How Do You Challenge Yourself?
- sthibault7459
- Aug 31, 2023
- 4 min read
How Do You Challenge Yourself?
By Sandy Thibault
Have you ever started something new and realized just how hard it is to get into the routine of doing it? I recently started a strength training program at the club I belong to increase my strength and stamina. As good as I know this is for me, it was also clear that this would be a challenge to implement and stay motivated week after week. Like many who started something, I felt anxious about my ability to follow. On more than one occasion I wondered why I wanted to change the plan that worked well enough, felt comfortable, and fit into my schedule. Exactly why would I want to change it?
The answer is that it is because it is easier to stay the same rather than to put in the work to make a change, even when we know it is to our benefit. If we doubt our ability to make a change or are afraid to even try, we are not alone. Did you know that most of the population would rather stay in their comfort zone than move from it? That leaves those few people who thrive on challenges and changes in their lives. We may never be that person who loves challenges but finding a spot in the middle can help us lead a more fulfilling life.
Have you heard yourself say I can no longer do this or that activity? Do you feel held back from the things you want to do because of negative thinking or fear you can’t do it? Do you feel so paralyzed by these things that you feel your life is being held hostage, keeping you away from the things you want to do? If you answered yes to any of those questions you may be stuck in the “same old cycle” that never changes. Doing the same thing every day when nothing changes is not a very fulfilling way to live.
I recently traveled to Orlando by myself to hang out with my granddaughter. I can’t remember the last time I flew and navigated the airport by myself. I was a little anxious about doing it but I also knew that I was capable, smart, and could figure things out. I could let my thoughts get the best of me and stay home where everything is predictable and comfortable, or I could challenge myself to go and enjoy a wonderful time in Florida with my family. I'm wondering, is there anything you would like to do but your thoughts and fears are standing in the way?
If you are tired of everything being the same or you are stuck in a place you don’t want to be, I have a few strategies you can try. The most important step is to not let your mind play tricks on you. To do that you simply become aware that your negative thoughts are sabotaging your desire to do something different. These thoughts are often based on fear or making the worst-case scenario the only truth. When you can recognize this is what your mind is doing, you then have the choice to let those thoughts stop you or make a different choice. This is what I call the “choice point”. Every thought you think and every action you take will either move you toward what you want or farther away from it. Ask yourself these questions: What do I know about myself that will help me to make a change? How can I reframe the negative thoughts into something positive?
It is helpful to identify one thing you want to improve or change. Start slow and decide on one small step that you can take. When you start with small steps, you gain confidence in your ability to move toward what you want. This is called self-efficacy: your belief that you can make the change you want by taking small steps that give you confidence in your ability. Back to my new strength training program, I started small and allowed myself extra time to learn the routines so I would feel confident. The more confident I became the better I felt about my workout. When you take a small step and gradually build on that you will become more confident in your ability too.
Life is in a constant state of change. You probably have experienced that just when something feels comfortable it changes and we are asked to adapt. The more we have practiced moving from what feels comfortable the more practice we have navigating changes when they come our way.
I encourage you to challenge yourself to something new every day. Perhaps it is trying a new food, taking a class, or trying something you have never tried before. As you do this you begin to build your confidence and even surprise yourself by liking these little adventures. When you feel ready you may decide to try something a little bigger, perhaps something you have always wanted to try. Trust yourself and your ability to create a life of your choosing.
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