Make 2022 the year of the rudder

It's that time of the year where a lot of us are assessing the learnings and failures of 2021 and planning how we would like approach 2022.

When Bear spoke to GQ about why we we should seek fresh challenges, he shared a great analogy of our challenges being much like a rudder on a sailing ship.

Remove the rudder from the ship and it won't perform well at all - the sails will flap about , the ship won't be able to build up the speed it requires to move forward and it will go nowhere.
Replace the rudder and while there might be strain, the improvement is immediate. It turns toward the breeze, the sails fill up, everything goes taught and suddenly there is both direction and speed.

Without challenge we are at the mercy of other forces and we often get blown backwards. Challenges bring focus and drive. Failure and struggle is certain but this is what makes us grow and develop. In the wild the storms, struggle and steep mountains always bring out the best in people - there will be strain at times but that's what makes the reward of meeting those challenges head-on all the more powerful.

"The only time we really fail is when we stop trying!"

Bear Grylls

In planning your goals for 2022, include these FIVE challenges and we guarantee you will be a happier, more fulfilled person this time next year!

1. LEARN A NEW SKILL
This could be as small or big as you choose - but it must be something you've never done. Be it learning a new language, a new DIY technique,or even a survival skill you're yet to master!

2. FIGURE OUT WHAT SCARES YOU & DO IT EVERYDAY FOR ONE WEEK Whether it's striking up conversations with strangers, facing a fear of heights or telling people how you feel; if you're consistent, you will soon be staring that fear down and wishing you'd done it sooner!

3. TAKE A CLASS FOR A HOBBY YOU'VE BEEN WANTING TO PURSUE
The only requirement is that the hobby is not career related - it must be an activity that will encourage you to relax and destress while doing it.

4. ATTEND CAREER-RELATED TRAINING ONCE A MONTH
Sign up for a seminar or webinar each month, which is aligned with your progression plan and develops your professional skill set.

5. ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE INTERESTED IN NEW PEOPLE AND CULTURES
It could be as simple as visiting a museum and exploring a new interest, or travelling to a different country and immersing yourself in new cultures and experiences.

So - aim high, accept it's not going to be easy, relish the struggle and go for it!
Make your 2022 the year of the RUDDER!

*sources: GQ, August 2016 and lifehack.org