Humans need purpose, struggle, and challenge. It’s how we learn, grow, and develop. Google ways to challenge yourself and you’ll find plenty of articles. But I don’t want to give you the same boring suggestions as everyone else.
Instead, I’m going to propose challenges that I know have value from personal experience. Ones that are hard to do but will yield the greatest results. I’m passionate about self-development and encouraging others do to the same.
Hopefully that passions come across in my writing.
One final thing before you read on. Several of the challenges below require a certain level of physical fitness. Which is why I list alternative ways to approach them. However, if you suffer from any kind of physical condition, please don’t attempt them without consulting your doctor.
Ok, disclaimer made! Phew. Are you even more curious now? Continue reading then.
Climb a Mountain to Feel Unstoppable
I’ve been on a lot of hikes that were easy, pleasant in fact. Others, not so much. In 2019, I did a ten-day hike to reach Annapurna’s base camp in Nepal, reaching 13,500 feet. The route was full of steps leading through villages and tea houses, where we ate and slept.
On day one alone, we walked up 3,380 stone steps. Sounds fun, right?
I’m not going to lie, there were plenty of moments when I questioned my life choices. There are few things as intimating as staring up at a mountain peak that will take you days to reach. It’s daunting. At times, it feels impossible, like you’ll never even reach the top.
But that’s exactly why YOU SHOULD climb a mountain.
I gained a huge sense of achievement and accomplishment after reaching the top. I earned it. Despite the mental and physical struggle, I pushed through regardless.
You don’t have to climb Everest or hike for ten days. But what can you manage? Aim high at least. Are there are any moderate hiking routes nearby? How about hills?
Commit to one. Do it alone or with a friend. Regardless, It doesn’t matter. Once you finish, you’ll feel unstoppable. It will give you the confidence to take on other challenges in your life.
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”
– Edmund Hillary
Meditate for a Tranquil Mind
When you think of meditation, what do you picture? Perhaps a monk sitting with their legs crossed, in a state of utter peace. Looks easy. Is it though? Meditating, particularly in the beginning can be challenging.
Why? During meditation, you face your mind alone. As a result, you must embrace silence and confront your thoughts. That’s not an easy thing to do. Most people will do anything to distract themselves and keep busy. The idea of being alone with their thoughts for long periods of time is scary.
It’s a common misconception that the aim of meditation to clear the mind. It’s not. Meditation is about observing your own thoughts and body in the present moment. This helps you to develop self-awareness. In time you become more aware of the stories and thought loops you get stuck in.
Then you learn to observe them pass by, rather than getting caught up in them. This can give you distance from your thoughts. Meditation can bring you a sense of peace and calmness. Increase your focus, attention, and memory, whilst decrease stress, anxiety, and depression.
Yes, it can be challenging to begin with, but overtime it becomes easier. Once you establish meditation as a habit, you’ll crave it. It’s invaluable alone time that gives you insights into yourself.
Meditation has improved my life drastically. Undoubtedly, it’ll be something I do until the day I die. Why not see if it can do the same for you?
Travel Alone to Find Yourself
When I was 24, I backpacked solo around Southeast Asia for over 4 months. It was nerve racking heading out into the unknown. I would be exploring countries and cultures vastly different from my own. I wasn’t stepping but leaping outside of my comfort zone.
Was it worth it? Of course. It was a priceless adventure. I saw and experienced things I never could have imagined. Venturing out on my own, I dared to do things that terrified me. All whilst sharing cherished moments with people from all around the world.
Don’t get me wrong though, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. At times I felt afraid, homesick, tired, and out of my depth.
But in those moments, you find yourself. You push through and wait for the storm to pass. Then the clouds clear and you’re rewarded with beautiful views.
Travel alone.
Where have you always wanted to go? Even if you have a busy lifestyle, can you go away for weekend or day trip? If the thought of going to another country is too much, how about somewhere closer?
Book some tickets and don’t look back.
“Travel is the best way to be lost and found at the same time.”
– Brenna Smith
Do Martial Arts
I’ve been doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for almost a year now. It’s taught me a lot about myself and life. That second part may surprise you. Let me elaborate.
When I spar with other people, I end up in uncomfortable and vulnerable positions. As I’m in danger of my opponent inflicting pain on me, I must remain calm, relaxed, and patient.
In life there are times when there is chaos going on all around. You endure stress, discomfort, and suffering. It’s challenging. The only way to get through it is to breath. You must stay composed, resilient, and wait for the right time to act.
There are also moments in life when you have to fight back. You may need to stand your ground or be impulsive and explosive. This happens on the mats too.
Ever encountered frustration, defeat, and failure? These can be opportunities to learn from your mistakes and come back with a stronger mindset. Or maybe you needed to be humbled. Perhaps you became arrogant or overconfident. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu involves all the above.
Doing a martial art is challenging but rewarding. You must be disciplined to keep showing up despite the setbacks. If do though, you’ll be rewarded with confidence. You’ll feel stronger and more secure.
If the idea sparring sounds too brute full, try something with less impact. For example, fitness boxing or Muay Thai, where you hit pads or punch bags.
Face the Cold
Ok, you’re probably wondering what I’m talking about. Have you ever heard of Wim Hof? AKA the iceman. Wim is famous for enduring and thriving in cold temperate. As well as displaying incredible control of his own mind and body.
To name a few accomplishments. He’s climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in his shorts, run a half marathon above the Article Circle barefoot, and swam underneath ice for 66 metres. In 2014, scientists even injected him with an endotoxin. For most this would negatively impact their immune system.
But by breathing and mediating, he stimulated his nervous system to fight it off.
What’s his secret? Is he some kind of freak of nature? Nope. For years, he has been meditating and exposing himself to the cold. He encourages others to do the same through his system, which he calls the Wim Hof Method.
Is it complicated to learn? Not at all. His breathing technique is very simple. On top of that, you just need to expose yourself to cold water. Cold plunges, ice baths, wild water exposure, or cold showers. Take your pick.
I know what you’re thinking. Why on earth would anyone want to do that!?
The Benefits of Cold Therapy
Exposing yourself to cold water has many tremendous health benefits. This includes boosting your cardiovascular circulation, immunes system, and energy. Cold therapy also reduces muscle inflammation, depression, and anxiety. Stimulate weight loss and increase recovery time from exercise.
Yup, there’s a lot there, but there’s one more important thing to note. The mental challenge. Let me tell you, facing cold water is daunting. The idea of going from feeling warm and cosy to freezing cold fills you with dread.
BUT when you do, it’s all worth it. You feel wide awake, energised, and full of adrenaline. Not only that, but you also faced something incredibly challenging and succeeded. It gives you the courage and confidence to take on more.
Still hesitant? Start small. Take a normal shower and gradually reduce the temperature. Or go in a sauna and then immediately take a cold shower.
“We have become alienated from nature. But the cold is capable of bringing us back to what we have lost”
– Wim Hof
Challenge Brings Growth
I’ve given you some powerful challenges to try out. How do you feel? Inspired, motivated, or indifferent? Hopefully one of the first two. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone because it’s safe and easy. But what do you learn by staying there?
How will you know what you’re capable of? Don’t you want to find out?
When you face challenge, you grow. You get to know yourself better. All whilst gaining strength, courage, discipline, and determination. If you don’t like any of the suggestions above, check out my article that encourages you to think of your own.
What will your next challenge be? Let me know in the comments section.
Take care of yourselves.
Chris, from Mindful Way to Be.
