Always Be Challenging yourself. How do you expect to get better at something, or get stronger, get faster, leaner or even make more money if you don’t challenge yourself? Take yourself back to the days when you were starting to learn how to read, how to count and ride a bike. You started with letters and their sounds, you started with single digits, you started with training wheels. Then, even though you probably resisted and avoided to progress, little by little you were challenged by your own ambitions, parents and friends.
Before you knew it, you were able to put words and sentences together, you could add and subtract, and you could ride without the training wheels. It didn’t happen over night; you chipped away at it. Your were committed to get better. But why doesn’t the same happen when you commit yourself to a healthier lifestyle, or at least a fitness program?
I don’t care what your fitness goals are, you will never achieve them if you don’t challenge yourself. You always have to do better than the previous rep, set, workout. You always have to make even better nutrition decisions. You always have to push yourself to run just a second faster, a yard longer and lift just a pound more. How do you expect things to change if all you do is the same?
Keep learning
A higher level of learning is associated with better mental functioning at any age. Experts think that advanced education may help keep memory strong by getting a person into the habit of being mentally active. Challenging your brain with mental exercise is believed to activate individual brain cells and stimulate communication among them. Many people have jobs that keep them mentally active, but pursuing a hobby, learning a new skill, or volunteering for a project at work can keep your brain sharp.
Use all your senses
The more senses you use in learning something, the more of your brain will be involved in retaining the memory. So challenge all your senses as you venture into the unfamiliar.
Believe in yourself
Myths about aging can contribute to a failing memory. People who believe that they are not in control of their memory function — joking about “senior moments” too often, perhaps — are less likely to work at maintaining or improving their memory skills and therefore are more likely to experience cognitive decline. If you believe you can improve, chances are you will!
Prioritize your brain use
Take advantage of calendars and planners, maps, shopping lists, file folders, and address books to keep routine information accessible. Designate a place at home for your glasses, purse, keys, and other items you use often.
Repeat what you want to know
When you want to remember something you’ve just heard, read, or thought about, repeat it out loud or write it down. That way, you reinforce the memory or connection.
