Tip 9 for Overcoming Challenges: Keep Stretching Yourself
We often plateau at what we are doing, whether at work or in our health or some other aspect of our personal lives. And then along comes a change or a challenge… and all we can think is how can I possibly deal with this? I have nothing more to give.
I think the answer is to stretch … find a new goal or aspiration within the current challenge. As someone who has now lived with a disability for a long period, I try different things so that I maximize my physical abilities. At one point I worked with a personal trainer with a focus on building strength in my arms and legs. At another I went to a Pilates studio to increase my core strength. Even going to a different chiropractor makes a difference because they have unique skills and strengths. Each time I stretch myself physically, it pulls me out of a set point and expands what is possible.
Experiencing work challenges? How can you shake up your standard approach? How can you stretch yourself to do things a new way? Do you have a mentor or coach who can offer some guidance and stretch your perspective or abilities? Could you participate in a Mastermind team of people who want to grow and will challenge you to expand?
This can be a great place to seek some input. From our earlier tips, you’re hopefully creating and maximizing a diverse support team and asking them for help. How about you ask them where they think you need to stretch? And be ready to accept it. One of my long-time friends told me that she has noticed I typically seem to freeze in my tracks and sometimes have a nice little meltdown…right before I have a big breakthrough of some sort. So, it was a little hard to hear that I have a pattern of freaking out right before I move to new levels … but knowing it has helped me challenge myself not to buy into my own drama.
Where can you stretch your abilities so that your challenge becomes an opportunity to grow?
Change, Improvement, Inspiration, Strengths | Ann Potts June 2, 2010
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Ann Potts is a highly credentialed Strategic Executive Coach & Motivational Consultant with more than 20 years experience in corporate leadership roles. An uncommon background gives her unique insight into the power of harnessing inner strengths to engage on a challenging corporate playing field.
By cna training, June 3, 2010 @ 12:49 AM
nice post. thanks.
By Anna Johnston, June 3, 2010 @ 1:55 AM
What a great post Ann. Thankyou. I really relate with your “stretch” method. Life has a funny way of throwing us into situations and we’re forced to sink or swim! I’ve never thought ‘Sinking’ is much of a good look
, so stretch it has to be to “swim”!!
Cheers Anna
By Karen Smith, June 3, 2010 @ 10:49 PM
Ann,
Great post. You are right about stretching ourselves. You had to overcome obstacles in life and it is a good point to share. Some just give up.
Thanks for sharing.
Karen
By angelina, June 4, 2010 @ 3:50 AM
Ya, the panic before growing to the next level is definitely something i can relate to and a pattern I’ve been ready to release for quite a while now!
thanks for the great post.
angelina
By Amy, June 5, 2010 @ 5:02 PM
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by patrick lewis, The Unified Tribe. The Unified Tribe said: Read what my friend @CoachAnnPotts says about continuing to stretch your abilities when challenged! http://bit.ly/9DHqer #UTribe [...]
By Arvin, October 4, 2010 @ 3:38 AM
Great article! It’s important that we face these challenges head on to overcome them! Thanks! I’m looking forward to reading more of your work.