Have you ever tried to put something together and then someone else comes along and does two things and viola it’s fixed? I’ve been there too many times and it’s usually because we make things way more complicated.

My favorite brain game is Sudoku. When I first started playing it I would use a pencil, pen and an eraser. As I was certain about a number after crossing out all other possible numbers I would pen in the correct number in the box. The more experience I got playing Sudoku, the more I created additional challenges.

I decided the eraser was too messy, so I just used the pencil and pen. Then I wanted even more of a challenge and got a bright idea “What if I only used a pen?”

I was successful with the beginner level, however I got stumped at the medium and harder levels. Sure the puzzles were more challenging and I made it even more challenging by not following the formula that had been working with the pencil, eraser and pen.

This also holds true in other aspects of life including business and freelancing. We’re given a system that’s been proven to work, however we add our own spin to it. Granted there’s nothing wrong with making something yours, however “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

In business fixing on something that doesn’t need to be fixed is not only a way of creating challenges for yourself, it’s also a way of creating excuses and putting your own obstacles in front of you.

I’m a big fan of reality shows and competitions like Real Housewives, Top Chef, and America’s Next Top Model. On any given Saturday you can find a marathon of the shows on one of the cable channels. The funny thing with the competitions is when people vote against themselves. For example, when the judges ask, “Who do you think should go home?” or “Who do you think should stay in this competition?” and they name other people and do not it include themselves. Is that not crazy? Surely you’d want to include yourself if you’re telling you should stay in the competition.

When you create challenges you’re voting against yourself.

When you say “no one is going to be interested”, “this won’t sell”, “I’m not sure”, it creates obstacles and a vote against yourself.

I dare you to get back in the game with the right tools, no excuses, and at least one vote for you and whatever it is you’d like to do whether it’s own a business, become a freelancer, or travel the world. If you’re looking for a challenge, as one little boy said to another regarding a video game, “when you win a level, you go to the next level.” The next level will be there with it’s own challenges.

Now it’s your turn. How do you overcome challenges that you’ve created for yourself?