Train for just beyond your goal
An interesting concept I heard recently was looking past your goal and setting your eyes on something higher.
The analogy that fits perfectly with this is that of a short distance runner training for a competition. If you are making a fast dash toward the finish line and your goal is to get to the finish line, you will, but your body will start to decelerate as you approach it and come to a walking pace as you pass by. This is why athletes train to run several meters beyond the finish line. That way, their body only starts to decelerate after they pass the end. They don't lose any momentum by slowing down to the destination.
Applying this to what I see around me if you plan or train for an event and in your training do it harder than necessary, you now can perform that with more ease and accuracy.
In 'The Talent Code,' the author Daniel Coyle talks about how Brazil produces the best soccer players. In the study, they found that the players played an unusual game that resembled soccer. It consisted of playing in a small enclosed space with a heavy ball that required more force to kick. The athletes grew very good at moving the ball to the desired location with amazing accuracy by playing this game. When they started playing soccer, it was easier than their native sport with fewer restrictions that didn't take long to grow to.
Key Takeaways:
1) Train for just beyond your goal
2) Working harder at the training will make the ending task easier to perform
3) Challenge yourself for growth