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We (our emotional/spiritual/mental parts) are muscles, and muscles atrophy. Why do muscles atrophy? Well, simply put, when we don't use them enough they stop building and growing. Snooze ya lose bro. Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far, away, it came to pass, that I didn't have big muscles. And to me it stanketh. And I'm not the only one.
We can all think of a time or more in our lives where we felt on our game, where we were dominating life, where we knew what was up and how to lay it down and what was what. And then there's the rest of our lives. When we felt on top of the world we felt strong, confident, perhaps in control. So what happens to those times? Circumstances are definitely different for all of us, but there are certain principles which when followed can help us move forward, because of (not just despite) our challenges. That's right, challenges are GOOD for us.
There is one idea, that, I believe, if we accept and allow to become a part of our mental framework of how we see the world, will make our lives happier and progress oriented. That idea is that challenges are like exercise for the soul AND that exercise for the soul is good. Our mental grit is strengthened each time we consciously, and unabashedly face our challenges, admit that they are challenges (more on this in a moment), and then move forward working to overcome those challenges. Yes, that sounds simple, but many times we avoid the challenge, or pretend it isn't there. But ignoring the challenge is like being on a treadmill and pretending you aren't. It's there sister, so dominate it!
So what does it mean to admit that are challenges are indeed challenges? Part of this is overcoming denial. Another part is beginning to size up the challenge. This is important because when you start to climb a mountain, you want to know what supplies to have handy. What sort of support group will you need? Is this a proverbial day trip, or should you be packing some serious gear? Will you need to "hire" a professional guide (counseling, spiritual guidance, etc.)? Do you have family/friends you'd like to take along with you on the journey? All of these are involved in acknowledging your challenges. You ask yourself honest questions which deserve honest answers. And then move forward seeking the answers as you go. Pray, meditate, ponder about your challenge. Size it up properly. Of course some challenges come at you at 100mph, so you may have to size up quickly, but these challenges can be more obvious because of their abruptness.
Not everyone is given a life or circumstances that many would consider challenging. THAT IN ITSELF IS A CHALLENGE. You will naturally and steadily atrophy as a person if you do not regularly challenge yourself. Some people have to find their mountain to climb. What an opportunity, what a challenge! You choose your mountain, you choose your exercise regimen. But anyone who has started working out after having not worked out for an unstated and embarrassingly long time knows the risk of injury upon restarting an exercise regimen.
To avoid injury and discouragement (which is the absolute enemy to progress) begin by setting daily or weekly challenges which you know you can reach with some effort. Do something that stretches yourself, requires extra will power, takes grit and determination, and makes you leave your comfort zone. After all, comfort and atrophy go hand in hand.
If you become discouraged, maybe your challenge was a little too much for now. Reduce the goal slightly (and don't beat yourself up about that!). You don't go from pipsqeek to pro overnight. And don't look around at the other people in the gym. Looking at the (metaphorical) slim blond going a bajillion mph on the treadmill next to you or at Hulk in the weight room benching a bajillion lbs. is unhelpful, and inaccurate feedback. Monitor your progress, compare to your goals, and relish in your progress. When things start to become too easy, up the ante, raise your bar.
A post on challenges which includes the word 'grit' wouldn't be complete without a shameless plug for True Grit. While I don't condone revenge by any means, I do condone Mattie Ross and her true grit. Watch her character in this film for a lesson on determination and facing challenges.
In short, if you are given challenges, size them up and appreciate the mountain to climb, the views will be plenty, though the terrain be rough. If life seems to have skirted you of challenges, DO NOT let yourself ATROPHY. Choose a mountain, a mental/emotional/spiritual exercise regimen and consistently improve yourself. We are muscles, don't atrophy.
We can all think of a time or more in our lives where we felt on our game, where we were dominating life, where we knew what was up and how to lay it down and what was what. And then there's the rest of our lives. When we felt on top of the world we felt strong, confident, perhaps in control. So what happens to those times? Circumstances are definitely different for all of us, but there are certain principles which when followed can help us move forward, because of (not just despite) our challenges. That's right, challenges are GOOD for us.
There is one idea, that, I believe, if we accept and allow to become a part of our mental framework of how we see the world, will make our lives happier and progress oriented. That idea is that challenges are like exercise for the soul AND that exercise for the soul is good. Our mental grit is strengthened each time we consciously, and unabashedly face our challenges, admit that they are challenges (more on this in a moment), and then move forward working to overcome those challenges. Yes, that sounds simple, but many times we avoid the challenge, or pretend it isn't there. But ignoring the challenge is like being on a treadmill and pretending you aren't. It's there sister, so dominate it!
So what does it mean to admit that are challenges are indeed challenges? Part of this is overcoming denial. Another part is beginning to size up the challenge. This is important because when you start to climb a mountain, you want to know what supplies to have handy. What sort of support group will you need? Is this a proverbial day trip, or should you be packing some serious gear? Will you need to "hire" a professional guide (counseling, spiritual guidance, etc.)? Do you have family/friends you'd like to take along with you on the journey? All of these are involved in acknowledging your challenges. You ask yourself honest questions which deserve honest answers. And then move forward seeking the answers as you go. Pray, meditate, ponder about your challenge. Size it up properly. Of course some challenges come at you at 100mph, so you may have to size up quickly, but these challenges can be more obvious because of their abruptness.
Not everyone is given a life or circumstances that many would consider challenging. THAT IN ITSELF IS A CHALLENGE. You will naturally and steadily atrophy as a person if you do not regularly challenge yourself. Some people have to find their mountain to climb. What an opportunity, what a challenge! You choose your mountain, you choose your exercise regimen. But anyone who has started working out after having not worked out for an unstated and embarrassingly long time knows the risk of injury upon restarting an exercise regimen.
To avoid injury and discouragement (which is the absolute enemy to progress) begin by setting daily or weekly challenges which you know you can reach with some effort. Do something that stretches yourself, requires extra will power, takes grit and determination, and makes you leave your comfort zone. After all, comfort and atrophy go hand in hand.
If you become discouraged, maybe your challenge was a little too much for now. Reduce the goal slightly (and don't beat yourself up about that!). You don't go from pipsqeek to pro overnight. And don't look around at the other people in the gym. Looking at the (metaphorical) slim blond going a bajillion mph on the treadmill next to you or at Hulk in the weight room benching a bajillion lbs. is unhelpful, and inaccurate feedback. Monitor your progress, compare to your goals, and relish in your progress. When things start to become too easy, up the ante, raise your bar.
A post on challenges which includes the word 'grit' wouldn't be complete without a shameless plug for True Grit. While I don't condone revenge by any means, I do condone Mattie Ross and her true grit. Watch her character in this film for a lesson on determination and facing challenges.
In short, if you are given challenges, size them up and appreciate the mountain to climb, the views will be plenty, though the terrain be rough. If life seems to have skirted you of challenges, DO NOT let yourself ATROPHY. Choose a mountain, a mental/emotional/spiritual exercise regimen and consistently improve yourself. We are muscles, don't atrophy.