent years, my annoyance has turned into curiosity and my aversion has deviated slightly toward admiration.

Enter “Jeff” (name changed).

Jeff was someone I had the pleasure of working with several years ago who had suffered a stroke. He always came in excited to tell me all the things he had accomplished since his last visit. As I listened, I remember (on occasion) having to fight the thought that Jeff maybe exhibiting some “grandiose” qualities. You see, Jeff would share stories of things he had done that I knew he wasn’t yet capable of doing.

But there was more. I would hear him talking to my next patient. Giving him or her tips on how they could get to where he was. He would always end with words of encouragement. “If I can do it, so can you”.

Week after week of this continuing, I started to learn a valuable lesson. Jeff was starting to do the things in therapy that he had told me he was doing at home several weeks prior (that at the time I questioned whether he could do).

What was the lesson? In some cases, there is “the truth” and then there is “a truth”. And yes, in some instances “a truth” is far better.

You see, Jeff wasn’t being “grandiose” at all.

Jeff was unlocking a superpower.

Jeff had a vision of himself on the top of the mountain. He was articulating this to me and to those he believed he could help. And now, he looked for the universe to align and support his story. Not just for his benefit, but for others. Either knowingly or unknowingly, Jeff was teaching me the art of becoming a “1%-er”.

Now, to be clear, this is not “manifesting” or “affirming” without deliberate action. Full disclosure….I am not a fan of sitting back and imagining you have a million dollars and expecting you will receive it.

No, this is different. In the face of adversity, the act of articulating your triumphs can be a valuable tool for fostering agency, resilience, and limitless possibility.

“To succeed in life you need two things, ignorance and confidence.” Mark Twain

So, how do you become part of the 1% club? What are the best strategies to restore your independence? I thought you would never ask. So here goes……

But here’s the catch. We are going to flip the script…..You are the author.

If Jeff (and so many others like him) have taught me anything, it is two fold….

One, the best teacher is someone who has achieved what you hope to achieve.

Two, the best way to engrain a new skill or habit is to teach your process to someone else.

So……you have the mic. You are about to give a masterclass to the person you are today on how to get to the place you want to go…….

Begin by imagining you have achieved everything you hope to achieve. And be specific. No vague “I want to be better”. What would that look like?

How do you feel when you walk, climb stairs, or step into the shower? How does “normal” feel?

Next, teach your current self how you overcame obstacles. What was your process? Again, be specific. No vague “I did my exercises daily”. 

How did you persevere through setbacks? What did you do to avoid the temptation to quit when you had a setback? 

Where did the fully-able-bodied-you find hope in the desert? How did you motivate yourself to do hard things on the days you felt like giving up? 

Embrace “grandiosity”. Convince me and the world that recovery IS possible. Write it down. Tell a friend. Get the skeptical looks from fools like me (ok, the former me 😬). Be specific. Now go out and find the evidence to support your claim…….

“Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don’t. You are in good company… You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.” – John Piper