If we know our limitations, then we can keep from setting ourselves and others up for disappointment. You just keep dropping, stretching, tearing and going down until you are in the splits. You will scream loud enough to wake the dead, and when you're done you won't be able to walk for a very long time. If you can do the splits, you understand the amount of time and energy you put into attaining this stretch. When we know how far we can stretch, we keep from overdoing it.
Many students overestimate their abilities and train too hard for their current skill level.
What ends up happening is they develop either an injury or total confusion as to what it is they are doing. They end up sitting on the bench unable to train at all. This goes against your goal. Without change, you will not go very far. Just as an airplane must constantly change its course to stay on course, you must do the same.