“Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.” – Roger Crawford
Every single one of us has room for improvement. We all need a healthy dose of normal stress in our lives, after all – to challenge us, to help us grow and improve.
In your career you will be challenged, you will be tested – mainly by others! But there is nothing wrong with setting yourself some challenges to help you grow in the direction you want to grow (not just in the directions that others want you to be pushed).
So how can you challenge yourself?
Do what makes you scared or nervous
Throw yourself in at the deep end and face your fears! Identify what makes you scared or nervous and takes you right out of your comfort zone. Perhaps you procrastinate or avoid doing it altogether and delegate instead. Spend at least five minutes a day conquering your fear! don’t stop on the first try persevere you’ll get the hang of it eventually.
Attend a career-related seminar a month
If you are reading this blog it is likely that you are also aiming high in your career. Try and take an external course a month. This includes conferences that are relevant to the legal profession and beyond, conferences and events relevant to your practice area and to the industries you work in. Attend, pay attention and learn and don’t forget to connect with the attendees and the keynote speakers.
Learn a new language
Learning a new language isn’t just another way to boost your CV; it can be fun and rewarding as well. With all the fun apps and resources all over the Internet, you don’t even need to attend a class anymore. So, don’t let “time” be a reason you don’t take up a new challenge. Although a class can be another great way to meet new and like-minded people not to mention it can give you someone to practice your new skills with.
Take a class
Take up a new hobby. A fresh challenge. Make sure this hobby is not linked to your career; you have to relax and de-stress while performing this. Examples include photography, drawing, cooking, sewing, painting and graphic designing online. Find a class local to you. Again this is another great way to meet new and like-minded people.
How are you challenging yourself?