We’ve all heard the allegory: how do you eat an elephant? While it is true that you have to eat it one bite at a time – it is a little more complicated than that. But, the lesson rings true, big goals and big dreams require a series of small steps and continual energy and passion. Climbing a mountain is the same way – one move at a time, one rope length at a time.
I can recall standing at the base of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley for the first time. We had all of our gear ready, we were prepared, and I looked up and was terrified. As I looked up, the only thing I saw was the vertical horizon where the top of the wall met the sky. It stretched out for what felt like miles above me and I felt crushed. The thought of how far it was to the top and how much work it was going to take to get there was overwhelming.
It was my lead to start the climb and my partner, seeing the fear in my eyes, gently reminded me that we only had to climb one rope length at a time. I just had to settle in to the rhythm of moving the rope up 150 feet at a time.
Your fitness goals. Your dietary goals. The new product launch. The team reorganization. Your new job search. A career shift. A commitment to renew your marriage. A new child on the way. A desire to start the project that you have dreamed about for years. To write a book or volunteer in your community. To run a half marathon to cycle your first century ride. To learn to rock climb and use your body and mind in new profound ways. Whatever your unique goal is…give yourself a gift and break it down into tangible and digestible parts. Your goal and dreams deserve your attention – one rope length at a time.
- Reduce the complexity of the problem to develop a specific plan of action.
- Each plan of action becomes its own summit and a point to reflect on your pace, celebrate your success to date, and reenergize for the next challenge ahead.
- Move forward with the intention of experience – not success. Shifting your intention allows you to be open to information and remain capable of changing your plan of action. Focus on success alone can blind you from seeing alternative solutions.
- Tell others about your goal: build a community that can help you stay on track and move one rope length at a time towards your goal.
- Remember the ‘why’ behind your goal – recall why you started down this path and recognize the various rewards of your journey.
- Focus on taking one more step, not for the sake of movement or progress, but for the aim of reaching your goal.
- Have fun and soak in the joy and satisfaction of the process – our life unfolds during the journey.
That first adventure on El Capitan is deeply ingrained in my memory and my soul. The combination of level of challenge, uncertain outcome, and great companionship fused in such a unique way. What’s the next adventure in your life? What are you waiting for? What needs to happen for you to fully engage and commit to your goal or dream?
El Capitan - Yosemite National Park, California
Looking for an amazing once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Join Inner Passage this March 3 – 5, 2010 for the Cochise Rock Camp. This 3 day introduction to rock climbing takes participants from zero to sixty – learn movement and technique on Day 1, Day 2 head out and learn to multi-pitch rock climb up a 600 foot wall, and Day 3 cap it off by summiting an 800 foot tower. The camp includes all technical gear, all camping gear, and is fully catered. Kick off 2010 with an amazing adventure! More info? Check out the website here and a video from last years camp here.
