Wellness challenges are well accepted in the corporate wellness world.

Corporate America is competitive and challenges encourage that healthy competition. It keeps us sharp, on our toes, always wanting more.

Challenges can yield great results: big weight changes, cholesterol, morale-building celebrations, pushing our boundaries, group interaction and trying new workouts or food.

But after the last two years, is a challenge what we really need?

Are you yourself seeking more challenges in life?

In your wellness program, are you seeing a drop off in challenge participation and fewer employees interested in the "hard stuff?"

For years I have been a proponent of self-kindness. Self-kindness is the first step to self-compassion.** 

Self-kindness has played a big role in my wellness journey.

I've exercised consistently for a few weeks, then completely stopped. I have done my yoga practice daily for months, then stopped. I've been great about my liter of water a day, and stopped.

What keeps me renewing my decision for my health again? What quiets the criticisms and rumination?

Self-kindness.

The "critic" causes me to freeze.

When I agree with the critic, I grab the bag of Cheetos, not celery.

It's the kind friend inside of me that says "It's OK. I know it's hard. Try again. I believe in you."

Think about a time you needed to accomplish a big goal or dream. You may remember a cheerleader whose words that carried you through.

I remember many critical moments when someone shared some wisdom that propelled my next step forward.

And that's all we need. One small step toward our goal. One encouraging word, heard and felt.

So let's re-consider what kind of challenge is going to create balance, wellbeing, and strength in this next year.

Maybe not the challenges that we have tried before.

But, now, something new.

**Interested in more? Look into the work of Dr. Chris Germer and Dr. Kristin Neff of the Mindful Self-Compassion Institute