I looked at the trail ahead and saw the next hurdle—a tall stretch of enormous rocks without clear footholds. And they were wet, which increased the chance of slipping.
I paused. Could I ascend the rocks? Would it be safe? Would I risk a fall or injury? What other impediments lay beyond this immediate challenge?
Turning to my spouse, I asked why he chose a nine-mile hike up a particularly steep mountain on an exceptionally humid day after an intense rain (yes, I went to blame, which will be a subject for another day!).
Then, as I looked back at the rocks, I wondered: Why was I doubting myself and my abilities? Why was I hesitant to undertake this challenge? Why do we back away when we face something new or unknown, afraid of making mistakes, of falling, or of not measuring up?
I decided to offer myself a gift—some simple encouragement.
Would the climb be difficult? Yes, and I have accomplished many challenging endeavors.
Did I have the right tools? Yes, including hiking poles, food, and water.
Could I physically do it? We often hike long and steep trails. While I may tread more slowly given the intense incline, I could do it.
Was I nervous? Absolutely. Did I mention that I’m terrified of heights (and of falling)?
So we climbed, slowly and carefully. We stopped often to drink water. We periodically paused to rest. And eventually, we reached the summit. Once we enjoyed the view and a snack, we began our way back down. The descent was slightly faster but just as deliberate and cautious.
By the time we reached the bottom, I was utterly exhausted, yet strangely energized. As with my recent hike in Acadia, I found more reward in the journey itself than in reaching the summit. In this case, the journey carried an added gift: the accomplishments of facing a fear, trusting my preparation and abilities, and proving to myself that I could do hard things.
This theme shows up in conversations I often have with clients and colleagues who are facing challenges or considering new opportunities. We all encounter “steep rocks” in our work lives. We hesitate to apply for jobs unless we meet every requirement. We avoid speaking up in meetings unless we’re absolutely certain of our point. We hold back from new responsibilities or a career pivot because we’re afraid of stumbling.
Yet, when we step up to something new, when we push ourselves outside of our comfort zone, the rewards can be profound. We discover just how capable we are. We recognize that our past experiences have helped prepare us for what’s next. We appreciate the skills we’ve built. And we remind ourselves that growth is an ongoing process; every day, we can continue to stretch, learn, and grow.
(And next time, I’ll remember to bring a second water bottle)!