“Challenge is the pathway to engagement and progress in our lives. But not all challenges are created equal. Some challenges make us feel alive, engaged, connected, and fulfilled. Others simply overwhelm us. Knowing the difference as you set bigger and bolder challenges for yourself is critical to your sanity, success, and satisfaction.” —Brendon Burchard

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

Challenge

Life is about learning and growing. You continually need new challenges to encourage you to work even harder to achieve your goals. By accepting and overcoming challenges you become a stronger, more adaptable person. How can embracing challenge benefit you?

Engagement

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.” Don’t shy away from engaging in difficult thinking. And, don’t let fear stop you from taking action. Start by doing what you can with what you have, soon you will be able to do more than you ever thought possible. Follow passion and get engaged in following your dreams, challenges and all.

Evolution

Oprah Winfrey said, “The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be.” Change is the new normal and challenges offer you the opportunity to evolve. When you become complacent and satisfied with the status quo you are placing limits on the level of success you can achieve. Challenges offer great learning opportunities; stretching you beyond your comfort zone. Invest in yourself by engaging in a variety of activities and taking advantage of learning opportunities. You will evolve as you gain the new skills and knowledge necessary to conquer the challenges you encounter.

Opportunities

We’ve all heard Thomas Edison’s observation, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Think of the opportunities accepting and conquering challenges may offer. What new experiences might you have? Who might you meet? What might you learn? Accept the challenge, do the work, and make great things happen. Embrace enthusiasm for accomplishment and use it as motivation to tackle new and even more difficult challenges.

Are You Ready?

Sean Connery tells us, “There’s always a new challenge to keep you motivated.” Are you ready to feel engaged, to evolve both personally and professionally, and open yourself up to new opportunities? Challenges can serve to catapult you along the path to achieving your goals. So, roll up your sleeves and get to work; you are ready.

 

 

 

© 2014 Elizabeth Stincelli

 

Elizabeth Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the CEO of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Elizabeth holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Elizabeth by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.