Push The Envelope

You can't push the envelope right on the word go. There's every possibility of a breakdown. But envelope in itself signifies safety within its limits. Whatever needs to be done is to be done within those limits. 

Aviators used the term “flight envelope” to refer to a plane’s capabilities for a safe flight  ― it’s calculated by examining conditions like speed, altitude, engine power, and more. Within this “envelope,” it is theoretically safe to fly.  But that's not where growth happens. The growth happens when you start pushing the envelope. To "push the envelope” is to test those limits by going beyond set or established parameters.

But you can't push it all at once because it may prove dangerous. The better way to do this is to build endurance steadily to go beyond. Each day keep taking a step forward like a toddler who steadily starts covering more and more distance. Alternatively, you may train like an athlete who focuses on getting better every day and then goes on to raise the bar higher. 

But the gain is not without the pain. You may get pushed to the brink and may still not be able to push the envelope. Perseverance and grit are going to be the fodder you will need. Breakdowns and doubts may be the frequent visitors you will have. What is the point of going through the grind? Will you ever cross the line? These are the questions that will haunt you. And how much far do you still need to go will keep you going. 

But sooner or later you will marvel at the fact how far have you pushed the envelope.