Why should you challenge yourself? Why should you set goals? Whether it's to run a marathon, cycle 100 miles or to kick a bad habit. Challenging yourself and setting goals is incredibly beneficial to not only to your mental health, but also to your personal well being. 

Give yourself a purpose, a "why"

Prove to yourself that you are in charge of your life and that your own decisions are the ones which will shape your future. Challenging yourself gives you a reason to get up in the morning. It's well-documented that people who live a purposeful live, live healthier and longer lives...

Live a healthier, longer life  

Living a more active lifestyle with a balanced diet is proven to increase the longevity and quality of your life physically. But did you know, taking on things outside of your comfort zone also has an incredibly positive impact on your brain function. Short-term it keeps life interesting, long-term it's proven to help ward off cognitive decline, even dementia and Alzheimer's.

Overcome and progress  

You can set your goals but it's actually the challenge itself (how you get there) which will deliver them and create this person you're aspiring to be. The cliche quote "It's not about the destination, it's about the journey" is evermore relevant.

Improve your environment 

Every time you conquer a new challenge you leave behind one more positive building block for the life you now live.

Build self esteem 

Overcoming challenges by choice or by other factors leads a feeling of accomplishment and buildings confidence. Not good at something but want to be better? Practice & take action, because even if you don't become the best you're still better than you were before (This is why we say celebrate every little win).