Why you need to be challenged

As an athlete, you are constantly put into scenarios where you are challenged. Sometimes you will thrive and other times you will struggle. This isn't just on race day, but in training as well. When you experience a challenge, your level of perserverance, mental fortitude, grit and determination will be tested.

Whether a tough main set, a virtual race or a block of epic workouts, now more than ever before, it's important to find creative ways to satisfy your competitive drive.  With a strong desire to conquer the challenge that lies ahead, you will find yourself filled with nervous, positive energy - just like you would experience on race day.

As for your emotions, if you feel threatened or discouraged by a challenge, your confidence will be affected. And where does that dislike of a challenge come from? Likely from a fear of  failure. When you consider or accept a new challenge, you are also faced with the possibility of failure. Rather than seeing the opportunity in the situation, your mind may feel with thoughts on what it would be like to fail or not meet your expectations.

Gift yourself a workout challenge. You deserve to feel excitement, inspiration, courage and healthy nerves, even during stressful and difficult times. Instead of avoiding a challenge due to fear of failure, focus on what you will gain by putting yourself through a personal challenge. During a physical challenge, it's not about pass or fail. It's about having fun and seeing the challenge as something exciting, new and enriching.

As you learn to become motivated by athletic challenges, you will develop a positive reaction to difficult, uncomfortable and new scenarios. Instead of viewing challenges with fear and self-doubt, learn to rise to the challenge. By doing this in training, you'll be better prepared for the challenges that you will face on race day.

You have two ways of viewing a challenge. One is: "this is going to be so hard, there's no way I can perform well today." The other is: "I'm excited to see what I can do." Clearly, one thought is a threat (or self-doubt in abilities) and the other is viewed as a welcoming experience.

The more you can test your limits and capabilities, the more you can learn about yourself.

New challenges are opportunities to discover your incredible capabilities, strengths and areas of improvement.

How will you challenge yourself?