When we hit our stride in life, it feels wonderful. Landing in the right career, the right relationship or the right situation allows us to feel confident and fire on all cylinders. We learn, we grow and we sometimes forget what it’s like to be the new kid. Our experience is so valuable but at times it allows us to think we know better and no longer need to experiment. We may start playing it (gasp) safe and avoid pushing yourself. Experiencing the unfamiliar, not only in work but in life, can help motivate you and those around you. Never underestimate the power of surprising yourself by developing new skills to make you feel invigorated and take your game to the next level.

Pushing Yourself

If it doesn’t scare you a little bit, where’s the fun in it? We all know the rush that comes from experiencing something new. Achieving a long-term goal that we thought we’d never attempt builds our confidence. Confidence pushes us to attempt even more exciting and unfamiliar things. Pushing yourself is a wonderful cycle that doesn’t have to stop if we don’t want it to.

No challenges = Boring. Can you really be happy if you’re stagnant? It’s the definition of insanity. Doing the same old stuff and expecting different results gets you nowhere. If you’re floating through life not especially happy or engaged, then not attempting to make change isn’t going to get you anywhere different. Be willing to try something new. Not all attempts will be a success, but it only takes one to land you in a much better place than you ever thought possible.

If you can’t lead yourself, how can you lead others? You’ve got to walk the talk. Encouraging people to chase dreams and conquer challenges while you sit back and deliver the same old same old isn’t inspiring. People want to see you practicing what you preach. When you’re willing to go for it and risk looking silly in the process, it makes you all the more amazing to the people around you. Courage is remarkable to witness.

There’s honor in trying. Hell, even if you do try something new and fall flat on your face, you TRIED. That’s impressive stuff. You’re a force to be reckoned with. Who knows what the next attempt will bring? Failing can be extremely inspirational to those who see you get back up and try again. It makes them realize that they can do the same.

It’s fun to remind yourself of what you’re capable of and face your fears. Public speaking, karaoke, whatever, we’ve all experienced that rush after we’ve conquered the unconquerable. It’s pretty sweet. Maintaining the status quo and carrying on as is really is no way to stay in touch with your inner badass, let alone let it shine to the world. Let’s start pushing yourself, myself and ourself today!