8 Ways to Challenge Yourself Out of a Rut

Being a mom is challenging in itself!

I can’t think of anything that is more challenging than being a mom. Moms are multi focused, multi talented, and multi skilled. Not all of them can do the same things. Not all of then want to. They come in all shapes and sizes. But, they also come with all different types of ideas, vision, and motivation.

Moms are amazing creatures that evolve and shape shift with their environments, while still keeping the parts that made them, well, them. Our likes, our dislikes, our hobbies, our passions. They make us who we are. And we should be using our gifts and talents to build up and encourage those around us. We compliment each other because of the fact that we are so different.

Be challenged, not bored!

It’s because of our flexible nature that we can go from hobby to hobby and passion to passion. But it’s also the reason that we tend to get bored when we do one thing for too long.

Is that you? Have you gotten complacent? Physically? Emotionally? Spirituality?  It’s important to challenge yourself in those areas of your life where you are no longer feeling productive.

Here are some things you can try.

Go for a walk with someone.

Even if the physical aspect of the walk itself is not challenging, the ever changing, never anticipated conversation of another will break up the monotony of your week. Pick a good friend and prepare to be challenged in all kinds of great ways.

Begin a new physical challenge.

There’s the 100 squats a day challenge, 100 situps a day challenge, Couch to 5k challenge. If you’ve gotten bored with your regular workout, add a new dimension. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you begin something new.

Go to a new level in a hobby you love.

What do you love? Try your hand at something a bit different than what you usually do. Crochet? Try a more difficult pattern than you’ve ever attempted before. Whatever it is, bump it up a notch.

Read the Bible daily.

This goes better under the heading of lifestyle rather than hobby, but I’ve found myself in places where I’m just not in the Bible as much as I need to be. Challenge yourself to read daily. Just 1 chapter a day. You read more than that on Facebook daily. If you already read daily, resolve to study at least one key word or scripture during your reading time each day. It’s amazing how easily it will become a lifestyle.

Start a new hobby.

It’s never too late to take up something new. Sewing, baking, running… you can do anything you put your mind to. If you still have reservations, find a friend that is willing to take on a new thing with you. You’ll be shocked at how much your friendship will grow.

Do something for someone else.

It can be a little awkward to step out of your comfort zone and help a stranger, but it can be so worth it! If you’re not quite there yet, do something for someone you know. Maybe a friend, or maybe an aquainance. The joy it brings to others only magnifies the joy it creates in you!

Wear something you normally wouldn’t.

This sounds a little silly. The truth is, your wardrobe affects the way you see yourself. Step of the box and wear something that isn’t your usual style. Think of it as a day of dress up. Throughout the course of the day, you’ll realize that you actually can pull off that color, style, or print that you’ve been staying away from. You may just begin to see yourself through more confident eyes.

Sometimes, the challenges we set for ourselves need to be things NOT to do.

This year, I resolved NOT to eat my feelings. I’m a bored eater and a stress eater. A bad combination. I’ve also had to challenge myself to stay off Facebook. Hasn’t everyone experienced the a few minutes that can easily take us down the rabbit hole of interesting articles and funny videos? The time we spending on random, nonessential things is taking away from the time we could be spending on more rewarding activities.

It’s all about the dynamic!

Taking on a new challenge will never work if done half-heartedly. Actually, when you don’t go all in, you’re more likely to quit and feel like you failed. That’s the opposite of the goal! When you decide to do something, it needs to be accompanied with action! Be energetic! Be passionate! Be dynamic!

Are you bored? Are you constantly busy, but still feel like you’re stuck in a rut? I hope these ideas have helped you think of ways that you can challenge yourself and get interested in the things you love! I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences in the comments.