The Power Behind a Challenge

“We don’t grow when things are easy; we grow when we face challenges.”

How do you perceive challenges? For many people, whether they want to admit it or not, challenges bring up fear, self-doubt, sadness, or frustration. People will do what they can to avoid running into challenges at all costs.

If things are always easy and smooth-sailing, how do we prepare for the times when they are not? How do we learn to adjust, pivot, and try something new when things don’t work according to plan? It’s wonderful when you find people so similar to you. It’s easy and effortless. And when your plan works exactly as you imagined, you call yourself a genius! The perfect planner! But what we miss is that it also puts us in a box. We never need to change our ways, see another perspective, or learn a life lesson. We always believe we are right because things have always gone our way! Realistically, we will never get along with everyone perfectly. Sooner or later, you will run into some sort of obstacle, whether it’s with a person or a goal you’re working to achieve.?

?What if we changed our mindset from judging challenges as failures to accepting them as stepping stones to success? Recognizing that challenges are a natural part of our path. Assuming our paths will be easy and straight forward is the problem, not the actual twists and turns it takes a long the way.

We should redefine challenges and obstacles. Rebrand them in a sense. A disappointing grade, a loss in a game, not getting that job we wanted or being let go from the one we dreamed about. Transform that disappointment into an “ah-ha” moment. Say to ourselves, “Fantastic! I met that challenge and this is my stepping stone to becoming better." When we do that, we embrace the unknown rather than fear it.

Hard times stimulate growth in a way that good times don't. Facing and navigating through challenges builds resilience. Knowing how to overcome difficulties, learn from struggles, and profit from mistakes sets the stage for success in life.

How do we achieve “re-branding” the way we look at challenges?

1. ? Reframe the challenge in your mind. Challenges are inevitable. What is in our control is how we choose to perceive them. As Coco Chanel said, “Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable.” You need to think about success to reach the success. Taking action with the mindset of failing will lead to failure. To be successful you need to know how to deal with whatever happens in a positive way, but never start doing anything with the worry of falling.

2. ? Reflect on what you can gain from the challenge. Ask yourself, what can I learn from this? What can I do differently? Or, what worked well here? Focus on what strengthened you from this challenge and recognize the gift of it.?

3. ? Reassess yourself: Challenges allow us to take stock. Most career changes happen when we are thrown a curve ball and must make decisions. The reassessment period allows us to get curious and honest with ourselves. By taking the time to reflect on who you are, your goals, and priorities, you’re getting clear on what steps to take next to reach your true desired outcome.?

Challenges can bring fear and stress, but they can also bring opportunity and growth. It’s all about how you choose to perceive and approach it. Challenges, no matter how difficult they can be, often bring new skill sets and paths we would not have taken otherwise and ultimately reveal inner strength we might not have thought we had in us. Reframing, reflecting, and reassessing that challenge will change the dynamic!?

“Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.”?

- Roger Crawford