We are reared to overcome challenges. The challenge to crawl, later walk, to speak, to succeed in the classroom. As years pass by we are faced with those that present themselves in our professional and personal lives. For some of us, there is the era where we take on the challenge of redefining who we are and what we want.

Though these periods often involve some level struggle, as Brendon Burchard (a trailblazer in the motivational and leadership fields) states, “challenge is the pathway to engagement and progress in our lives.”

An indubitable truth, he continues with a significant follow up:

“Not all challenges are created equal. Some make us feel alive, engage, connected and fulfilled. Others simply overwhelm. Knowing the difference as you set bigger and bolder challenges for yourself is critical for your sanity, success, and satisfaction.”

Without a doubt, as I reflect on particular challenges which lie ahead, there is an underlying hummm - a fear of failure - but there is also an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and peace knowing what I might feel and what it might look like when I get there.

And, as you can suppose, there are those which merely feel like an uphill battle; they drain energy and in no way fulfill. So, for now, I lay those aside. Perhaps later they hold more significant meaning and merit.

What about you?

What lies in front of you right now? What challenges, though they may be intimidating, find you engaged, alive and connected? And which ones pull you out of that dynamic space? Where are you forcing yourself into something, merely because “you should”?

I invite you to consider the challenges in your life, at this moment.

The ones you’ve chosen. The ones you’ve opted into.

Those that leave you drained with little sense of accomplishment, drop.

Focus your energy on a challenge that will enable you to feel alive and connected. That's why we are here, isn't it?

With love,

Rachel