Challenge!

A certain amount of risk adversity comes with aging. Some types of risk don’t seem worth it or attract your attention as they might have at twenty.

Dancing down the stripe in the middle of a highway was something some idiot companions of mine did at sixteen. I had the sense not to attempt it. Was I tempted? Not in the least. Risk is a calculation of possible loss and gain weighed against a hopefully realistic understanding of your capabilities. Even at sixteen, I had an appreciation of this.

Periodically, I entertain my muse with the possibility of becoming a performer again. There is nothing to prevent me from doing it. Enough time to develop a repertoire and practice would balance risk and reward. Over the years, I’ve become much more of a storyteller. This would make that part of my set more fun for me. It would also be more fun for the audience. It’s the sort of risk I’d have fun doing. And having fun with things should be part of the calculation.

What I just mentioned underscores the main point of the challenges you undertake. Are they something you are interested in doing? Or are they socially motivated? We could have a continuum ranging from the innocuous to the outrageously idiotic. 

A Bucket List of places to visit is on the low end. On the far-out end are the various sorts of TikTok Challenges. In many cases, the impetus to DO IT is socially motivated. Friends ask you innocently, “What’s on your Bucket List?” theirs contains the Trevi Fountain, but yours was more mundane. You wanted to visit your sister in Muncie. A certain classist and elitist fantasy competition exists among B listers – Mine is better than yours!

Now, the TikTokkers seem to go for the total outre—they chug a teaspoon of cinnamon followed by Jalapeno peppers. Does a sort of ennui or boredom enter into this? Are you so disenchanted that danger is the only thing that revives you?

Am I against challenging things? Not at all. An excellent constructive challenge is a beautiful way to grow and develop. Start a sensible fitness plan and challenge yourself to succeed at it. Engage in therapy. Strive to improve your relationships. Give up addictive substances. Conquer fears that keep you from succeeding at other things.

Tackle the genuinely challenging, not the feel-good cheap thrills.