What New Challenge Are You Going to Take This Year?

If you want to grow, you need to expand your personal capacity. I already wrote about it before, but I think it’s necessary to touch on this topic again. It’s an important topic that deserves constant reminder.
Expanding your personal capacity is essential for your personal growth. It will take you the next level in life. It will make you a better person. For that, what you need to do is taking a new challenge. You should move out of your comfort zone and do something that stretches your skills and abilities. It’s inconvenient, but that’s the way to grow.
So here is my question to you:
What new challenge are you going to take this year?

We still have eleven months in 2012 which is enough to work on a new challenge. Don’t waste them by just doing what you always do. Do something that will take you to the next level in life.
To help you choose a new challenge to take, here are a few ideas:

  • Take an online course
    Is there a subject you are fascinated about and want to study if you had time? Well, this year might be the time for you. There are a lot of courses available on iTunes U that you can choose from, not to mention other sources like YouTube. There is even a new breed of interactive courses that will give you assignments and give you feedback (here are some examples). With so many options available, I’m sure you can find something on the subject you are interested in.
  • Start a side business
    Perhaps you already have an idea for a side business. It could come from your hobby or from a specific need that you come across. Why don’t you make it a reality this year?  Having a side business is a good way to expand your capacity because it will teach you a lot in the process. Plus, it could give you an extra cushion in this uncertain economic times.
  • Start a blog
    Today everyone can express his or her thoughts through a blog. You are no longer limited to just being a consumer of information. If you have a subject you are passionate about, it’s a good idea to start a blog on it. You will learn a lot more by writing about it, plus you will meet interesting people along the way.

One word of caution: don’t expect instant success if you decided to build something. It takes time to build something, so don’t get discouraged if your blog didn’t attract many readers or your business didn’t give you enough revenue in the beginning. Remember, your goal here is to expand your personal capacity.
Those are just a few ideas from me. I’m sure you have a lot more ideas on how to expand one’s capacity. I’d like to hear from you, so feel free to share them in the comments.
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Photo by Tony the Misfit

31 Comments

  1. Great advice.
    I am taking an offline class this year. 😉

  2. You are so right,the year is still young.I have being meaning to do a 5day juice fast. Guess it’s about time now…

  3. Nice piece. I started a blog two months ago and I am excited!
    Another way of expanding your capacity would be through adopting a positive attitude towards life in general. That way we are bound to attract good things.

  4. Wonderful thoughts.
    I think if one does the above three points (or 2/3 or 1/3), he/she will realize his potential.
    Blogging and business require consistency/perseverance and online course requires urge towards learning.
    Thoughts that certainly help to build a character/life.
    Thanks…

  5. I impressed and motivated.I’ll go on…

  6. This is so very true!
    Eventhough I more or less already knew this fact I have had some trouble with getting my chosen challenges done. I have actually started a blog, and is finding this to be kinda challenging. I needed some new motivation.
    So thank you for this clear message! “We still have eleven months in 2012 which is enough to work on a new challenge. Don’t waste them by just doing what you always do.” Great said! I feel motivated!
    Btw, here you have a new reader! =) Personal growth is something very important to me! It’s what my new blog’s about. That, and the challenges of my sickness.

  7. expanding capacity just for the hack of it is pointless instead how one should start his endevor is by asking for his porpose in life. Once you have figured out your purpose you should focus on expanding you capacity in the nammer that would help you achieve your lifes porpose.

  8. This Year, I’m trying to rock out the challenges I’ve been pouring excuses out for.
    I’m writing and producing a feature film.
    I’m launching an Android/Iphone app.
    I’m rewriting my book and relaunching it.
    I’m starting an online tshirt company.
    And my biggest challenge – I’m finally moving forward on a dream I’ve had for the last 14 years. Even if I get shot down, I’m going to move forward.
    Thanks a bunch,
    Ryan

    • That’s a lot of challenges to take. Seems like it’s going to be a busy year for you 🙂

    • Great!
      I absolutely love the last line.
      I dont have as many challenges as you have, but am working on my 10 year long due dreams. I think I will do the same too.. keep going even if I am shot 🙂
      I found it totally motivating!! Thanks!

  9. Hey Donald,
    I’ve got enough challenges as it is with my business, my finances and what I want for my personal life, so I won’t add new challenges 😉 But I’ll set a few sub-challenges to those I already have set:
    – Clear the remaining of my debts this year
    – Attract 1000 to my lists by the end of July
    – 180 pounds with 7%-9% body fat by the end of the year
    Cheers!
    Matt

  10. Good motivated article, thanks a ton Donald 🙂

  11. “You should move out of your comfort zone and do something that stretches your skills and abilities. It’s inconvenient, but that’s the way to grow.”
    I will do so! 😉
    Goals for 2012
    1) Started a Blog
    2) Running a Marathon
    Hopefully i reach them!

  12. Hi Donald,
    I think the most important part of this fantastic post is “One word of caution: don’t expect instant success if you decided to build something.” People want everything as fast as possible, on the spot. They think that the most difficult part is to make a decision; sadly the most difficult part is taking action and patience.
    Take care,
    Daniel

  13. this yr to get into med school ll be my goal. Tough but persistence wins. Hope i ll get through.

  14. nandeesh nelkudri
    nandeesh nelkudri

    i feel moved great by the comments so far concerned, i do hav small dreams and i start in to give action to my words…..:)

  15. I once heard someone say that we should focus on the “growing” in growing older, not the “older”. I believe that one of the keys to being content in life is to continue to learn. I expanded my boundaries by starting a blog as well as other writing projects. This is a good reminder to not become stagnant. Thank you for sharing.

  16. “…., but that’s the way to grow.”
    I realize, the way to success is not always easy.

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