When it’s Time to Climb a Mountain
I have just begun to climb a mountain. It is tough. I am tempted to give up and go back and stick to the easier terrain. But then I think about how long I’ve been meaning to climb this mountain, and how much I have prepared to do so. I’ve done research. I’ve gathered gear. I’ve cleared out the time in my schedule to embark on this endeavor.
I’m going to be the first person to tell you that climbing a mountain is not easy. Most people don’t even bother. It takes a great deal of effort and strength.
But while the climb may not be comfortable, the fulfillment and satisfaction you feel when you finally reach the top make it all worth it.
When you reach a mountain, you know it is time to get to work.
Is a mountain looming up ahead in your inner world?
It may be time to climb a mountain if…
You want to begin a new project.
You have had a period of rest and slowness, and feel ready to tackle something big.
You have been procrastinating on something for a while, and now it feels urgent.
You’re ready to ‘level up’.
You know that to get where you want to go, you need to put in the hard work.
Prepare before you climb
Climbing a mountain is no small feat. To set yourself up for success, take some time beforehand to make sure you have what you need. Get your best hiking boots and gear ready. Do some research and test hikes, and make sure the conditions are safe. Rest up before your big climb. And when you feel ready, it’s time to climb.
On your climb, check in with yourself:
Are you going at a good, sustainable pace?
Are you putting in your best effort?
Are you on the best and safest route?
Are you taking breaks? Are you drinking enough water and eating enough?
Are you taking the time to enjoy the journey?
Climbing a mountain takes grit. It takes courage. It takes faith in yourself.
There is no escaping the hard work phase. No going around it, no secret passage through it. You have to keep showing up and putting in the work, trusting that one day you will make it.
It can be uncomfortable or even scary. But remember that you are more than capable of making it to the top.
Once you have reached the summit, you will be able to look back and appreciate how far you’ve come. And you will see the way forward with a new perspective.