The Psychology of Challenges: Unraveling the Motivational Mysteries

Human nature is wired for challenges. Whether it's conquering personal fears, achieving lofty goals, or simply trying something new, the pursuit of challenges is ingrained in our DNA. But what motivates people to take on challenges, and how can these endeavors impact our lives and mindset?

The Spectrum of Challenges:

People often embark on challenges for various reasons, ranging from the admirable to the downright bizarre. Some challenges contribute positively to personal growth and well-being, while others may be outright harmful. Take, for instance, the infamous "Tide Pod Challenge," where individuals dared each other to consume laundry detergent pods—a reckless pursuit that posed serious health risks. On the flip side, positive challenges abound. These are the ones that not only benefit the individual but also have a ripple effect on those around them. These challenges become opportunities for self-discovery, resilience, and improvement.

The Impact of Pursuing Challenges:

Engaging in challenges has a profound impact on our mindset and overall well-being. When we tackle a challenge, we push the boundaries of our comfort zones, fostering resilience and adaptability. It's not just about the end goal but the journey—the lessons learned, the obstacles overcome, and the growth experienced along the way. Pursuing challenges not only boosts confidence but also enhances creativity. The process of problem-solving and navigating through uncharted territory activates cognitive functions, leading to increased innovation and resourcefulness.

The Example of a Salad Challenge:

In the pursuit of challenges, both ridiculous and beneficial, one personal example stands out—a journey into the world of salads. A little over a year ago, I took on the challenge of eating a salad every day. Now, this might seem trivial compared to some extreme challenges, but for someone who grew up labeling salads as "rabbit food," it was a significant leap. The motivation behind this challenge was unique—I became a vegetarian to support my daughter but found myself disliking vegetables. The solution? Focus on the benefits. It started with a chance encounter with a Poke Bowl salad from Wegman's during a drive back from New York. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it and discovered the vast array of flavors and textures that salads could offer.

My salad journey included red leaf romaine lettuce, spiraled zucchini, sliced cucumber, and pickled radishes marinated in plum vinegar. I experimented with additions like steamed chickpeas, edamame, yams, purple potatoes, macadamia nuts, grilled asparagus, endives, radicchio, and crumbled tofu sautéed in sesame oil and turmeric.

The dressing was a simple mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. What started as a one-week challenge turned into 17 months of consistent salad consumption. The key was making it enjoyable and sustainable, aided by a vegetable spiraling gadget and a steamer for rapid preparation. The impact was remarkable—a burst of energy, heightened creativity, and a surprisingly resilient immune system, even when facing a mild bout of COVID-19.

Mindful and Meditative Salad Preparation:

Before diving into the instructions for this vibrant salad, consider the mindful and meditative aspects of its preparation. As you wash, slice, and arrange the diverse ingredients, be present in the moment. Embrace the textures, colors, and aromas, turning the act of salad-making into a calming ritual for the mind.

Tips for Following Through on Challenges:

1. Start Small: Begin with manageable challenges that align with your goals and interests. Small wins build confidence and momentum.
2. Make it Enjoyable: Find ways to make the challenge enjoyable. In my case, discovering new salad recipes and sharing the experience with my husband kept me motivated.
3. Accountability: Share your challenge with others. Whether it's friends, family, or an online community, having a support system keeps you accountable and motivated.
4. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way. Recognizing progress boosts morale and reinforces the positive impact of the challenge.
5. Adapt and Evolve: Challenges are dynamic. Be open to adapting your approach and evolving the challenge based on what works best for you.

Incorporating mindfulness into challenges extends beyond the challenge, offering a valuable perspective on how intentional and present engagement with tasks can elevate the overall experience. Whether it's conquering a professional challenge, learning a new skill, or embarking on a fitness journey, approaching each step with mindfulness enhances the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction derived from the challenge.

Conclusion:

The pursuit of challenges is a fundamental aspect of human nature. Whether it's overcoming personal fears or embracing positive habits, challenges shape our character, foster resilience, and lead to personal growth. The impact extends beyond the individual, creating a positive ripple effect on those around us.

Mindful Salad Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Red leaf romaine lettuce
• Zucchini (spiraled): high in vitamin A, C, Folate and Potassium
• Cucumber (sliced)
• Pickled radishes (marinated in plum vinegar): adds a burst of flavor
• Steamed chickpeas or edamame: for protein
• Yam or purple potatoes (steamed): curbs craving for sweets
• Avocado- 1/4 thinly sliced
• Macadamia nuts
• Grilled asparagus
• Endives (a few leaves)
• Radicchio (no more than one inch worth of thinly sliced leaves)
• Tofu (crumbled and sautéed in sesame oil and turmeric, of grilled)
• Dressing: Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Can add thinly sliced kale, olives, cherry tomatoes and anything you love

Mindful Preparation:

1. Wash and prepare all vegetables, embracing the textures and colors.
2. Marinate pickled radishes in plum vinegar for 5 minutes to keep them crispy.
3. Steam chickpeas, edamame, yam, or purple potatoes- or all!
4. Mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar
5. Enjoy the burst of flavors, textures, and the health benefits of this mindful and meditative salad!

Tips for Travel: Consider a leak-proof container for the salad dressing. This can be prepped the night before. Do not toss. It looks pretty and unique with vegetables on top together.

Bio:

Leila Kubesch, professional speaker, photographer, and coach. Guiding leaders from self-talk to sell-talk, she helps others to find their voice and visibility, craft powerful stories, navigate social media authentically, and forge impactful collaborations. Her professional challenge is to speak in every state, coupled with a personal commitment to hike Ohio's trails with her camera, embodying a dedication to growth.

Demo Reel 

 #Storyteller #EmpowerCoach #Challenge #Speak #Photography