To what extent do you agree that taking part in challenging activities is good for people?
Martin Luther King once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Humans are creatures of habit, preferring to stay in areas where they feel safe and familiar. However, staying in one’s comfort zone reduces one’s willingness to try something new and learn something more. A challenge can help to stretch a person’s limits and develop his or her abilities to a higher level. Challenging activities can range from simple academic activities like solving challenging word problems to nerve-racking outdoor activities like rafting or canyoning. Suitable challenging activities can encourage social, mental and physical development in a person, making him or her a better person.
Challenging group activities encourages teamwork. When faced with a common difficulty, people tend to work with each other to overcome the obstacle, fostering teamwork. It is no surprise, then, to see challenging activities included in teambuilding games. These games, like solving difficult puzzles in a time-sensitive setting, encourage individuals to cooperate and contribute, enabling them to see the benefits of working together. Such challenging group activities are therefore excellent ways to develop team players, who can collaborate with others in times of urgency and resolve issues in an efficient and amiable manner.
While fostering teamwork, challenging activities also double-up as great ways to identify and nurture potential leaders. Tough times breed great leaders. It is easy to lead when things are going well. However, it is during times of crisis that leadership is truly tested. A true leader should be able to lead effectively even during times of stress and uncertainty. It is not uncommon to see ‘crises’ built