How to Embrace Challenge

I think it is human nature to do the easy things.  We have a natural tendency to avoid what we have to work for.  This leads to problems, as the things that matter most are the things that we have to work a little bit harder to get.

It takes effort to maintain a healthy diet.  It takes work to have meaningful relationships.  You need to push a bit to succeed in the career you want.  It takes a lot of work to raise children. It takes effort to have a pet. 

Everything that is worthwhile takes work. But the word “work” is where we run into trouble. We don’t like work!  So let’s call it something else, let’s call it a “challenge.”

If I challenged you to do something: eat one more vegetable a day for 3 weeks, say a sincere thank you to someone every day, brush your teeth twice a day, grab that rope and swing over the creek; you feel enticed. You start to lean into the challenge, you start to brace yourself for it, you start to embrace it.

And when you embrace the challenge, you rise to meet it. 

Isn’t it amazing the difference that perspective makes? We tend to shy away from work, but we lean into challenge!

Is there is something that you have to put a bit more effort into? Try to avoid thinking about it as work; consider it a challenge instead.  I challenge you to challenge yourself! 

Here’s to conquering Stress,
The Stress Experts