Have you ever heard the saying, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you?” I don’t know where it originated, but this is the motto of fitness guru Fred DeVito, and has been copied and shared countless times as a motivational message within the realm of physical fitness.
I believe this bit of wisdom isn’t limited to just physical health and fitness, but can be applied to nearly every area of life in which you strive to change and improve.
- Pursuing higher education or further training and certification? If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.
- Trying to learn and use a second (or third) language? If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.
- Attempting to break or change a bad habit (or create and instill a good one)? If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.
- Seeking to invest in an important relationship and improve your communication? If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.
- Wanting to refine your leadership skills and better engage those you work with? If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.
Bottom line: without challenge, there will be little to no change. So, if you really desire change and improvement in a particular area of your life, you must expect—and embrace—the challenge that comes with it!
