Today I want to outline the need to challenge yourself. I’m going to do that by challenging you. That’s right.
This is the “challenge-challenge.”
You and your business will not progress positively unless you constantly try new things. Wherever you are right now, the scenery won’t change unless you do something.
Action is what moves the needle.
First Benchmark Where You Are Now
Let’s call this phase the “launching pad.” This is where you are now. The start line. The beginning.
You can still learn even twenty-something years into doing what you do best. There is no coasting to high-performance. It takes work.
If you want to improve, figure out where you are now and assess the opportunity for improvement or change.
Try The New Stuff
People often don’t want to venture out and try new things because it is hard or they don’t want to fail. I have news for you kid, failing is where the growth happens.
Challenging yourself builds self-confidence. Working on something new and scary is how you teach yourself you can do it. One ladder rung at a time.
This could be going after a new business market. Maybe developing a new product line. It could be rebranding your business. Or making video content. Dipping your toes into using transfers for online stores.
It doesn’t matter. This is a new month. Try something new.
Return on Intent
I’m sure you’ve heard the acronym ROI before. You may think it means “Return on Investment.” Let’s switch that up. Now, let’s call that “Return on Intent.”
When we talk about intent, this implies we have determined the results we want to achieve. For the “Challenge-Challenge,” be purposeful.
It’s great to understand the ultimate direction, but what is the intent with step one? Just showing up and starting is usually the hardest part.
Give yourself credit for that. With your first try at the new thing, what is the result that you want to achieve? Maybe it’s just sitting down at your computer, Googling some stuff, and making notes.
Congratulations!
Step one down. Forty-seven more to go. Your challenge isn’t going to be completing the race but sticking to it. This is why you need to keep your eyes on the prize.
The Reason Challenging Matters
The reason why challenging yourself matters is that most people are not doing it.
Want to outdistance yourself from your competition instantly? Keep working at leveling up both personally and professionally.
It doesn’t even matter what you are doing. Learning and growing are good for the soul. Gaining new confidence in something can affect everything you do as you can apply the lessons you’ve learned in other things in your life.
Challenging yourself and others:
- Maximizes your skill and talent.
- Enhances your performance.
- Builds self-respect.
- Earns respect from your peers and co-workers.
- Increases fulfillment and enjoyment.
- Builds new relationships.
- Adds joy to your life.
- Levels up your self-confidence.
What are you trying for the first time today?
“The challenge of the unknown future is so much more exciting than the stories of the accomplished past.” – Simon Sinek
“The duty of youth is to challenge corruption.” – Kurt Cobain
“Synergy is what happens when one plus one equals ten or one hundred or even one thousand! It’s the profound result when two or more respectful human beings determine to go beyond their preconceived ideas to meet a great challenge.” – Stephen Covey
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Thanks!
Marshall Atkinson also shares exclusive blog content at Supacolor.com. Supacolor makes The World’s Best Heat Transfer and provides tips, inspiration, and other resources designed to empower professional garment printers.
