Roger Bannister Effect

In 1954, Roger Bannister did what was long thought to be impossible—he ran a mile in under four minutes. It wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a breakthrough for the entire running community. Incredibly, another runner broke the same barrier that same year, and before long, the once impossible feat became almost routine. It was as if Bannister had opened the floodgates, and suddenly everyone was rushing through.

I felt something similar during my time on my university debate team. For years, we struggled to make it to the semifinals or finals of major competitions like the Asian or Australasian championships. We believed it was beyond our reach. Then, one year, our captain—a determined, confident, and ambitious leader—took the team to victory. Suddenly, NTU became a regular contender in the later stages of these tournaments. A barrier had been broken, and everything changed.

More recently, I had a simpler, yet similar experience. I was trying to replace a laptop battery, but I couldn’t seem to unscrew the screws holding it in place. I was convinced the screwdriver didn’t fit. My wife, however, persisted—and to my surprise, she succeeded. After that, I managed to unscrew the remaining screws easily, using the same tools and knowledge as before. The only difference was knowing it could be done.

These moments highlight a fundamental truth: when we believe something is possible, we’re far more likely to achieve it. Hope, optimism, and belief aren’t just feel-good ideas; they’re crucial drivers of progress. And it’s the trailblazers—the Bannisters, the determined leaders, the persistent spouses—who show us the way forward, breaking down barriers for the rest of us to follow.