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7 Ideas To Challenge Yourself

Because no matter what you believe, you CAN!

By Sally From The Shine ProjectPublished 2 years ago 4 min read
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7 Ideas To Challenge Yourself
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

When you think about it, the act of challenging yourself is one of the most important things you can do. When you push yourself past your comfort zone, you’re learning and growing. Over time, this can lead to better skills, more confidence, and even greater accomplishments.

If you’re looking to take your life to the next level, there’s no better way to do that than by challenging yourself. With a little bit of effort, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Here are seven ways you can challenge yourself!

1. Write down all of your limiting beliefs and then challenge them or add a positive twitch to them.

For example, “I can’t be good at math” could be challenged with, “I have done well in math before.” Or “I’m not productive at all” could be challenged with “I have a lot of energy and get lots of things done when I’ve had a good night of sleep”

2. Practice accepting compliments.

This can be a difficult task, but it can help to break the cycle of self-doubt.

There is no denying that receiving a compliment can feel gratifying, and it can sometimes lead to increased self-confidence, if you know how to accept it.

A lot of times, if you have limiting beliefs and self-doubt, you’ll question the truthfulness of every little compliment and try to assess yourself according to it.

Don’t make every compliment an excuse to doubt other people’s words and your own worth.

When receiving a compliment, maintain a positive attitude. Responding with a smile and thank you will show that you appreciate the gesture and make the compliment feel more genuine. It’s also important not to take the compliment to heart too much. If someone tells you that you look great in your new outfit, for example, don’t start planning your wardrobe overhaul right away.

3. Spend time with people who challenge you

People who challenge us are important in our lives because they help us grow and learn. They are the ones who help us become the best versions of ourselves. They make us better people, and and they push us to be the best we can be.

Growing up, I was always surrounded by people who challenged me. My parents were both very open minded and cool in a society built on a lot of rules, and they always pushed me to do better. They would always challenge me to do things I never thought I could do, and they would support me when I failed.

The people who challenge you can also be people who challenge your way of thinking. Don’t be afraid of having conversations and debates with people who have completely different opinions and perspectives from yours. Quite the opposite, take this as an opportunity to satisfy your curiosity and grow.

4. Read new book genres

It can feel almost like a security blanket to read always the same book genre. There is an element of comfort in it, and for sure we are all allowed that. That’s trying new book genres can be challenging. On the positive side, it is also inspiring and helps open our eyes and minds to new horizons

5. Practice self-compassion

Replace criticism with compassion

Self-compassion is an important skill for living a happy and fulfilling life. It is the practice of being kind and understanding to yourself, even when you are struggling.

Self-compassion can help you to feel more in control of your emotions and can help you to cope better with difficult situations. It can also increase your happiness and resilience in the face of difficult challenges.

When you practice self-compassion, you allow yourself to feel your feelings without judgement. You can also learn to appreciate your own strengths and weaknesses.

6. Open up to someone

Talking to someone and sharing our deep thoughts and feelings can be the most challenging thing in the world. Especially, if you’re the quiet type who tends to interiorize every little thing you go through and go through it alone.

Find someone you trust, someone you have faith in and mostly someone who makes you feel good about yourself and try to share your craziest dreams, embarrassing moments, unreasonable fears or maybe weird habits.

You don’t have to pour all your heart out. Start small, get used to it first.

7. Try a hobby or activity totally different from your “activity” comfort zone

What I mean by this is that most people, when it comes to activities and hobbies separate into two categories. They either go for mental activities or physical ones.

Your challenge would be to try an activity different from the category you normally go for.

If you’re used to reading books and doing puzzle games in your free time, try something physical, like going for a walk.

If you like to go for long runs or spend your time in the garden, try something that demands more mental energy like Sudoku or journaling.

These were seven simple ideas so you can start challenging yourself.

Source: originally published on Simily

You can do it!

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About the Creator

Sally From The Shine Project

A self-made entrepreneur/writer.

From entrepreneurship, wellbeing, self-help to personal growth.

Join me for some tips & tricks to help you better your life.

You can show me some love here 💗 ☕️: buymeacoffee.com/sallyRQ

✨ Let's SHINE!

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