The blog will pick a word of the week, to share & explore the selected word. Here’s an expression for the word – challenge.
A recent question to the blog – why is a challenge so important in life? “The greater the difficulty, the more the glory in surmounting it” – Epicurus. Challenge matters because it creates the conditions in which we adapt, learn & discover what we’re capable of. Our brain & body curiously adapt when we’re asked to do something just beyond its limit. Whether it’s learning a language, playing a sport or solving difficult problems, a challenge encourages insight, imagination & improvement. “It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves” – Edmund Hillary.
It builds resilience, gratitude & compassion. Successfully working through setbacks teaches us that difficulties are often temporary & manageable. “Out of difficulties grow miracles.” This increases confidence in our ability to handle future obstacles. As they say, “the obstacle is the way.”
A challenge makes achievements more fulfilling. Accomplishments often feel rewarding because they required endurance, effort & energy. If something came effortlessly, it usually doesn’t produce the same sense of pride, joy or satisfaction. “Challenges are what make life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful” – Joshua Marine.
A challenge also reveals our strengths, motivates us to explore our full potential & shows us where we can enhance our skills. That self-knowledge is valuable in itself. Most importantly, it gives our life a sense of purpose. We find meaning in pursuing worthwhile goals despite difficulty. Working towards something that matters can make everyday life feel more joyous & gratifying. “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how” – Friedrich Nietzsche.