Stretch

I get into my own routine and every day seems like I go through the same few activities. Today, I awakened with a thought on my mind. In order to progress and get better, I need to stretch myself in the activities that occupy the day. It seemed like today should be that day. I came to work and decided that I would be more productive today than I was yesterday. That doesn't necessarily mean to work faster, it means to be smarter in my approach to my specific job. It means to be and stay on task in order to complete the assigned job function.
I read an article that talked about innovation and the 'brains' behind the technological advances we see every day. That made me think about those people who dream up an idea and then with the combined brain power of other people are able to produce it into something of benefit for the rest of us.
It's as easy as taking something that is a very normal part of your daily routine and placing an added element of difficulty to it to help you stretch.
For example, I know a man who is an avid cyclist.  He has invested a fair amount of money into a nice bicycle.  He rides many miles, every week.  He recently rode his bike and most of the ride was with a heavy head-wind fighting against him.  At first, he mumbled and grumbled to himself about the inconvenience of the strong head-wind.  He then changed his attitude and made a goal to try even harder to maintain his same pace, as if it was his normal, every day ride.  With his change came an added motivation to work harder and pedal so that he could maintain, or get as close to normal as he could.  The ride was a success and he felt accomplished.
To stretch oneself is to make one better.  That is a personal goal to do something that I consider difficult, or out of my comfort zone, each and every day.  I know that I will be better for it!

Reply to:

Reply to Fish, Derek A