Challenge!

The word challenge lights such a competitive nerve in my body and builds a sense of drive for accomplishment. Upon looking up the definition of the word “Challenge” I received this: “A call to take part in a contest or competition”… and I didn’t really like it. As much as I admit that my competitive streak is apparent at the thought of the word, I did not believe it to completely sum up my interpretation. When you think of the word challenge; what comes to mind? Is it test, trial, task, contest, encounter, experiment, dare, defy? They are but the synonyms of the word.

As of late, I have found myself converting undesirable experiences into challenges. It continually reassures a new prospective on life’s challenges and awakens my drive to succeed. But, who am I competing against? To whom am I in a contest opposing? Life… Myself… The World?

I couldn’t help but wonder as to how much the reward of a challenge affects our participation? We all strive to achieve! However, does owning the right to proclaim success surpass the benefits of learning from our failures? I have found myself wanting to succeed, but nervous at the thought of succeeding prematurely as this may cause me to miss the learning’s from failing. How bizzare! I have the desire to fail now, to not only save myself from it in the future, but the get to my desired future quicker.

I know a very cool man, Trav (with a stella mohawk!) who is known as “The Bucket List Guy”. It is a fantastic concept and something I support whole-heartedly. He challenges you to the fullest! He challenges you to do the things you want to do and how to get to your ultimate peak in life. Now that encompasses a challenge. He becomes almost like your opponent – so you get results. It’s great that when you have someone there to push and encourage you to win. It’s even better when you give your word to someone else, how that forces you to get up and do it!

I began to wonder how much this drive has to do with the “why”. Why have my newly, almost unnerving, situations been so elegantly converted into challenges? Where has this drive and determination come from to welcome failure, only to benefit? It was only upon thinking about what Trav does, that I realised… it was my eco-system. It is the people I have chosen to surround myself with. It is definitely also my husband, Emir!

I ask you to take a second… look around at your eco-system… who do you see? Are you similar?

Are you prepared to fail? What undesired circumstances can you turn into challenges?

I challenge you to make your life a masterpiece. I challenge you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk. – Tony Robbins.

Samantha K

p.s I walked around the block with Emir today… My body is making progress. Challenge accomplished!