Chapter 1: Understanding Your Walls

This isn't a discussion about dismantling your barriers; rather, it focuses on selecting which ones to overcome.

Photo by Greg Shield on Unsplash

As the clock struck 10 PM, I found myself grappling with a wave of emotion after watching something profoundly impactful. No, it wasn't the film "Marvellous"; it was actually a compelling YouTube video by Struthless, also known as Campbell Walker.

What was the core message? It revolved around limits—specifically those we impose on ourselves and how we perceive what's possible. Ultimately, the video showcased Campbell's journey of shattering these limits and achieving what once seemed unattainable. One day, he decided to tackle a marathon—not a casual fun run, but a genuine 26-mile race. On the same day, he recorded an audacious video and scheduled it for his popular YouTube channel.

The following day, 26 miles away from his laptop, with the video set to upload soon, he began his run.

He had to run.

His motivation was to cancel the video before it went live—a clever way to hold himself accountable by pushing him to accomplish something he doubted he could. At the start of the marathon, it was a straightforward ultimatum: “If you don’t run this marathon, you’ll face the consequences.” The video was that consequence.

And so, he ran—and he succeeded. He did what he once thought was beyond his reach.

However, that’s not the main takeaway from this narrative.

After finishing the video, I felt a surge of inspiration (though not enough to consider running a marathon myself; it's comforting to know I could if I chose to, but I really don’t). A quick glance at the comments revealed that many viewers were rightly congratulating Campbell for breaking through the barriers he had set for himself—walls that we all inadvertently construct throughout our lives—and achieving the seemingly impossible.

Then, a particularly insightful comment caught my eye:

“Pick your wall.”

This was a response to someone who expressed a desire to achieve similar feats for themselves.

And therein lies the brilliance. Everyone has their own walls—different for each person.

In fact, we have multiple walls, varying in size and shape. Some stretch 26 miles, while others might reach the moon, right alongside Neil Armstrong's footprints. Some barriers are as thin as the essays we dread grading, while others are as towering as that lightbulb that’s been waiting for a replacement for weeks.

Not every wall needs to be as daunting as a marathon. Anything that feels “impossible,” “overwhelming,” or even just “challenging” is a wall. Regardless of its height or scale, overcoming any wall is a significant achievement.

The magnitude of the wall is irrelevant; what truly matters is that you scaled it at all.

Have you ever encountered this quote from Albert Einstein?

“Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its entire life believing it’s stupid.”

Let's adapt it for our purposes:

“Everyone can accomplish their own impossibles. But if you assess one person's capability to surmount another’s wall, they will live their entire life feeling inadequate.”

Choose your wall. Don’t compare it to the dimensions of someone else’s. Focus ahead. Set your sights on your horizon and strive for it. Whether you break through, leap over, or tunnel beneath your wall, take a moment to reflect on your progress.

If your wall is running a marathon, create a daring video that serves as a motivational threat to keep you in check. Your legs might ache, but your spirit will shine.

If your wall is something as simple as changing a lightbulb, make a bet with your father that you can safely retrieve a new bulb from the cupboard by climbing onto the kitchen chair. His wallet might lighten, but your home will become brighter.

Life can often feel like an endless series of walls, but beyond them lies everything else. Identify your wall—and take the initiative to tear it down.

Chapter 2: Inspiration and Accountability

Inspiration can often come from unexpected places.

The first video titled "How to Beat Wall Crawler Challenge in Marvel's Midnight Suns (Guide & Tips)" provides valuable insights and strategies for overcoming challenges in a gaming context, demonstrating how one can apply these lessons in real life.

The second video, "How to Unlock DreamSnaps & Vanellope | Disney Dreamlight Valley," illustrates the importance of persistence and creativity in overcoming obstacles, further emphasizing the theme of personal growth and achievement.