Taking life one challenge at a time (or maybe many)

(Sorry about the video’s quality; most Apple products just work, but iMovie DOESN’T. So I kept it simple. I need to find a better solution.)

Look at this, i’m getting better! So far my record is 7-8 reps when allowed to move, and 6 reps when restraining movement  (I find it’s rather hard to keep the balls from going forward, so I’m focusing to keep control of the throws).

I think it would make sense to give some thoughts regarding challenges. It’s what this blog is about, after all. First, let’s take a look at the definition of Challenge, as given by Wikitionary :

1. An instigation or antagonization intended to convince a person to perform an action they otherwise would not.

2. A difficult task, especially one that the person making the attempt finds more enjoyable because of that difficulty.

This is interesting. The first definition refers to the act of daring one to do something. You see, humans by nature (or by condition, that would be for philosophers to decide… or not) are proud. While Pride itself could be a subject for an entire ticket (or book), let’s just summarize by saying that many levels and varieties of pride can be found through just as many people.

We all experience pride, if only in the sense that we would rather be recognized for our strengths than laughed upon for our weaknesses. No matter how good you are at managing either, this can’t be denied. It’s innate; your blood boils with it.

Therefore, when we are faced with any kind of challenge, it’s just like saying “I bet you can’t do it. I dare you to try”. No matter what, and it can be at different levels of intensity, we cannot deny the tingling of the nerves that gets to us. Unless the challenge is insignificant or downright unfeasible, we feel an urge to PROVE ourselves (or justify our inability to do it).

The second definition looks at the difficulty of a task, but more specifically at that difficulty’s feature of being ENJOYABLE. Indeed, it is hard to ignore the strong feeling of accomplishment that gets to us when overcoming something hard. Something challenging.

Again, it’s easy to notice a reference to the notion of Pride.  Why are we so sensible to that feeling of doing something great?

I can’t pretend to be able to answer this one. However, I can safely say that almost everything Humanity has done was fueled by pride. Grand things, smaller things, good things and bad. They were all challenges to be overcome, with their lot of obstacles to be crossed.

When cultivated, enjoyment can be found through the whole process of doing something difficult. The journey becomes a challenge in itself, each step daring you to go one step further. Every small step of a journey is an accomplishment. It should be treated as such.

It only makes sense to think of every obstacle in life as a new challenge. An obstacle is a difficult task we’re faced upon, and when we get through, a positive feeling is felt. All requirements for a challenge are met. Only WE need to decide to make it so.

An obstacle you’re faced with, big or small, is Life’s way of saying “I bet you can’t do it. I dare you to try”. HELL YEAH you’re going to try. And succeed, because you decided so. Then you’ll turn back and face Life again, and say ”Done. What’s next?”.

Take pride in that.

What are the challenges you’re proud to have come over? What’s next in your list? Feel free to share!

“May you live every day of your life.” – Jonathan Swift