In order to challenge oneself, an individual should:

Embracing competition is key to challenging oneself because competition often pushes individuals beyond their comfort zones, encouraging growth and skill development. When faced with competitors, one is prompted to refine their abilities, strategize, and adapt to new situations. This process fosters resilience and motivates individuals to strive for improvement. In contrast, avoiding hardship or sticking to familiar tasks may lead to complacency rather than personal growth. Seeking validation from others, while it can provide temporary reassurance, does not inherently lead to self-improvement or challenge, as it may create a reliance on external opinions instead of fostering internal motivation and self-assessment. Therefore, embracing competition is a proactive approach to enhancing one's capabilities and achieving personal goals.