Yesterday my Rotary Club had a big fundraising event during our city’s annual festival. The location was only about a mile and half walk (22 minutes to be exact), so I decided to walk to it. The weather was beautiful – maybe one of the best days of the year. The festival also brings lots of traffic and parking challenges, and I figured the exercise would be good.
After a full day of volunteering in the sun, the time came to walk home. The majority of the walk back is uphill, which added to the exertion level. By the time I hit the stop light to cross to the final big hill, I took a deep breath and thought, “Oh boy…” (The word boy is a place holder…it was actually a different word)
I climbed the hill no worse for wear, just a little more tired and strengthened. Strengthened because hills develop physical strength and stamina, and build toughness.
We all face hills in our business life and career. Nothing is a straight level path. We never know when these hills will emerge, or how long a duration they are. But just like my final hill home yesterday, we are forced to climb them to reach our destination.
Here are three quick tips to help you traverse these hills in your business (and personal) life and career:
- Take a deep breath and charge forward…always remembering to breathe. It’s rarely as bad or as steep as we think.
- Don’t take side routes. I considered taking an alternate route where the hill was less steep, however the longer path would take more time to get home. Speed in business is everything. Find your inner strength and persevere.
- Honor the struggle. The hill will make you stronger and tougher; and ultimately make the reward at the end more satisfying. If you honor the struggle, you will honor your ability to conquer it.
There will always be another hill coming up. You may have just finished walking your hill; may be in the midst now; or may see it approaching. Regardless of where you’re at in business or in life, prepare for your hills by being strong of mind and body. It’s the only way to run the race.
Need help walking your hill and rapidly achieving your goals? Contact me at (360) 271-1592 or [email protected] and let’s talk about it!
Quote of the Week:
”He who angers you, conquers you.”
~ Elizabeth Kenny
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