For those of you who don’t know, I begin my PhD program next week. This is a goal I’ve had since my undergrad days (let’s not calculate that number). There is a lot of anxiety and stress attached to this endeavor. It’s been a few years since I’ve last been in school and I already have the dissertation looming over my head. In part to help me work through my own stress and in part to help assist all of my friends who are also pursuing life changes, I’m spending the month of May focusing on challenges and obstacles. This week, the theme is all about intentional challenges. These are the difficulties that we make happen for our own good. This is a topic near and dear to my heart, so I hope it helps you.
Challenges Are Not Evil
Psychology tells us that we are naturally drawn towards pleasantness and avoid unpleasantness. Unpleasant experiences are often negatively stigmatized. We associate “unpleasant” moments as “difficulties”. The challenges of life are instantly viewed as horrible experiences. This is true both in the secular and Christian settings. Think for a moment. How often do we hear the phrase, “I’m going through some difficulties.” “I’m struggling right now.” “Life is really challenging for me lately.”? Please hear my heart…. I would never demean someone who is facing problem after problem and feeling overwhelmed. As a teacher wrapping up the semester, I definitely have no room to condemn this.
What I am suggesting is that challenges are not evil. Difficulties are not pleasant, but does pleasant equate “good”? The most inspiring testimonies begin with problems. The periods of greatest growth involved the greatest growing pains. If you have to struggle for something, does it make it negative? The best moments often come out of the worst ones. The biggest goals are accomplished with the most effort.
Question the Ease
I love period of rest– those moments when you can simply sit and breathe. But, I dread the moment of having no goals left. My husband works with some of the most impressive individuals. But, there are people who have mastered the art of plateau. He has co-workers who are the same today as 15 years ago. The mere thought of letting that happen to me is disturbing. I love periods of rest– but only if they are just that. Periods of rest and not years of stagnation. When life is easy, it becomes stale. When life requires no work, I question the ease.
Create Challenges
I refuse to allow life to become boring. The most enjoyable books have one adventure after the other. My life is going to last much longer than a book, so I’m going to need much more adventure. When I feel myself mastering an area, it’s time for new goals. And when life begins to plateau, it’s time for some big changes.
If you would like to hear more of my plans for my doctorate, comment below! I hate to throw my plans down people’s throats. However, I would love to share with anyone interested. My program looks exciting and intimidating, but I am thrilled. I’ll keep you all updated on my progress and experiences and hope to hear of your own life excursions.
