Give 110%

You might have noticed a few posts here and there where I criticize cliches. I don't support the idea that nobody reinvents the wheel. I disapprove of the golden rule. Time for another one. How do I feel about athletes giving 110%?


This is actually a widely criticized cliche. You can't give over 100%. On second thought, there might be a slight oversight among critics of this one. The saying doesn't technically say to what you are giving 110%.

Let's take a quick step back. How is this cliche used? The general idea is that if you feel you have maxed out your abilities, you should try to find a little more. Basically, athletes are being asked to give 110% of what they think they can give.

There are a lot of things that can hold you back. Many obstacles are mental. If you fail to acknowledge the full range of your abilities, it's very easy to let your perceptions to get in your way. Considering how much there is to each individual on this planet, I would be absolutely shocked if anyone reading this doesn't underestimate him or herself in some way.

When it comes to sports, anyone can reach a point where they feel like that just can't give any more. The best athletes will always find a way to push past this point. It is definitely possible to give 110%. While I hate the overuse, this cliche is valid.