Stretching Yourself (Today) is one way to grow beyond what you believe you are capable of doing.

 Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

There is a saying that is loosely used I believe—that humans utilize only 10% of the brain. While I do not believe this in its entirety, I think we can do more than we are currently. In other words, we can stretch ourselves a little more. If I can use myself as an example and from what I have seen around me, we are so used to settling or giving up or screaming “I’m tired” that it has become a part of us.

But, understand, we can do much more than we are currently doing at any given time, to think more, and incorporate more action in whatever we undertake. In stretching ourselves and going that added distance, we will get to a place where we love ourselves and our lives more. You must admit we do that for others.

Why?

Because when we do stretch ourselves and realize our capabilities, it gives us a boost of that feel-good hormone called dopamine. Dopamine is a hormone and neurotransmitter that’s an important part of your brain’s reward system. Dopamine is associated with pleasurable sensations, along with learning, memory, motor system function, and more—read more.

This week I encourage us to stretch our thinking and our belief system a bit more. I believe when we do stretch ourselves, we will experience personal growth effortlessly.

How can I stretch myself, you ask?

Here’s the thing. Think about what you are currently doing; think about the hours you spend doing it.

• What if you went 30 mins more reading or exercising or planning?
• What if you need to come up with five ways to improve your life, and you come up with seven?
• What if you have this idea and decide to throw caution to the wind and do it?

That’s what I am talking about:

There are so many ways to stretch yourself and allow yourself to grow. Think about it and challenge yourself – incorporate being intentional. It makes it that much easier!

Stretch Yourself Today! Then you will accomplish growth beyond what you believe you are capable of doing!