What does it mean to challenge yourself?

Question

I am writing an Original Oratory (it's a speech and debate thing) about the importance of challenging ourselves, and questioning the world around us. The one dilemma I have experienced yet while writing it is taking the emphasis off scientists and philosophers, and bringing it down to the level of community members who will judge me at tournaments.

I'd like to get some general opinions on what curiosity and life's challenges mean to you personally - I can think of several examples, but it would be greatly beneficial to hear viewpoints, opinions, and even life experiences of others.

Answer 1

The challenge is to think of happiness in broader terms than simply feeling good. To be true to ourselves we may need to ensure that generative values supersede hedonic pursuits lest, as a culture, we remain immature, unwell and unhappy. The wisdom of ancient sages (Plato: know thyself) and philosophers has stated that happiness arises from being true to self.

Answer 2

to do things that do not come easy to you!

Answer 3

If you wish to get in touch/contact with The People who are the foundation of our very society, then without a doubt you must address The Family Unit, which is the foundation of our very society we have lived in, do now, and will always live in...... as long as we remain HUMAN.  Amen+

Last but not least you must include the God/human spirit which reside in everything. (The Source where our creation comes from and object of our devotion, praise and obedience).  It is understood that God is the ONE, The Creator & Sustainer of His Universe.

This fact still remains the basis/foundation of our society today and whom you must address.

May the force be with you.

Answer 4

That is a very interesting question you have here.  

I think my life is filled with challenges.  I think it is the way my mind is wired.  I don't always take the easy road, because the harder option makes me learn and grow and experience more in my life.

I think some people define challenges in different ways.  Some think of a challenge as something so immense, and very difficult to achieve.  Others designate small challenges everyday.  I think it is more practical to have small challenges in your life each day.  The small part does not mean the challenge has less merit or quality, it just means it is a challenge on a smaller scale.  

Like sometimes I challenge myself to have a day of only liquids.  I don't need to diet to lose weight, but I know it is a way to clean out my system and start anew with the brand new week.  The first time I thought about doing this... I was doubting myself.  I have such a fast metabolism, and crave so much sugar.  But when I tried it the first time, it was not all that bad, and I felt great!  So, at one point I decided I would go on a liquid diet for several weeks because I just wanted to lean up and see if I could conquer this challenge.  It worked great, and within 6 weeks I was back in my favorite pair of skinny jeans that I could not zip up for about 8 months.  

So, I suggest that people make small challenges. The first time I did my liquid diet I did not tell myself I would do it for six weeks, I started with one day.  Start small, build your confidence up, and reach for the stars!  

Thanks for reading!

Answer 5

Do more than you think you'll be able to.

Answer 6

Life's challenges personally are those that you confront, and learn to live with. The challenges act as hurdles, not to impede our advance, but rather to improve ourselves.

To challenge ourself means to overcome the limitations that we indeed place in front of our own future to stay and remain in our "Safe Zones". In these safe zones, human capacity is strictly limited. We don't know the horizons.To defeat these limitations, and to challenge ourselves is to basically say the sky's the limit. To us, as human beings, there is no limitations, and that anything is possible, once we set our minds to it.  

Answer 7

EXAMPLE:  Some people live within their safety zone. They are born there and continue to live there after graduation and marriage. Challenging themselves is to push their lines of their safey zone farther out and experience that which they feared to experince before. Upon the experience they have learned of the power within themselves to grow and move on. To do more than one believes he/she can do...♥