While on vacation in France with my family, I was reminded of something that I knew as a teacher long ago…we all need a challenge. During that week, we spent our days doing a lot of walking and exploring, which left us really exhausted in the evenings. Since there was no television, we took up playing cards. Now for a little context—we are not much of a game family. Sure, when the girls were young we half-heartedly played Monopoly and Sorry, but now we typically spend our evenings at home chilling in front of the television or watching a movie. We found a deck a cards in one of homes we rented via AirB&B (which I highly recommend in place of hotels because its much cheaper and more interesting!). Here’s one of the places we stayed…a 16th century chateaux.

At first, we piddled around with some games the girls knew like bluff, but it got boring for all of us. Then, my husband suggested that we play spades. Spades is a game that requires a lot of strategy and little bit of chance. Along with a partner, you estimate how many wins you can achieve based on the hand that you are dealt. Sometimes you want force your opponent to play their high cards. Other times you are hoping they don’t hold the ace of spades. It’s a challenging game because it requires you to concentrate and think. We were hooked! But why? What is it about tackling hard things that hooks us and makes us happy?

Csikszentmihalyi is a psychologist who has spent his life studying creativity and happiness. What he claims is that happiness and satisfaction come from tackling challenges—things that we perceive as difficult—and overcoming these challenges. Long ago as a teacher, I could see that when my students were challenged (given something that was not too overwhelming but definitely difficult), they were more focused and engaged. I know this is true in my own life.
Sometimes, I get chair orders that are quite challenging. It might be the chair that is particularly difficult to restore, like the one below. The arm was completely dislodged from the body of the chair and other parts were shaky and very dirty. Who knew it could become a fantastic, funky piece?

Another challenge might be working with difficult fabrics or finding the right fabrics to complement their unique spaces. Sometimes it is finding combinations of fabrics that complement one another on the same chair, such as this bohemian chair set below. Who knew these diverse fabrics could work so well together?

 
In a nutshell, challenges bring satisfaction and happiness. I’ve taken on enough challenges that I’m not afraid of them anymore…but that was not always the case. The more you are willing to take on challenges, the better it gets as far as confidence. It’s hard work, but it’s work that is worth it in the end. And, you don’t have to necessarily go looking for challenges; sometimes they present themselves to you. So, the next time you are faced with a challenge, take it on wholeheartedly and allow yourself to be engulfed in it. You will grow and be better off because of it. And, you will hear me  and many others cheering you on from the sidelines!