Challenging Questions

Why is it important to challenge ourselves?

Being able to deal with challenges is what makes you a winner. Scotland’s Andy Murray, one of the world’s best tennis players says that “Winning is finding a way to overcome every challenge you face”.

So, as Andy Murray says, the best way to be a winner is to face your challenges – and overcome them.

This doesn’t mean that we will all become world champions. It doesn’t even mean we can all be the best in our class or our school. It simply means that we do the best that we can for ourselves.

It is important to realise that we can only do our best in any situation. Being the best you can is what will give you the biggest feeling of satisfaction – not beating others. However our best is only achievable with a positive attitude towards the challenges we face.

How do we overcome challenges?

The simple answer is to have a positive attitude, and do your very best to overcome the challenge. Remember, a challenge is anything that tests you – whether it’s passing an exam, winning a contest or achieving your lifelong dream.

Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer each one with YES, you will be ready.

• Do you want to overcome your challenge?
• Do you believe you can do it?
• Will you keep trying until you do?

All successful sportsmen and women would answer with a resounding ‘Yes!’ three times. To overcome any challenge you must do more than ‘just enough’ – you have to do your best – every time.