Life often feels like an unscalable mountain. We all face our peaks – be it battling depression, venturing into business, purchasing real estate, dealing with unprecedented firsts like a pandemic, or literally climbing an actual physical mountain like Mt. Kilimanjaro. My journey through these mountains has taught me valuable lessons. As I look back in climbing these physical and mental mountains in my life, I noticed a pattern. I took the same steps in conquering them all, which I would like to share with you.
- 1. LIMIT – Limit Your Pity Party & Rely on Core Values: It’s okay to feel down, but don’t let it consume you. Acknowledge your feelings, then pivot to your core values. These are your compass in the fog of despair – guiding you when the path seems unclear. Feeling sorry for yourself doesn’t solve the challenge at hand. You need a clear level head.
2. COMMIT – Determine & Write Your Goal: Clarity is power. Define what success looks like for you. Is it owning a business? Overcoming a personal struggle? Write it down. This act is a commitment to yourself.
3. LEARN – Conquer Neophobia, Embrace Firsts: Knowledge is a powerful tool. Research, read, and educate yourself. Every first, every new step is a victory over the fear of the unknown, the fear of doing something new (neophobia). Embrace these ‘firsts’ as steps toward your goal.
4. MANIFESTATION – Ask the Universe, Engage Others: Express your goals to the universe, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Engage in meaningful conversations with yourself and others. The right questions can unlock paths you never considered.
5. WORK – Action is Key: All the planning in the world means nothing without action. Tackle your challenges head-on. It’s not about giant leaps; it’s about consistent, determined steps. Embrace the grind. Move forward one step at a time. One day at a time.
6. BE PRESENT – Enjoy the Climb: Amidst your journey, don’t forget to live in the moment. The path to your summit is filled with lessons and beauty. Cherish them.
I’ve lived through my share of struggles – from grappling with depression to striving for success in business without a college degree or financial backing. My journey was shaped by a relentless work ethic, inherited from my father. I was always the underdog – like the 6th man on my grade school team, never quite making the starting lineup but always hustling and working. In business, I learned to work on the business, not just in it. I read, tried new things, set goals, and achieved them. My goals were personal, a testament to my grit. But my next goal was different. It was for someone else, yet it required me to conquer another personal mountain – literally climbing a mountain. This journey wasn’t just about reaching the summit; it was a metaphor for my life. You can’t just switch off the grind, especially when it becomes a part of who you are.
Climbing your mountain, whatever it may be, is not just about overcoming obstacles. It’s about transformation. It’s about discovering that the journey and the climber are one. And remember, as long as your mountain is legal and harms no one, you have every right to conquer it. So, lace up your boots, set your sights on the peak, and start climbing. Your mountain awaits.