It is a universal truth that growth emerges from challenge.
To continue to live a “High Performance Lifestyle” we must seek out challenge every day physically, psychologically, and spiritually. Every day!
Now many folks will say “Believe me, I get plenty of mental stimulation at work!”, or “The kids are always keeping me on my mental toes!” That’s great… but not enough.
Challenge must come from novel sources. You need to be stretching and pushing and flexing those mental muscles against forces that are not comfortable to you.
For example, every day engage in a puzzle activity – either the pen and paper type (crossword, Sudoku, etc…), or something online like Lumosity. The activities need to push you into your dis-comfort zone so you really have to exert some effort, but not push you so far that you give up… finding that sweet spot is important for all your challenging experiences.
You can also make a list of those whom you’ve been saying "I should reach out to _______ ," and actually reach out to them through a written letter. Don’t type it… present your thoughts in your own hand writing. Words by our own hand convey thought and emotion a type set just cannot. This activity will help you sharpen your mind, writing skills, and perhaps re-connect you with someone important. This also is an exercise that allows you to take some of your mental “to-do’s but never done” items off the list… it lessens your mental baggage, which helps keep you sharp.
Lastly, another way to exercise your mind is through the old fashioned activity of reading. I was challenged by a friend to read a book a month last year. Here’s my 2014 list:
- The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho
- Executive Toughness by Dr. Jason Selk
- Leadership and Self-Deception published by the Arbinger Institute
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle
- 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class by Steve Siebold
- Coach Wooden’s Leadership Game Plan for Success by John Wooden and Steve Jamison
- Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
- Path to the Entreprenati by Pace Klein
- The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive by Patrick Lencioni
- Mindsight by Dr. J. Siegel, MD
- The Rise of Superman by Steve Kotler
I haven’t yet compiled my list for 2015. If you have suggestions for my list please add them to the discussion section below. That way we can use the strength of the group to create an amazing, and challenging, list for all.
Happy reading!
Find out more about Greg here.
What's on your reading list? Please share below. 
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Coaching In The Workplace
