Challenge

Andrew Alexander

C — Challenge. The word challenge can create a jolt of apprehension and even negativity in many of us. Here’s to looking at them a little differently in upcoming days. (I could benefit from this.)
H — Hope. Employ hope in envisioning how good something can look when we change it for the better.
A — Acrostic. (The format of this response.) Don’t lose sight of being creative in approaching a challenge.
L — Laughter. I’m likely in the majority when I say we need more laughter (and fun) as we battle obstacles.
L — Leverage. Leverage those around you to create a unified and stronger front. Build a team.
E — Eager. Face each day with vitality. (Coffee can only help.)
N — Negativity. Pull someone around you up who is dreading a tough road ahead.
G — Go for it. Things in your way won’t move without a push.
E — Easter. (Recently passed for Christians.) Regardless of your religion, seek strength through reliance on your God and faith.”

Andrew Alexander is the funeral director and member of the management team at Alexander Funeral Homes & Cemetery

Jim Bauer

“At The Bauerhaus and Bauerhaus Catering, tackling a challenge leads to creating a memory that will last a lifetime. For me and my team, a challenge can take on many forms. Successfully conquering each challenge means precise attention to every detail. We strive to match our client’s vision, which is ever-changing in the new digital age.

Whether we are delivering a meal for an office luncheon at 12 p.m. sharp, setting our event space for a Pinterest worthy wedding, or recreating a cupcake tower that has been featured on Instagram, we are ready. 

Our challenge is to make each client feel as if pulling off the perfect catered meal or private event is not a challenge at all. We are creating memories that will never be forgotten, and that is a challenge our team is inspired to accept day after day.”

Bauer is the owner of The Bauerhaus and Bauerhaus Catering

Barb Daum

“When I think of the word challenge, I think of opportunity — the opportunity to do things better, to look at things a new way, to create a new solution, or to learn. We all face many challenges in life whether personally or professionally. These challenges come in many different shapes and sizes, and at times, they have no sense of timing.

Even though Webster might define a challenge as ‘a duel or contest with a winner or loser,’ you should take a challenge as an opportunity to improve yourself or the situation that is presented. While challenges at home and at work can, at times, consume our lives, it is how we handle the challenges that allows us to grow.

Challenge presents us with opportunities to succeed; it also presents us with opportunities to fail. Some of the best success stories in history came from multiple failed attempts. I say, ‘Don’t be afraid of challenge; face challenges head on and continue to challenge yourself, as well.’ After all, when we face some of the toughest times or decisions, we can shine our brightest.”

Daum is the project executive for Skanska USA Inc.

Nick Shafer

“The word ‘challenge’ should be relative to everybody in all aspects of life. The concept of challenge in your professional and personal life should be the catalyst that keeps us as individuals moving forward. A good challenge should keep us motivated, thriving, and not afraid to dip our toes into the water of unfamiliar territory.

Specific to my industry (financial services), we constantly are challenged to develop long-lasting, healthy client relationships. We also are challenged to exceed the expectations of our existing clients. Another ongoing area of challenge focuses on finding high quality candidates to join our organization.

Specific to life, the concept of ‘challenge’ brings out different qualities in people. Some people really thrive off of a good challenge (and some unfortunately don’t). Motivation is another quality that should be on full display when tackling a challenge. You must be motivated in order to succeed. My personal favorite is the success side of challenge. It is very gratifying to tackle a challenge head on and look back on the accomplishments that were achieved along the way.”

Shafer is a Financial Center manager and business banking relationship manager at German American Bank.

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