Challenge Yourself ... Stretch your boundaries daily!

Many times we fall into a sedentary lifestyle because we fear forward movement. We eventually feel as though we've fallen into a rut and can't seem to escape. However, this is where we tend to forget that part of moving forward in life is to continue challenging yourself and your abilities.

It is important that you test your boundaries and see how far you can go. Challenge your own beliefs to increase your sphere and strengthen your resolve in your own life. Of course, don't do anything to risk life and limb; however, it is important risk and overcome your fears.

We all experience some element of fear. Fears keep you isolated and immobile in one or more parts of your life. Fears tend to develop to replace desire. Instead of desiring change to achieve success, you begin to fear change so that you can remain stable. Instead of desiring more money and responsibility in your job, you fear losing your job and the income. Challenging your fears can allow you to overcome many issues and feelings that have piled up over the years.

Take a course on something of interest to broaden your horizons. Learn something new to enhance your job and make you more valuable. Travel to a new place that you've never visited. Set a goal every year to learn one thing new, create one new thing, and go to one new place. It's easier to try out new facets of your life and character when you are away from the familiar surroundings that remind you of how you "should be living".

As you meet new challenges, you encounter new character traits, gain new confidence, and enhance your sense of accomplishment. Additionally, the mind wants information to process, store, and reference. As you meet your fears and broaden your horizons, your mind will be too busy to worry or fear the inconsequential things that life throws at us from time to time.

--- About the Author ---

Edward B. Toupin is an author, publisher, life-strategy coach, counselor, Reiki Master, technical writer, and PhD Candidate living in Las Vegas, NV. Among other things, he authors books, articles, and screenplays on topics ranging from career success through life organization and fulfillment. Check out some of his recent print and electronic books as well as his articles covering various life-changing topics!

For more information, and to find out about his upcoming title on book publishing, e-mail Edward at etoupin@toupin.com or visit his site at http://www.toupin.com!

Copyright (c) 2004 Edward B. Toupin