If It Doesn't Challenge You, It Doesn't Change You

Quitting. Giving Up. Taking the easy way out. If only it were that simple. I don't know about you, but when I give up on something, I feel worse than before I gave up. It's like a Catch 22!

I've certainly had my fair share of challenges in the last year. I left my dream job in Kansas City to return home to St. Louis to be with my family (which is the ultimate dream), only to be left classroom-less. I took on a couple of assistant positions that really weren't for me. I have learned that I do not make a great teaching assistant. Too many leadership qualities, I think (or I'm too thick-headed, potato pototo). The experience of running my own classroom effectively makes it very difficult to help run someone else's classroom ineffectively. I'm sure my teacher friends all understand!

The challenge has brought change, though. I'm finding that I have a lot of interests and am  passionate about more than just teaching! I love coaching others through a Spinning workout; to do the best and be the best version of themselves! 

During last night's class, the instructor decided to ride to a complete instrumental playlist, which sounded great to me. Talk about a challenge, though! I pushed myself harder than I have yet in a Spin class. Having music with no words allows you to focus 100% on challenging yourself to push harder, push faster, and ride longer. There were several points where I wanted to throw in the towel and quit, but then I thought about the sentiment above: "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you." To see growth, we have to be pushed further than we've ever gone. Don't quit, keep pushing yourself. Don't give up, accept the challenge. Remember, it's all mental. If you Believe you can, then you can! Don't be the person saying, "I wish I did that," be the one saying, "I can't believe I did that!"