What if mental toughness wasn’t just a mindset, but a molecule?

In a gripping TEDxSanDiego talk, Dr. Joe Risser breaks down the biology behind grit through one seemingly simple, yet brutal, challenge: the plank. He starts with the incredible story of George Hood, a former Marine who held a plank for 10 hours, 10 minutes, and 10 seconds—an unimaginable feat that was, in George’s own words, “90% mental.”

But this talk isn’t just about superhuman endurance. Dr. Risser takes us deep into the science behind mental resilience and introduces us to a protein you’ve probably never heard of but absolutely need to know: BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor).

Key Takeaways

1. Grit Isn’t Just Willpower — It’s Biology.
Mental toughness is closely linked to BDNF, a protein that acts like fertilizer for your brain. It supports memory, resilience, and emotional stability. And guess what? You can increase it.

2. Exercise is the Best Way to Boost BDNF.
Among all the ways to raise BDNF—sunshine, blueberries, antidepressants—exercise tops the list. But not just any exercise. Activities that combine physical effort + mental focus—like the plank or yoga—create the most powerful BDNF boost.

3. Planking Through Pain: The Case of Daniel.
One of Dr. Risser’s patients, suffering from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)—one of the most painful diseases—managed to hold a plank for 9 hours on his affected arm. The sheer mental toughness was awe-inspiring, and it showed the potential healing power of mind-body training.

4. The Research is Just Beginning.
Although science has yet to measure BDNF directly during a plank, early studies (like the 2024 paper in Experimental Neurobiology) have shown that exercise can double BDNF levels. Dr. Risser is now designing studies to test the effects of planking on chronic pain and quality of life.

‍♀️ My Delulu Reflection

When I finished watching this talk, I didn’t rush to the floor to plank. Instead, I sat still and let it sink in. Because sometimes the real transformation starts in the quiet moment before we act—when we ask ourselves: What if I’m stronger than I believe?

In a world that glorifies hustle and highlights, we often overlook the silent battles—like choosing to hold on for just one more second when everything in us wants to quit. Grit doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it whispers, “Stay. Just a little longer.”

So today, I’m not just planking for core strength. I’m planking for my brain, my focus, and my resilience. Not for the perfect body, but for the person I’m becoming.

One second. One breath. One delulu thought at a time.

If you needed a sign to get up and try, this is it.