Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.

—joseph campbell

THE MORE WE live in our comfort zone and avoid challenges, the less likely we are to thrive. When we decide to take risks, however, we often find this leads to greater happiness, increased productivity and creativity, more success, and a greater sense of vitality.

When we do things that challenge us, something amazing happens: we feel more invigorated, excited, and alive than when we live with the status quo. When we push ourselves to do something that feels a tad uncomfortable or stretches us, we are forced to go past our limits and reach new and greater heights. As a result, we become capable of doing things we never thought we could. We become a better version of ourselves.

When we challenge ourselves, just as when we learn new things, we also develop new neural connections and encourage brain plasticity. And when there are positive outcomes, we gain a new perspective that challenges our traditional way of thinking. This helps keep us more youthful in both mind and spirit. We become more flexible and adaptable, making us better prepared for change and whatever unexpected challenges may come our way.